- Full name Geronimo Mendoza
- Born 01/23/1978 in
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: L / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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For years, Mendoza was lost in the shadow of fellow Dominican Juan Figueroa. But after his best friend was traded to Baltimore in the Charles Johnson deal, Mendoza bloomed as a major talent worthy of a reputation of his own. He has gotten stronger in his six years in the White Sox system, and it showed last year. Mendoza had a breakthrough season in the Carolina League, showing improved velocity and a newfound ability to battle hitters. He led the league with four complete games and three shutouts while finishing ninth in ERA. That performance is especially impressive considering he opened the year in the bullpen, becoming a regular starter only after Figueroa and Jon Rauch were moved to Double-A. Mendoza had been an afterthought in the pitching-rich system, but now he has earned a longer look. He should be in Birmingham's rotation this season.
