Patrick Ruotolo, RHP. DOB: 1/1/51995. 5'10", 218 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 27.
Low A: 4-2, 1.68, 48.1 IP, 12.85 K/9, 2.23 BB/9, 17 Saves.
Patrick Ruotolo was a college closer who stepped right into the Closer Track once he turned pro, so far with tremendous success. He's short for a pitcher with a stocky build but has surprisingly long arms for a guy of his build. On video, he's a big drop and drive guy which brings him even closer to the ground, but makes up for that by getting full arm extension on an over-the-top delivery. It's a high effort delivery, but it looks like most of the effort goes into his lower half taking strain off the arm. The FB goes 92-94 MPH with strong command. He's mixing in a cutter, curveball and changeup. As you all know by now, I am not a fan of the Closer Track as I question how much prospects learn to pitch in 1 innings appearances where the priority is to get the last 3 outs by any means possible, but so far so good for Patrick. I expect him to be the Closer for San Jose in 2018.
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I think with the way the game is changing, these higher-ceiling relief prospects need to be starting to pitch 2 innings at a time much more frequently. This opens the opportunity to a greater learning and refinement window in each game, and also separates the wheat from the chaff in terms of development & future value.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the write ups, now these guys are starting to get interesting again!