Bat/Throws: R/R

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 180

Acquired: NDFA, signed 7/15/06

Born: 12/23/89 Valencia, VZ

Why Ranked Here: Aldama earns his place here with something that looks like an MLB fastball from a thin frame. When I saw him in July, he was throwing his heater 89-94 mph, while sitting at 91. His command of the pitch is below MLB caliber. At age 19 in 2009, he is still projectable and will have a chance to iron out his delivery and potentially add a few ticks to his velocity as he fills out. His secondary offerings include a curveball from 74-78 that was mostly 76 and a changeup. He showed some feel for the pitch.

2008: Pay no attention to the ERA. In the GCL, Aldama struck out almost eight batters per nine innings and had a strikeout to walk ratio above three.

Dr. Pangloss Says: In the distant future, assuming all of the usual caveats with young pitchers (health and continued development) a chance at a staring job is possible.

On the Flipside: Aldama is years away and might end up as a bullpen or even and org arm.

Projected 2009 Start: Savannah, or XST with a move to Kingsport in June