Andrew Suarez, LHP. DOB: 9/11/2992. 6'2", 205 lbs. Drafted 2015 Round 2 out of Univ. of Miami.
2015(3 levels): 2-0, 1.60, 39.1 IP, 5 BB, 37 K, GO/AO= 1.42.
2016 A+: 2-1, 2.43, 29.2 IP, 5 BB, 34 K, GO/AO= 1.84.
2016 AA: 7-7, 3.95, 114 IP, 24 BB, 90 K, GO/AO= 1.10.
2016 AA(Last 10 Starts): 5-1, 2.33, 65.2 IP, 14 BB, 56 K.
After coming back from labrum surgery early in his college career, Suarez caught the attention of scouting websites like Baseball America in 2014 with a stellar redshirt sophomore campaign. He was drafted in Round 2, #57 overall, by the Nationals. He did not sign and returned to school to graduate and where he hoped to improve his draft stock. A short hiatus for an oblique strain may have depressed his stock and the Giants selected him in round 2, #61 overall in 2015.
As you can see, he has advanced rapidly up the system ladder, finishing strong at AA level after initially struggling in his first few AA starts. His repertoire includes a low 90's FB, a put away slider and a changeup, all with strong command. He has a curveball which seems to be his least favorite pitch. Whether his polished approach will hold up in AAA and MLB remains to be seen, but the results so far are encouraging. I think of him as Ty Blach with a higher K rate! He should be ready for a AAA assignment, but the Giants may run out of SP slots in Sacramento, so placement for 2017 may depend on organizational needs. The Giants do seem to be high on him and have certainly fast tracked him so far, so I would think his placement would be a priority.
Ceiling is a mid-rotation SP. His floor would seem to be #4/5 SP if he can remain healthy, which seems to be his biggest concern.
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If both Suarez, Slania, and Coonrod all merit promotion during the season, then the Giants will have a logjam of starting pitching at AAA. Blackburn, Stratton, Gregorio, Cain(?), and Beede, and now these three on the cusp? Nice problem to have. I remember it wasn't too long ago when Mike Kickman was the only arm the Giants could call up. The farm system is much better than a few seasons ago.
ReplyDeleteThis is off prospect topic but it does pertain to LHP and the 2017 River Cats:
DeleteGiants signed Kraig Sitton last month which would look to be a long shot. Built along the lines of Dave Righetti in his playing days (6'5, 190 #), he seems to have some GB strengths and is strong against LHB -- all minor league stats.
At 28 last July, he been given up on by Rox and Mariners. I presume he'll get a ST invite. It will be interesting to what Rags can do with him -- another LH specialist candidate?