Position | Catcher/Designated HitterBats/Throws | Right/Right
Born | March 31, 1989 (San Joaquin, Venezuela)
School | U.E. Franciscana Kumbaya
Height | 5'11''
Weight | 184 lbs.
2009 Ranking | Not Ranked
Breakdown
The Twins signed Venezuelan-native Josmil Pinto as an undrafted free agent on February 16, 2006. He spent all of the 2007 season in the Dominican Summer League and put up an atrocious .193/.327/.269 hitting line in 171 at-bats but was charged with eight errors from behind the plate. The Twins found themselves in need of catching help in 2008, so they brought Pinto to Florida to start for the Gulf Coast League Twins. He adjusted quickly and hit .329/.394/.541 with 13 extra-base hits in 85 at-bats. He continued to struggle from behind the plate, this time allowing charged with seven errors in just 24 games.
In 2009, the Twins had Pinto split time between catcher and DH for the Elizabethton Twins. His offense continued to improve, hitting .332/.387/.610 with 29 extra-base hits in 205 at-bats. He lead all Appalachian League hitters with 13 home runs and a .610 slugging percentage.
Defensive concerns aside, Pinto's offense makes him one of the most intriguing prospects to wach for in 2010. He made strides with his arm in '09, throwing out 12 of 14 base runners after throwing out just six of 39 base runners in '08. Pinto is still young enough to be patient with him, but the Twins may have to accept that he isn't going to be a serviceable catcher, and either try him at first base or just leave him at DH.
2009 Statistics
Level G PA AVG OBP SLG XBH HR wRC+R (ELZ) 53 230 .332 .387 .610 29 13 165
2010 Outlook
Pinto will be in Beloit this year where he'll likely spend most of his time as the DH (Chris Herrmann is slated to start at catcher). If the Twins accept that he has little-to-no defensive value, he may be able to hit his way to Ft. Myers before the end of the year.
Video
Not Available
Estimated Time of Arrival
2013
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