Promoted: Carlos Gutierrez moving up to AA

June 3, 2009 at 10:44 pm (Sports)

Drafted with the 27th pick in the first round of the 2008 MLB draft by the Minnesota Twins, Carlos Gutierrez was considered by many as a closer in waiting due to arm issues (he had Tommy John surgery late in his high school career which made many question his durability). Despite concerns about his durability, the Twins allowed the young pitcher to start and he has yet to disappoint. Gutierrez has posted a 1.32 ERA over 10 starts (52.2 IP), while posting a 33/22 SO to BB ratio, a fantastic .192 BAA, and the most a freakish stat of all: a 4.48 GO/AO ratio. Carlos showcases a low 90’s fastball with late heavy movement (a plus pitch by all accounts), a plus change up (which has allowed him to cause a crazy amount of ground balls), and an improving slider. Gutierrez will be moving up to AA to pitch with Minnesota’s AA affiliate New Britain; the sky is truly the limit for this fantastic young pitching prospect!

Note: This is the second surprising/fantastic 1st round pick the Twins have made consecutively; last year it was Ben Revere who has become one of baseballs best prospects, and now Gutierrez. Great organization!stat