Many of the Valencia followers are maybe the most hyped up about this group of players that involve some high draft picks, some people acquired via trades and others that have just been diamonds in the rough. All-in-all, five of the six relievers have an overall potential rating of 50 or greater.
Juan Evans OVR-45 POT-80 STF-11 MOV-5 HRA-4 PBABIP-6 CON-4
This 19 year-old was drafted in this past rookie draft in the first round with the fourth overall pick. After spending 5 games with the A-level Redwood City club without allowing a run to score, Juan then moved up to AA. In 13 games at the AA level, Juan has continued his efficient ways garnering a 2.25 ERA. Juan has racked up 22 strikeouts in 16 innings while allowing 4 walks. From a ratings/development perspective, Juan is projected to have a 13 rated fastball topping out at 100 mph and a 12-rated curveball. Expect Juan to be moved to AAA soon after All-Star break.
Raul Fierro OVR-40 POT-60 STF-6 MOV-5 HRA-4 PBABIP-6 CON-3
Raul fell all the way down to the 12th round of the 2061 rookie draft. After struggling his first year with the Rookie club in 2061 with a 6.07 ERA and a 2.40 WHIP, the front office stuck with Raul and his 100+ mph fastball. In the offseason prior to 2062, Raul figured some stuff out and started developing. In 2062 Raul pitched 13 scoreless innings in 16 appearances with 11 saves before being moved up to the A level squad. He spent the rest of 2062 achieving a 3.43 ERA. At the start of 2063 Raul was moved up to AA and he has so far churned out a 3.00 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He also had 10 saves before Juan Evans took over the closer role. Look for Raul to follow the same path/timeline as Juan.
Jose Moreno OVR-35 POT-55 STF-6 MOV-5 HRA-5 PBABIP-5 CON-3
Another 100 mph flamethrower, Jose was selected in the 13th round of the 2058 draft. In his first full season in AA, Jose has a 4.38 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. Jose has 54 strikeouts in 48 innings but he still needs to develop his control to be able to succeed at the higher levels. The Star insiders feel that the 22 year-old's timing is about a year behind Juan and Raul.
Timothy Lockwood OVR-35 POT-50 STF-5 MOV-3 HRA-2 PBABIP-6 CON-3
Acquired in one of the Fire sale trades last year that involved Luis Perez who returned back to Valencia via free agency and Eduardo Moreno, Timothy is spending his first season in AA. Timothy is the fourth reliever in this list that can throw the ball 100 mph. The 22 year-old has put up sub par numbers to date with a 5.13 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. Look for Timothy to remain in AA until he settles into things.
Jose Lopez OVR-35 POT-50 STF-8 MOV-4 HRA-3 PBABIP-5 CON-4
Acquired in the same trade that brought Lockwood into the Valencia system, this 22 year-old's numbers have not matched his pre-trade performance. To date, Jose's ERA is 7.41 at Jamestown with a 1.94 WHIP.
Hector Smith OVR-30 POT-35 STF-5 MOV-4 HRA-4 PBABIP-5 CON-3
Hector was drafted in the 12th round of the 2058 draft. IN his third year at the AA level, Hector has earned a 5.50 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. At 26 years old, this may be Hector's last season..