Prospect Nation 2015: #23 RHP Victor Arano

Acquired in the August trade that sent Roberto Hernandez to the Dodgers, right-hander Victor Arano is a talented pitcher that has made some considerable impressions in his young career. As a 19-year-old, the Mexico native looked sharp at Class A full season Great Lakes last year and now appears to be primed to be a buzz name in the Phillies’ developmental ranks next season.

Signed as an amateur free agent in 2013 by Los Angeles, the six-foot-two 200-pounder made his professional debut with the rookie level Arizona League Dodgers that same year. In 13 appearances (eight starts), he tallied a 3-2 record with a 4.20 ERA while striking out 49 batters and walking 13 in 49 1/3 innings.

He progressed well last year, in the Class A full season Midwest League. With the Loons, Arano sported a 4-7 record along with three saves and a 4.08 ERA in 22 games (15 starts). Additionally, the youngster displayed considerable control and command of the strike zone. He posted an 8.68 K/9 mark and just 2.09 BB/9.

This off-season in the Mexican Winter League, Arano recorded no decisions, but had a 4.76 ERA in 14 regular season relief outings for Obregon. In 17 innings there, he struck out 17 and walked four while allowing 10 hits.

Arano is equipped with a three-pitch menu, including a low-90’s fastball, an improving change up and what seems to be a quality slurve with nice movement. There’s no doubt that he’s got potential to add ticks to his velocity as he progresses. Thanks to their strength and conditioning programs, the Phillies have seen some of their hurlers add velocity as late as age 25. See: Buchanan, David and Hollands, Mario.

Keeping the ball on the ground is a plus for Arano as well. His ground ball rate of 41.6% for his career is definitely better than most.

Advanced for his age, look for Arano, who turns 20 years old in February, prior to spring training, to possibly lock down a spot in the Class A Advanced Clearwater rotation this upcoming season. Otherwise, local fans will be able to see him on the mound for Class A Lakewood.

Ultimately, the ceiling for Arano could be someplace between Tyler Cloyd and Kyle Kendrick. Add some “velo” along with a mastery of his off-speed pitches and that roof could be raised quite a bit.

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

Comments

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular ...

PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Prospect Brody Colvin

Recently, right-handed pitcher Brody Colvin was promoted from Class A Advanced Clearwater to Double-A Reading. Prior to the 2012 season, Colvin, who turns 22-years-old on Tuesday, was ranked as PhilliesNation's 6th best prospect . This season, following some ups and downs, it's unclear where Colvin will rank next preseason. Earlier this year, Colvin, a Louisiana native, was removed from Clearwater's starting rotation and moved to the bullpen to relax and improve his mental approach. He did so and returned to starting after a brief time. Through his first two outings with the R-Phils, the 7th round draft choice from 2009 posted a 1-0 record while allowing five earned runs in 11 innings (4.09 ERA). In his last start on Saturday, however, Colvin allowed eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings pitched in a loss to New Britain. In a recent interview with Brody, he spoke about the transition moving to the Eastern League, his brief bullpen stint, physical concerns from last season...

Prospect Nation 2016: #9 Catcher Jorge Alfaro

Alfaro, image- USA Today Acquired as part of the the return for Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman from Texas last summer, catcher Jorge Alfaro quickly became one of the Phillies' most promising young talents. With a powerful bat and outstanding skills behind the dish, Alfaro could become a fast moving performer for his new organization. Originally signed by the Rangers for a reported $1.3 million in 2010 at the age of 16, the Colombia native would make his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League that same year. In 48 games, the righty hitting Alfaro posted a .221 average and a home run along with 23 RBI. The following year, with Class A short-season Spokane, the talented youngster tallied a .300 average with six homers and 23 RBI. In 2012 with full season Class A level Hickory, he batted .261 with five home runs, 34 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 74 contests.

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog