Throughout his minor league career, Hellickson has sustained better than a 5/1 K/BB ratio. He has also allowed less than a hit per inning and has a career ERA of 2.77 in just over 300 career innings. While all of these statistics are very impressive, he has struggled with a promotion to AA and while his K/BB ratio has remained steady, he has allowed 10 more hits than IP and 9 HR in 33 1/3 IP after allowing only 7 in his first 76 2/3 IP in high A. Additionally, his GB% has dropped from the mid to high 40's down into the mid 30's which is troublesome.
My worry with Hellickson is with his polish, how much better is he actually going to get? Everything about him screams Kevin Slowey! I like Slowey, but those comps would leave Hellickson as a prospect ranked in the in the 40's or 50's and not borderline top 20. He's a solid bet to wind up a #3 or #4 starter on a good team, but not the borderline #1 or solid #2 type that the 22nd ranked prospect is expected to become.
I would recommend that Hellickson owners test the waters and see if they can bring back a solid return for his services. Offer him for Mat Gamel and see what happens. I'm not sure his value will ever be as high as it is right now again and cashing him in is the right play. As with Thomas Hanson, Lance Lynn, Kennil Gomez, or Alfredo Aceves should serve as a solid replacement depending on whether you are looking for youth or experience.
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