Juan Mercedes, Arkansas Travellers (Double-A Mariners)
RHP, 6’2”/190lbs, Age: 23
Date watched: 05/09 v NW Arkansas (KC)
Prospect Ranking: unranked by Baseball America and Prospects Live
Observations:
First Double-A start
5.0 IP, 3H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 K, 1 BB, 1 HR
77 Pitches (53 strikes)
used FB & SL almost exclusively
Fastball was in the low 90s with announcers mentioning it was at 94.
The slider was his best pitch on the day and maybe overall. It can generate some swing & miss. I’d consider it his “out” pitch based on this viewing.
Overall it was a very good outing for Juan, other than giving up a HR to Luca Tresh, which was a no-doubter nuke.
Other contact was not overly hard and at the defense.
This is Juan’s seventh year with the Mariners after signing as a 17-year-old. Needless to say, this is a big season for Mercedes in terms of his development. Physically he looks to be about maxed out with little physical projection remaining. There’s something there with the slider but the fastball is rather average. He’ll go as far as the fastball develops. If he can add some velo and/or shape and movement to it, there may be an opportunity for a high-leverage reliever place for him. If not, he may fall into a long/middle relief type of role.
Season To Date: 2-0, 3.48 ERA, 6 G, 5 GS, 31.0 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 38 K, 8 BB
That will wrap it up for today. I owe you guys a Tsung Che Cheng (Pirates) recap and some Canadian names that may be called during this year's MLB Draft. Stay tuned! They are on the way! Needed to CRTL ALT DEL a bit this week, review the 1st month or so of the season and make some tweaks going forward.
Thank you for checking in today. I’ll be talking with you all again in a while. Until then...Keep it 80 Grade.