Jose Cueto

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #16 prospect in 2002
  Signed by the Rangers as an outfielder in 1996, Cueto was released after one season in the Dominican Summer League and spent a year out of baseball. The Cubs gave him a second chance as a pitcher, though he made little progress in his first three years in the organization. Cueto began 2001 in the Lansing bullpen and got knocked around in relief until a spot opened in the rotation in mid-May. He really hit his stride as a full-time starter, advancing two levels to Double-A by the end of the year. Cueto can hit 94-95 mph with his fastball, which may be more effective when he throws it in the low 90s and achieves more sink. He likes to pound hitters inside with his fastball, then go outside with his slider, which some scouts say is his best pitch. His changeup still requires more work, as does his command. Chicago still hasn't settled on his long-term role, but he'll return to Double-A as a starter in 2002.