Leo Estrella

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #15 prospect in 2001
  Estrella made his second move in three seasons in November, coming to the Reds with lefthander Clayton Andrews when the Reds decided to trade Steve Parris rather than offer him arbitration. Estrella was preceded by his reputation, which was enhanced by two no-hitters in 2000: a six-inning job in Double-A that required just 64 pitches, and a seven-inning perfect game in his first Triple-A start. He produced those gems with a lively fastball that has good movement low in the zone. When his mechanics are sound, he combines his fastball with a solid splitter and changeup to keep hitters off balance. His breaking ball, which is more of a slurvy slider, can be his out pitch when he stays on top of it and gets the proper break. Estrella tends to lose his mechanics by flying open with his left side, which robs his fastball of effectiveness. The Reds believe he can excel as a starter, though his resilience makes him a candidate for bullpen duty.