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Julio UrĂ­as

Born: 08/12/1996 (Age: 17)
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Height: 6' 0" Weight: 225
Mechanics
Closer to 6'1 and definitely not 160; closer to 180; medium sized frame; solid lower half and midsection; don't see it being a problem until he reaches his 30's; 3/4 slot; plus arm speed; looks easy; very repeatable; extends stride leg and lands soft; turns away from the batter like Felix Hernandez at times; can lands stiff; struggles with release point from the stretch on occasion; pitches have good shape due to arm slot; solid move to first; picked a guy in the 1st game.
Evaluator Chris Rodriguez
Report Date 06/19/2014
Affiliate Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A, Dodgers)
Dates Seen 4/6, 5/10
OFP 70
MLB ETA 2016
Video No
Pitch Type Future Grade Sitting Velocity Peak Velocity Report
FB 70 91-95 96 Present plus pitch; features natural arm-side run; very tough to square down in the zone due to tough plane; can cut it as well; pumps up the velocity with runners on base; several 94's and 95's late in both games; mostly 92-93; loose command early in both games; some noticeable frustration on the mound; settled down and began hitting his spots; can move the pitch up and down, in and out; pitch can be plus-plus with better control and command.
CB 65 77-81 82 Advanced offering; thrown very easy/natural with the same arm speed which gives it extra deception; two-plane break; very good manipulation of the pitch; can lengthen the horizontal break to make it a slider; most pitches had more vertical drop; varies shapes often; can drop it for strikes and for chase; thrown to both LHH and RHH; command was solid; can throw it in any count; love the projection for this pitch.
CH 65 78-82 83 Flashes plus; already an average pitch due to good glove-side fade/sink and velocity difference; plays off his fastball very well; can slow delivery a little which can tip the pitch; bat-missing offering; often went to this pitch to get back into counts; wouldn't count this pitch out to become plus-plus due to feel for the craft.
Overall

Urias is the uber rare combination of raw stuff, extremely young age, and pitchability. It's a package that doesn't come around often and one that can be special with the right molding and coaching. Urias already has two plus pitches and one on the way, all with crispness and plus movement. The overall command is fringe at the moment, but the profile is there to at least be above-average (repeatable delivery, ability to add/subtract, athleticism). Arguably the most impressive thing about Urias is his feel for the craft at such a young age. Normally with a young pitcher you have high or even extreme risk, but Urias is a different animal. I believe he can make a contribution by 2016, with the innings limit coming off next season in Double-A. If he finds success and improves on his command the rest of this season and next, then there's nothing else holding him back.

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