Bats/Throws: R/R

Height/Weight: 6’3”/190

Acquired: NDFA ‘07

Born: 10/10/1989 (Santo Domingo, DR)*

2010 Rank: #9

Why Ranked Here: Jeurys Familia, who turned 21 in October, earns the #3 spot among pitchers  on this list by virtue of the fact that he’s a big guy with a big arm.  Listed at 6’3”, his fastball sits in the mid 90s and he can touch 97.  The Mets report that his slider, his second offering, improved markedly as the season wore on.

Familia’s fastball should take him to the big leagues.  He has the potential to remain a starter, but could easily slide back to the bullpen as a power arm in short stints unless he makes major progress with his secondary offerings.

2010: Familia spent his entire season with advanced-A St. Lucie, where, despite strong strikeout numbers, he struggled for much of the year.  On the plus side, he fanned 10.2 batters per nine innings, but that also came with 5.5 walks per nine.  He simply must improve his command.

Familia did show some marked improvement down the stretch during a five-start span from August 6^th to the 27^th.  Following a five-run, five-inning start on August 1, his ERA sat at a 6.30.  In his next five starts, from August 6^th to the 27^th, in 31.2 IP, Familia gave up just 25 hits and nine walks while striking out 46 (13 K/9).  That walk rate of 2.6 BB/9 was under half of his full-season rate.

Dr. Pangloss Says: Mid-rotation starter or potential power arm out of the bullpen.

Debbie Downer Says: Not enough command to start. He’s far away.

Projected 2011 Start: AA Binghamton

MLB Arrival: September 2012

I have corrected Familia’s age and birthdate. In the original post, I copied the Mets media guide which had his date of birth and place as 11/3/85 (Barahona, DR).