Drafted in the 17th round (504th overall) by the San Diego Padres in 2009 (signed for $200,000).
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Reyes has been a bit of an enigma for scouts. He burst onto the scene as a freshman and was the Most Outstanding Player in the College World Series in 2007, the second of Oregon State's back to back national championships. He hasn't matched that success or competitiveness since. While his 3.80 ERA this year looks a lot better than the 7.08 he posted last year, he's been inconsistent and scouts aren't sure what to make of him. On top of that, he's represented by Scott Boras Corp., which adds another piece to the puzzle. Reyes has been sitting 90-91 mph with his fastball this year, touching 93. He has an average slider, but lacks a third pitch, meaning some scouts have him projected to end up in the bullpen. Despite spending 11 days in jail last year for his involvement in some backyard, rifle-related mischief, scouts like Reyes' makeup. He's regarded as a good kid from a good family, but they believe there are similar pitchers out there that won't command "Boras money" and could see him ending up back at school next year.
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Reyes defined inconsistency during his three seasons at Oregon State. As a freshman in 2007, he was the Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series as the Beavers won their second straight national title. His sophomore year was a disaster, as he posted a 7.08 ERA and was arrested for reckless endangerment after he and two teammates unlawfully discharged a rifle during a target-shooting incident. Last spring, Reyes went 6-2, 4.20 and fell to the 17th round of the draft because of his track record and his choice of Scott Boras as an agent. In some ways, Reyes' situation mirrors that of Wynn Pelzer, a Boras client whom San Diego drafted in the ninth round in 2007. Both pitchers used a strong Cape Cod League showing to persuade the Padres to dole out an above-slot bonus. Reyes signed at the Aug. 17 deadline for $200,000. Reyes' stuff is firm, headlined by a 90-91 mph sinker that touches 94. He mixes in a plus slider but lacks a third pitch. His command looked better this summer than it had at any time since his freshman year. He turned in three strong starts at Eugene after signing, paving the way for the jump to low Class A next year. He'll be developed as a starter, but his repertoire may fit better in the bullpen.
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