Top 50 MiLB Prospects 2009: #8 Neftali Feliz

Top 50 MiLB Prospects 2009 | #8 | Neftali Feliz | Rangers

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | May 2, 1988 (Azua, Dominican Republic)

School | Not Available

Height | 6'3''

Weight | 180 lbs.

2008 Ranking | Not Ranked



Breakdown
The Atlanta Braves signed Feliz as a non-drafted free agent in 2005. At the trade deadline in 2007, the Texas Rangers made a blockbuster trade which moved All-Star first baseman Mark Teixeira to the Braves. In return, the Rangers got a few great prospects in return which have helped earn them honors as having the best Farm System in baseball (according to BaseballAmerica.com). Feliz was one of the players the Rangers acquired, and they're surely happy they did. He features quite possibly the best fastball in all of the minor leagues which reaches 100+ MPH and sits comfortably in the High-90's. He lacks a good breaking ball, but both his curveball and change-up are improving. Feliz needs to show better control, but he has the makings to be a dominate pitchers in the Major Leagues.

2008 Statistics

Level    W    L    ERA     IP     K    BB    WHIP    FIP

A+       6    3   2.52   82.0   106    28    1.01   2.18
AA       4    3   2.98   45.1    47    23    1.26   3.07

2009 Outlook
Feliz is starting the season in Triple-A but many expect him to finish the season with the Texas Rangers.

Pitching Repertoire

• Fastball
  
• Curveball
  
• Change-up

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2009