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Yankees Scouting Report: Manny Banuelos

August 20, 2010 · Bronx Baseball Daily · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees

Frankie Piliere is a former MLB scout and is currently a writer for AOL FanHouse. He had a chance to watch the Yankees top pitching prospect LHP Manny Banuelos this week and came away very impressed. Here is a link to his article and here is a quick recap of what he had to say:

Physical description

Banuelos has added bulk to what was once considered a smallish frame.
He’s athletic which helps him repeat his delivery well.
He is right where he needs to be physically.

Mechanics

Banuelos has “well-above-average command” thanks to “very consistent delivery.”
He works from a three-quarter arm angle.
He “creates a nice downward angle despite his lack of height.”
He has problems occasionally working underneath his pitches.

Fastball

His fastball is the biggest change from last year. It was 90-92 mph; it’s now 93-94 and occasionally works 95-96. He’s even hit up to 97 mph.
That is considered “a true plus fastball.”
He can “be a bit reckless with his location in the zone at times.”

Curveball

His curveball is another significant difference between this season and last.
“His downer curveball was a consistent plus, six pitch on the 2-8 scouting scale.”
It clocks in at 75-79 mph.
When he keeps it down in the zone, “it’s a true swing-and-miss, above-average pitch.”

Changeup

Banuelos’ best pitch, even after improvement with his other pitches.
It clocks in at 78-82 mph with “big two-seam action and dead-fish drop.”
He has enough confidence to go to it in hitter’s counts.
“It’s a pitch that really sets him apart and will allow him to move quickly.”

Summary

There is a very short list of left handed MLB pitchers who can throw 93 mph or better.
His command will also further set him apart.
His only negative may be his lack of size.
If he can remain healthy and “keep his shorter frame in check” he is capable of being a front-of-the-rotation starter.

Click here to read Piliere’s entire article.

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