Ian Oquendo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #18 prospect in 2002
  Oquendo has been unbeatable as a pro, going 11-0 in 17 games since signing as a 26thround pick in 2000. Oquendo was known as Ian Snell when he was drafted, then married after his first pro season and decided to take his wife's last name. He was a teammate of Pirates lefty Dave Williams at Caesar Rodney High in Camden, Del. Oquendo has very good stuff. His fastball regularly reaches 93 mph and has good movement. He also has command of a sharp slider that he uses as an out pitch. He's perhaps the best-conditioned athlete in the organization and an excellent fielder. Oquendo is on the smallish side, which raises durability issues. His mind also tends to wander on the mound at times and there are some questions about how seriously he takes the game. Oquendo will get another chance to prove himself this year when he takes his first crack at full-season ball with Hickory.