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Scouting Reports

10. Miguel Velazquez, of, Spokane (Rangers)
 
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 205 Age: 21 Drafted: Rangers ’06 (19)
 
Scouts regarded Velazquez as a premium talent when he was a Puerto Rico high school senior in 2006, but he fell to the 19th round after he was arrested for assault and involved in a shooting. He made his pro debut in 2007, hitting .330/.381/.489 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, but missed all of 2008 after a parole violation caused him to spend time in a youth-detention center.

Picking up right where he left off, Velzaquez showed five-tool potential. Pitchers pounded him with breaking balls, but he has a good approach and his above-average bat speed produces hard line drives and power to all fields. He has good speed, though he needs to work on his jumps on the bases and in right field, and a strong, accurate arm.

“He had some issues, but we knew that when we signed the player,” Rangers farm director Scott Servais said. “He got some issues cleaned up off the field and we’re glad to have him back. He’s a very talented kid and there have been no issues this year. He’s made quite a bit of progress maturity-wise and has a bright future ahead of him.”

Top-rated pitcher, nice.

Kind of a let-down that it has to be pre-numbered

NPB Tracker’s Patrick Newman says reports suggest the Rangers may be the top suitor for high school lefty Yusei Kikuchi.

Martin Perez… You here all the hype and the Johan comps but never anything concrete. Can you give us a brief scouting report on him and what to expect from him next year.

Ben Badler
  
Low- to mid-90s fastball, plus curve, solid changeup. The comparison to Santana is because of his delivery, which is very free and easy..

It think he will be on till 2… go flood him with some questions

Ben (Dallas): What separates Tommy Mendonca at 11 and Chris Dominguez at 13? Slightly better approach, more willingness to work on his game, or something else?


Conor Glassey: They’re similar, in that they’re both big power/big strikeout third basemen. What puts Mendonca ahead for me is that he bats lefthanded and is a better defender.

Ben (Dallas): Miguel Velazquez… What do you expect to see out of him next year? Is he arguably the best OF in the Ranger’s system?


Conor Glassey: He’s probably in the discussion. Despite having one of the best systems in baseball, the Rangers don’t have many outfield prospects.

Joseph Wall (Fort Worth): Thanks for the chat Connor. I know the stats were ugly, but I curious what you heard about Geuris Grullon…I’ve read some local writers rave about his stuff.


Conor Glassey: Here’s the quick-and-dirty on Grullon: Lots of strikeouts, but lots of walks too. Nice body, loose arm, fastball is 88-91 with good movement, slider is pretty good and changeup is a work in progress.

Doug (Utah): What is Robbie Ross’ ceiling? Mid-rotation starter? Bullpen? Better than either of those?


Conor Glassey: I think mid-rotation starter is safe, though he’ll have to get stronger and show he can pitch 150+ innings.

Dan (Colorado): Is there an “under-the radar” prospect that didnt make the list that you like?


Conor Glassey: Here are a handful of deep sleepers before I peace out: Eugene catcher Emmanuel Quiles, who needs to work on his bat, but was one of the younger players in the league and was regarded as the best catch-and-throw guy; two Spokane relievers—Justin Miller, who was 89-91 last year but was up to 95 this year with a plus slider and Reiner Bermudez, a tiny Cuban that was 92-96 with a hard, 77-80 mph curveball; Vancouver outfielder Jose Crisotomo and Boise outfielder Jose Valdez.