Prospect Profile: Angel Reyes (#19)

Age: 19
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs
Signed: International Free Agent in 2004 out of the D.R.
Position: Starting Pitcher
Throws: Left

Stuff: Reyes is the only lefty pitcher who is a serious prospect in the Yankee system. He is the only lefty with a plus fastball (93-95 mph). He has a plus curveball and has just started to learn a changeup. His changeup is about 12-13 mph slower than his fastball with his curveball a few ticks slower than that. His fastball has deception and electric movement. Reyes is very raw, but his velocity and curveball are advanced well beyond his young age.

Control: Reyes came into the GCL season with a reptuation of wildness. As is a common theme with such a young player, he had trouble repeating his mechanics coming into this short season, but got straightened out and posted decent walk numbers. He got to show his stuff against more advanced competition this year after the GCL season ended with Staten Island. He pitched 46.2 innings with the GCL Yankees, striking out 45 while posting an ERA of 1.35. He followed this dominating performance up with an equally dominating 16 strikeouts in 17 innings of 1.54 ERA ball. He walked just 20 the whole time. This dominating performance follows two excellent years in the DSL as a 17 and 18 year old. Reyes could not have been better in his first season of American baseball.

Outlook: Reyes, the only serious lefty prospect in the Yankee system, may have some troubles remaining as a starter. His 3 pitch repetoire is excellent, but his small frame could impede his durability and ability to go deep into games. The bullpen is a common place for flame throwing small pitchers. That said, it would not be unprecedented for Reyes to remain a starter. He has the stuff and poise to progress quickly throughout the Yankee minor league system. He will start in a deep Charleston rotation next season. He may be a leading candidate for promotion to Tampa if he pitches well (and if there are spots open in another crowded rotation).

Grades: Ceiling A, Health B, Comparison: Erik Bedard