2004 Prospect Retro from Sickels:

Brian Bruney, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Bats: R Throws: R HT: 6-3 WT: 220 DOB: February 17, 1982

Looking for a closer of the future? Take a look at this guy. Bruney was a 12th-round pick in
2000 out of a small town in Oregon. He’s been clocked as high as 99 MPH, but works
more often in the 94-95 range, still plenty fast. He has a very good slider, and he’s
improved his command and control massively over the last three years. This is a guy who
posted a 6.48 ERA and walked 29 guys in 25 innings in rookie ball. Three years later, he’s
one of the most impressive arms at the Triple-A level. Arizona has handled him carefully,
and he should get a chance in the major league bullpen sometime in 2004. He still has
occasional problems with his command, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he struggled initially
in the Show. But this guy has great stuff, improving control, and an aggressive attitude,
exactly what scouts and coaches want in a closer. Keep very close track of him. Grade B+.