Esmerling Vasquez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #16 prospect in 2008
  A dream season turned into a potential nightmare for Vasquez when he injured his right shoulder diving for a ball in the Arizona Fall League. An MRI revealed a torn labrum, and he was scheduled to rest his shoulder before beginning a strengthening program in January. Before that, he had pitched his way onto the 40- man roster by leading the organization in ERA (2.99), innings (165), strikeouts (151) and opponent average (.217). Vasquez did it with a fastball that usually ranged from 88-93 mph and touched 95, and an effective changeup, complemented by a slurvy breaking ball. He throws all three pitches for strikes, and shows polish even though he spent his first three seasons in the system as a reliever. He now understands that he doesn't have to strike every batter out, and he's learning how to attack hitters. He's wiry but has proven durable as a starter. Scouts, however, don't see a major league out pitch and say he'll have to improve his command as well as his breaking ball. Of more concern in the short team is his health. The Diamondbacks hope Vasquez will bounce back without surgery, but won't know if he can until spring training.