Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #12 Deolis Guerra

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #12 | Deolis Guerra

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | April 17, 1989 (San Felix, Venezuela)

School | Not Available

Height | 6'5''

Weight | 200 lbs.

2008 Ranking | 2




Breakdown
Deolis Guerra came to the Twins last January along several young prospects from the New York Mets in exchange for Johan Santana. I'm not exactly sure what the Mets are/were thinking, but Guerra is one example of how they handle many of their prospects poorly. By his 18th birthday, he was already in the Florida State League. he pitched well well in the Sally League in 2006, but he has not been able to adjust to the pitcher-friendly FSL like he could in the SAL. He was one of many prospects who was rushed very quickly through the Mets system. He features an outstanding changeup, but his fastball and curveball still need a lot of work (especially the velocity on his fastball). He has below average control, but given his age and level of competition that is not surprising. His control issues have always been noted, but in 2008 it could have been mostly effected by some mechanical "tweeking" that the Twins chose for Guerra to work on. He will be 20-years-old this season, and with a disappointing go-around in the FSL last season, he could be sent to the Midwest League to try and work out his kinks. The Twins are in no need to rush him through the system, and despite many thinking of him having the making of a top-of-the-order starter, I think the Twins need to be very careful with Guerra and allow his age be able to catch up with his talent. The Twins saw something in Guerra, which is why the Twins were so attracted to the Mets trade proposal for Santana. I am not at all worried about his disappointing 2008 season and I don't think anyone else should be either. He still has a long way until he reaches the majors and I think the Twins will continue to be patient with him while he works out his new mechanical issues.

2008 Statistics

Level      W     L     ERA     IP     K     BB     WHIP     FIP

A+        11     9    5.49  130.0    71     71     1.61    5.06

2009 Outlook
Guerra should be back in the Florida State League for a 3rd straight season. Given his young age, he could even be sent to the Midwest League if he struggles.

Pitching Repertoire

• Fastball
  
• Change-up
• Curveball

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2011