32. Jesus Delgado

32. Jesus Delgado -RHP - 6'1 - 200lbs
(last year: 24)

Another arm acquired in the payroll slash a few years ago, Jesus Delgado was rated by Baseball America as one of the best pure arms in the Red Sox system. He was originally an outfielder in Boston’s organization. After pitching strictly out of the bullpen the two prior seasons, Delgado started in 16 of his 31 appearances. The object was to see if by stretching out his arm it would help to lower his walk rate but that was not the case as he walked just about his career average a 4.32 per 9. With Carolina in 2007, he went 5-7 with a 4.80era and a 1.52whip in 93.2ip.

Delgado had Tommy John surgery in 2002, and spent most of 2003 rehabbing. His velocity has shot up since then, as he hits 95-96mph routinely and sometimes can reach 98mph. He’s still considered more of a thrower than a pitcher as he relies mostly on his explosive fastball. To go with his fastball, he has a 78-82mph curveball and a fantastic changeup that he needs to utilize more. Both secondary pitches have a chance to be plus pitches. It all depends on his control of the pitch on that day.

Marlins Vice President of Player Development and Scouting Jim Fleming absolutely raves about him. He has a great work ethic and scouts love his makeup. Florida State League hitters connected at just a .231 clip against him in 2006, while he has held Southern League hitters to a .266 and .229 baa the last two seasons. His ceiling was once as a lights out closer but now it looks like he’ll be a solid arm out of the pen. He just needs that chance, something he could get with a strong spring in 2009.