Luis Pineda
| IP | 50 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.5 |
| WHIP | 1.58 |
| BB/9 | 6.84 |
| SO/9 | 7.92 |
- Full name Luis A. Pineda
- Born 10/17/1974 in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 08/04/2001
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Like Luke Hudson, Pinieda joined the Reds this winter in a trade designed to keep the club out of arbitration. Juan Encarnacion was the bigger-name player acquired from Detroit for Dmitri Young, but Pineda could make the Cincinnati bullpen in 2002. After never having pitched above high Class A going into last season, he finished the year in the majors. Pineda has a power arm capable of delivering 92-95 mph fastballs with regularity while occasionally touching 98. On a given day, his curveball can be anything from a very good to a below-average pitch. He's not closer material but he can be a useful middle reliever. Control of his pitches and of himself have been his biggest problems. Both the Rangers and Diamondbacks released Pineda before he made his climb through the Tigers system. He missed much of 2000 with an elbow strain but held up throughout last season. -
Pineda has been in pro baseball since 1995 without pitching above Class A. He was released by both the Rangers and Diamondbacks before hooking on with the Tigers. So what gives him a chance? His fastball. He throws 98 mph consistently and has nice life to go with his velocity. He also throws a slider and a curveball, and both are effective pitches. Though hindered by arm problems, Pineda averaged 14.2 strikeouts per nine innings last season. He carries a reputation for having a lot of personality--a little too much at times for his managers, teammates and club officials. He also needs better command of his fastball. The Tigers are leaning toward putting Pineda at Double-A to start the 2001 season.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Pineda needed six seasons to escape Class A, but after a few appearances with Erie he had one scout thinking of Pedro Martinez. "He's got a little Pedro in him with his delivery and he competes like Pedro," the scout said. "The only question about him is whether he's going to be strong enough, but that's the question with Pedro now, too." Pineda's breakthrough season also came with his third organization, as he previously was released by Texas and Arizona. Though he was used primarily as a starter, his high-90s fastball and power slider could make him a closer option if Matt Anderson doesn't work out for Detroit. His stuff and lack of size reminded Varsho of Mariano Rivera. "He has two major league pitches that attack the strike zone," Varsho said. "As a hitter, you have to hit him to beat him."
