Mariners fans don’t have much to get excited about this season. Currently sitting at 34-47, the Mariners have no choice but to focus on the future. This will almost inevitably mean the departure of Cliff Lee. The departure of Lee may not be all bad, though. Especially if that departure means the M’s get to experiment with Michael Pineda this year. Getting Pineda some MLB service in 2010 would certainly get him ready, or let the M’s know if he’s ready for a full MLB season in 2011.
Let’s take a look at things we know about Pineda…
DOB: January 18, 1989 (21 years old), in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic
Height: 6′5″
Weight: 180-200 lbs. (bulking up more and more each time I see him)
Minor League Track Record. Pineda made his Minor League debut as a 17 year old, and ever since then he has been one of the youngest players at each level he’s played at. During these stints, Pineda has never had an ERA higher than 2.84 or a FIP higher than 3.30, talk about run prevention.
A Pitcher, not a Thrower. Pineda has a lot of giddy-up on his fastball (sits in the mid 90s), but he’s not your typical flamethrower who struggles with command. Pineda has an incredibly low walk rate, 5.6%, for a pitcher that can dial it up to 99 MPH on a good day. His fly-ball tendencies would bode well in Seattle as long as Death to Flying Things is still roaming center field.
Future of Fantasy Prospect Grades
| Category | Grade | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Power | A- | Overpowering fastball, but his K Rate is pretty average. |
| Contact | A | Great command, only walks two batters per nine. |
| Stamina | B+ | 4.66 Innings per Start is a little low, but nothing alarming. |
| Approach | A | Will need to keep developing changeup to keep hitters from sitting on his fastball. |
| Arsenal | A- | His fastball is plus-plus but other pitches are not all the way there yet. |
| Hype | B | Not much hype outside of the Mariners blog-o-sphere |
| Intangibles | B- | Injury/Mechanic concerns |
| Overall | 66 out 80 | SP2 potential for your fantasy team |
Fantasy Outlook. In 2010, Pineda may get a cup of tea in Seattle if/when Cliff Lee is traded. Seattle may also choose to be cautious with the young arm, and let him battle for a spot in 2011 Spring Training. Pineda won’t have much value in 2010, but he could be a nice sleeper in 2011 if he earns the 5th spot in the rotation. I’m talking potential Rookie of the Year material in 2011. Definitely worth taking a look at in Keeper/Dynasty Leagues.
Comparable Pitchers: Johnny Cueto, Jair Jurrjens, Ian Snell
2011 Projection: 135 IP – 7 W – 3.56 ERA – 1.15 WHIP – 91 K – 40 BB – 4th place in ROY Voting
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