Sunday, February 28, 2010

Giants Top 50 Prospects #49: Jose Valdez

#49 Jose Valdez. RHP. BD: 08-01-1988. 6'7", 250 lbs.

2009 Stats: Salem-Keizer(Short Season): 3-3, 4.33, 35.1 IP, 18 BB, 36 K's, GO/AO= 1.33. Last 10 appearances- 1-1, 3-00, 12 IP, 5 BB, 19 K's.

If I had to pick one pitcher in the Giants system to come out of nowhere and rocket all the way to the top, like Dan Runzler last year, it would be Jose Valdez. Valdez has been in the Giants system since 2005. He made his U.S. debut in 2006 in the AZL where he went 1-3 with a 7.38 ERA, but struck out 40 batters in 39 IP, and was named one of the top 20 prospects in the league by BA. BA's scouting report at the time reported at sinking fastball in the mid-upper 90's. Valdez struggled with his control/command in 2007, and missed the 2008 season with TJ surgery. He seemed to really settle down after being moved to the S-K bullpen. Between his second season after TJ and improvement with maturity and experience, the planets would seem to be aligned for a breakout in 2010.

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