Skip to main content

Prospect Nation 2015: #19 RHP Nefi Ogando

NefiOgando-TugHaines
Nefi Ogando, image- Tug Haines
Acquired from Boston in a late season deal in 2013 for infielder John McDonald, righty hurler Nefi Ogando has shown loads of potential since joining the Phillies organization.

The Dominican Republic native was signed by Boston as an amateur free agent in 2010, debuting as a pro that same year with the organization's Dominican Summer League club. In 11 DSL games (four starts), Ogando tallied a 3-1 record with a 2.91 ERA and a .248 BAA.

The following season, the six-foot-two 185-pounder posted a 1-5 record along with a 2.83 ERA in 15 games (two starts) for short-season Class A Lowell. In 2012, Ogando pitched exclusively as a reliever and notched a 4-4 record with two saves and a 3.70 ERA in 38 outings.

With Class A Advanced Salem in 2013, Ogando posted a 2-3 record with three saves, a .238 batting average against and a 4.09 ERA mark in 33 appearances. Last year, in his first campaign with the Phillies, the youngster had a 5-1 record with a 6.27 ERA, seven saves and a 9.16 K/9 in 48 games for Double-A Reading.

Armed with a top notch fastball that normally registers in the 98-99 MPH range and has been clocked in triple digits, a slider with nice movement that sits in the 89-92 MPH range as well as a change up that features a solid drop in velocity from the fastball, but is still comparable to other hurlers' best offerings at around 87 MPH.


His ability to crank up the velocity is Ogando's best skill, but his control needs to be wrangled or he'll end up as a Phillippe Aumont clone. Averaging 4.43 BB/9 in his career, Ogando's rate of free passes must improve in order to reach, and remain at, the top level of the sport. With refined accuracy, the Phils could have another big arm for their bullpen to join the likes of last year's emerging young gun, Kenny Giles.

A positive step for Ogando was that he saw his fly ball percent drop a considerable amount last year down to 19.9% from 37.1% the year prior.  His 47.3% ground ball ratio for his career is excellent.

This off-season in the highly competitive Arizona Fall League, Ogando put together a 1-0 record with a 3.07 ERA with three saves in 12 relief outings for Scottsdale. There, he kept the walks in check, issuing four bases on balls and walking 15 in 14 2/3 innings. He then also appeared for the Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League, allowing no runs and one walk while striking out three in 5 2/3 regular season innings.

Added to the 40-man roster over the off-season, it is clear that the Phillies feel that Ogando could soon be a contributor to the big club.

Ogando is at the right age and the ideal spot in his career where an opportunity to pitch in the back end of the Triple-A bullpen should be in order. Look for him in an IronPigs uniform this coming season.

To follow along with this year’s full countdown, click HERE.

ProspectNation

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Caption This....

Jayson Werth was hit by a pitch thrown by Jeff Bennett on Friday. This picture shows where the ball made contact with Werth. Drop YOUR caption in the comments area.

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle

Harry Kalas Phorever...

Legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away today. Harry collapsed while preparing to call today's game against the Washington Nationals. So many phans will feel as though we've lost a member of our own families. I feel as though I've lost a part of myself, but Harry enhanced my love of the great sport we call baseball and I will always carry that love, and Harry, in my heart. I've stated on this page before that I consider Harry more of a Phillie than anyone who wears the uniform as an active member of the roster. Harry Kalas was a Phillie. Moreso, Harry Kalas was the Phillies. Please share your thoughts and memories of Harry in the comments section, or send them to PhoulBallz (at) verizon (dot) net.