Prospect #10 Adrian Salcedo

Starting RHP
Signed as International Free Agent 2007, Dominican Republic
Levels Played in 2009: Rookie Gulf Coast League
Opening Day Age: 18 (turns 19 on April 24th)

Adrian Salcedo is what I like to call a mystery. Their are no public scouting video or even photos of him to date. However, Salcedo has not disappointed in his short stint with the Twins organization. After spending his age 17 in the Dominican Academy, he was sent to the Twins GCL for 2009. Salcedo was part of the best rotation in the league teaming with fellow teenagers BJ Hermsen and Blayne Weller.

He was always know for great control and he continued to show that in 62 innings only walking 3! In Addition to that he struck out 58 with a 1.46 ERA. Salcedo is as projectable as projectable gets. He already has above average to plus stuf, he stands 6 feet 4 and a thin 175 pounds and has very fluid mechanics and excellent control of the strike zone for a kid his age.

Last year Salcedo was armed with a low 90 to 92 MPH fastball with a power breaking pitch. Some scouts have not been able to decide whether his mid 80's spike curve ball is a slider. Either way it is already a plus pitch and can develop into a plus plus. In Twins camp this season, scouts have been able to get a glimpse of the young hurler for the first time. It is reported that his mechanics are top notch and he has added some velocity too. He is now sitting around 93 to 94. His fastball has good sink which allows him to have a ground ball to fly ball ratio of more then 2 to 1.

Salcedo already has a world of talent. If he continues to impress in camp he could contend to be in full season ball already as a 19 year old. I expect him to possibly be held back in extended spring training and possibly pitch at rookie ball and then be promoted to Beloit if he continues to over power lower level hitters. I read where a scout said that from what he saw this spring, Adrian Salcedo is a more impressive pitcher then Braves teenage pitching prospect Julio Teheran who has been ranked as high as 41 on some MLB top prospect lists. Salcedo is a guy to keep an eye on this year and could be the top pitching prospect in the system as soon as next year.

ETA: Late 2012 (he could be put on fast track as he gets to full season ball)
Projection: The off season improvements in velocity in addition to great mechanics indicate that Salcedo can be a top of the rotation starter.
MLB Comparison: He is to young and I have never seen him pitch. But just guessing according to his body type could resemble Jair Jurrjens.