PROSPECT: Carlos Guevara - RHP [AA] 2003 draft (RD 7) DOB: 3-18-82

[BuckeyeRedleg]

2006 numbers so far (thru 6-14):

37.1 IP
30 H
13 BB
47 K
1.15 WHIP
2.65 ERA

Numbers coming into 2006, though 3 years of Rk, A, and A+:

158 IP
1.15 WHIP
11.82 K/9
3.13 BB/9
23 SAVES

Should we be excited about this guy? His numbers sure look good.

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/playe...-guevara.shtml

[Ravenlord]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeRedleg

Should we be excited about this guy?

yes.

[flyer85]

He is not very tall with a slightly above average fastball BUT he has an out pitch that batters so far have not been able to hit or lay off of at any level. The pitch? The rarely seen these days screwball.

[lollipopcurve]

I'd keep in mind that, almost always, the big-time closers have the mid-90s heat and a good second pitch. I'm encouraged that Shafer and Guevara may be able to help in the pen (ETA 2007), but I think they're pre-9th inning guys.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Maybe a right-handed John Franco?

[flyer85]

The least of the Reds worries at this point is lack of a closer. They need some reliable relievers that can just get people out. With the current situation of the bullpen the need for a closer just won't come up all that often.

[lollipopcurve]

The least of the Reds worries at this point is lack of a closer.

I disagree. While marginal improvements in, say, pitchers 10-12 would help, I'd rather see a dominant arm at the back who pushes the worst pitcher off the team, makes pitcher 11 a garbage innings guy and gets Weathers/Mercker/Coffey out of the 9th inning. It's unlikely Krivsky will be able to find such a guy during the season, so your scenario of multiple mild upgrades is more likely now. Still, I think they have to have a shutdown guy to be a playoff contender in the near future.

[flyer85]

Originally Posted by lollipopcurve

I disagree. While marginal improvements in, say, pitchers 10-12 would help, I'd rather see a dominant arm at the back who pushes the worst pitcher off the team, makes pitcher 11 a garbage innings guy and gets Weathers/Mercker/Coffey out of the 9th inning. It's unlikely Krivsky will be able to find such a guy during the season, so your scenario of multiple mild upgrades is more likely now. Still, I think they have to have a shutdown guy to be a playoff contender in the near future.

If a closer is so important then lets hope they can conjure up one because he likely isn't in there organization at the moment.

Currently the reds bullpen is comprised of middle relievers and guys who shouldn't be on a major league roster. The first order of business is to replace the 3-4 guys that shouldn't be on a major league roster.

[lollipopcurve]

If a closer is so important then lets hope they can conjure up one because he likely isn't in there organization at the moment.

I suspect you're right.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

I think there is still hope for Ryan Wagner.

[Doc. Scott]

I like Guevara and root for him, but don't expect him to start getting any respect any time soon. Until he impresses scouts with something besides his "trick" pitch, he'll have to pitch consistently well at every level.

But if the scroogie's that good or his fastball picks up some mustard, there's no reason he couldn't continue his success. He had a great outing yesterday for Sarasota (2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 K).

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeRedleg

I think there is still hope for Ryan Wagner.

How about after his 4 run debacle today in Louisville.... Wagner seems to baffle me.

[reds2221]

Guevara could be the answers to our prayers. He's putting up good numbers

[flyer85]

Originally Posted by Doc. Scott

He had a great outing yesterday for Sarasota (2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 K).

that outing was for Chatanooga(AA)

[Marc D]

Originally Posted by flyer85

If a closer is so important then lets hope they can conjure up one because he likely isn't in there organization at the moment.

Currently the reds bullpen is comprised of middle relievers and guys who shouldn't be on a major league roster. The first order of business is to replace the 3-4 guys that shouldn't be on a major league roster.

Agree 100%.

Dominant talent is the ultimate goal but since we seem to have a slight shortage of that, I say focus on making sure all 11-12 guys are legit ML pitchers first.

As far as this guy goes, if he keeps posting numbers like that I don't care if he throws underhand. We need all the help we can get.