December 31, 2014

Minor League Update

Puerto Rican Winter League Pitchers

by Jeff Moore

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Miguel Chalas, RHP, White Sox (Cangrejeros de Santurce): 18 IP, 17 H, 16 K/8 BB, 3.50 ERA.
Chalas came over from the Orioles in the Alejendro De Aza deal, though by that time the minor-league season had come to an end. He’s an undersized, max-effort reliever who struggles with his in-the-zone command. Chalas has a good arm and achieves low-to-mid 90s velocity, but he profiles as a middle reliever.

Joe Jimenez, RHP, Tigers (Gigantes de Carolina): 12 2/3 IP, 3 H, 15 K/1 BB, 0.00 ERA.
Jimenez has taken his upper-90s fastball to his native country this winter and has been even more dominant than he was in his New York-Penn League stint this summer. His fastball/slider combination has yet to be challenged, and even though he’s likely destined for a relief role, he could be an impact ‘pen arm.

Jorge Lopez, RHP, Brewers (Indios de Mayaguez): 26 IP, 24 H, 25 K/8 BB, 1.73 ERA.
Lopez had an up-and-down year in the Florida State League but flashed signs of big-league potential. His fastball velocity sat in the low 90s and could play up in shorter stints, but he’ll need to work on the development of an offspeed pitch if he wants to face lineups more than one time.

Giovanni Soto, LHP, Indians (Gigantes de Carolina): 45 IP, 35 H, 45 K/15 BB, 2.20 ERA.
Soto doesn’t have much projection left, and while he’s got a starter’s frame, he hasn’t filled out enough to suggest that he’ll eat innings. He was death on left-handed hitters this season, however, his first as a full-time reliever. He should head to Triple-A next season and could fill in in the Indians bullpen at some point next season if needed.

J.C. Ramirez, RHP, Diamondbacks (Gigantes de Carolina): 15.1 IP, 15 H, 16 K/3 BB, 2.93 ERA.
One of the pieces the Phillies received from the Mariners in the Cliff Lee trade, Ramirez never panned out with the Phillies and was unable to crack the Indians bullpen in his first season with the team. His development failed to progress in the upper minors in his early 20s, and he now profiles as a back-end bullpen arm at best. He’ll try to catch on with the Diamondbacks this spring as a minor-league invitee to spring training.

Jesse Biddle, LHP, Phillies (Indios de Mayaguez): 5 1/3 IP, 10 H, 7 K/4 BB, 15.19 ERA.
It was a tumultuous year for Biddle, who battled a concussion as well as continued command issues. Teams often use winter leagues as a way to make up for lost developmental time for prospects, but in two starts, Biddle has failed to throw enough strikes to get adequate work in. In addition to the health issues, Biddle has consistently struggled with his command. With that in mind, Biddle is likely to return to Double-A to master the level, but he’ll remain stagnant until his fastball command improves.