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TUCSON, Ariz. -- At this time next year, Jarrod Parker is hopeful he will pack his bags and end spring training in the Arizona Diamondbacks' starting rotation. Parker's abilities and skills are that good.On Friday morning, however, Parker had packed his bags for a three-day trip home to Indiana.
One of Major League Baseball's top prospects, the right-handed Parker has followed a strict routine here at the Diamondbacks' minor league complex following Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow in October.
Upbeat and personable, Parker, 21, feels good about his recovery and future.
"Right now, I am throwing three days a week, trying to get stretched out and trying to build up my endurance," Parker told FanHouse.
"I am numbered on throws, but you have to keep telling yourself to be patient. It's kind of tough when it's feeling good to back off. My elbow feels pretty good right now."
Parker, of course, can be better than good when on the mound. He remains the organization's top prospect despite the injury.
Scouts raved about his physical abilities and drew comparisons between Parker and Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt when the Diamondbacks drafted Parker out of Norwell High School in Ossian, Ind.
The organization's first-round selection (ninth overall) in the 2007 amateur draft, Parker is 17-11 with a 3.31 ERA in 44 starts over two seasons.
Blessed with a 96-miles-per-hour fastball and impressive mental tenacity despite his young age, Parker also has mixed in a slider, curve and change into his arsenal. He's the complete package.
At the moment, however, Parker has concentrated on playing catch from 105 feet. Nice and easy, nothing fancy. He expects to soon increase the distance to 135 feet and will begin throwing from the mound in May.
Parker's range of motion has returned and he continues to build shoulder and elbow strength.
Not surprisingly, he also said being away from the game has opened his eyes to the little things he took for granted, from shagging fly balls in the outfield during batting practice to spending time in the clubhouse with teammates.
The driven Parker would love to be able to return late this season, though it's not expected. The more realistic timeline has Parker earmarked for the Instructional League this fall, followed by 2011 spring training.
"Everyone has said the rehab time is from eight to 12 months, but it depends on who you talk to and how your rehab goes," Parker said. "I am shooting for it [this season], but I don't know what the organization's plans are. I have to be realistic, too. I am just going to continue to work hard."
After starting 2009 at high-A Visalia, Parker was promoted in April to Arizona's Class AA affiliate, the Mobile BayBears. During a start on July 30, Parker injured his right elbow. He did not pitch again that season.
Parker underwent surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 28. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
Parker has spent most of the past five months at the Diamondbacks' complex rehabbing with
As the calendar moves closer to Opening Day for the Diamondbacks, Parker continues to work toward his return, too.
"I am looking forward to going home for a couple of days to relax and see everyone," Parker said, followed by a chuckle.
"Then it's back to reality."
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