35. Manuel Mercedes RHP. DOB: 9/21/2002. 6'3", 162 lbs.
2021(R AZ): 3-3, 5.11, 56.1 IP, 9.91 K/9, 3.99 BB/9.
International signing in July 1999. Missed 2020 due to COVID restrictions so AZ Complex in 2021 was his pro debut. Reportedly already hits the mid-upper 90's with the FB paired up with a plus but inconsistent slider. Should start at full season A ball for SJ with an opportunity to establish himself as a top prospect. BTW, Fangraphs already has him #14 in Giants system.
34. Prelander Berroa RHP. DOB: 4/18/2000. 5'11", 170 lbs.
Small, but hard throwing. Fangraphs has him as #39 prospect in Giants organization. They project him as a reliever due to small size, violent delivery and bouts of wildness.
2021(A): 5-6, 3.56, 98.2 IP, 12.31 K/9, 4.83 BB/9.
33. Carson Ragsdale RHP. DOB: 5/25/1998. 6'8", 225 lbs.
02021(A): 8-6, 4.43, 113.2 IP, 13.22 K/9, 3.56 BB/9.
Height is a two-edged sword for pitchers. It creates leverage and downward angles but it also tends to make deliveries less repeatable with accompanying command issues. Per Fangraphs, Ragsdale is able to accentuate his height with an over-the-top delivery. He seemed to tire toward the end of 2021 but this is understandable with over 100 IP after a year layoff. Should move up to A+ for 2022.
32. Esmerlin Vinicio LHP. DOB: 1/31/2003. 6'2", 141 lbs.
International bonus baby from the 2019 cycle. Very thin. Average FB but Fangraphs reports great spin rates on secondary pitches.
2021(R AZ): 3-3, 2.64, 58 IP, 10.86 K/9, 4.50 BB/9.
31. Mauricio Pierre OF. DOB: 11/23/2003. B-R, T-R. 6'3", 180 lbs.
2021(R DSL): .256/.336/.436, 5 HR, 6 SB, 9.4 BB%, 29.5 K%, 149 PA.
$490 K bonus out of Panama in 2020. Projectability is the watchword for him. Currently has 5 solid tools, maybe none outstanding but all project to improve with maturity. The 5 HR's in the stat line stands out as impressive for a 17 yo in the DSL.
Some really cool arms in this section - Vinicio was the top ranked kid Giants got in the International signings of 2019, but Mercedes came in at same time and is just as highly regarded. Both really young still. Ragsdale came over from Philly for Sam Coonrod after being a 4th round pick in MLB draft 2020. Berroa was acquired for Sam Dyson in the deal with the Twins. They also got Teng and Jaylin Davis. I think they won that trade even if Davis hasn't really worked out yet.
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