Age: 23

Bats - Throws: S-L

Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 160

Drafted: Texas A&M, 1999 (1st round supplemental)

Signed by: Jim Robinson

Background: Boston regrettably gave up righthander Matt Kinney and outfielder John Barnes in a 1998 trade with the Twins for veterans Greg Swindell and Orlando Merced, but got Fossum with a compensation pick after Swindell signed with Arizona. Fossum set season and career strikeout records at Texas A&M. He went 7-2, 2.33 in the second half of 2000, highlighted by a no-hitter with 16 whiffs in August.

Strengths: Fossum reminds scouts of Jimmy Key. He can reach 91-92 mph with his fastball, and his best pitch is a hard slider. He has very good command, lots of confidence and a sound delivery. He destroyed lefties in 2000, limiting them to a .105 average with no homers in 95 at-bats.

Weaknesses: FossumÕs changeup is improving, but it still needs some more work before heÕll be able to keep righties in check. He also could add more strength.

The Future: Fossum is the only true prospect among lefthanders who pitched in full-season ball for the Red Sox in 2000. HeÕll start next season in Double-A and has an outside chance to reach Boston by the end of the year. At worst, heÕll make a good situational reliever.