Mark Serrano Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Mark Arthur Serrano
Born 09/14/1985 in East Los Angeles, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Oral Roberts
Drafted in the 6th round (179th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2009 (signed for $25,000).

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Righthander Mark Serrano spent his first two college seasons at Cypress (Calif.) JC and his third as a swingman at Oral Roberts, going undrafted each time. He broke out as a senior in 2009, winning Summit League player and pitcher of the year honors. Serrano, who didn't move into the Golden Eagles' rotation until late March, ranked second in NCAA Division I in strikeouts per nine innings (13.8) and fifth in strikeouts (132). The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder sets up hitters with an 88-92 mph fastball and fans them with a nasty slider. His changeup, which he throws with a palmball grip, is also an effective pitch.

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Though he was eligible every year, Serrano went undrafted in two seasons at Cypress (Calif.) JC and as a junior at Oral Roberts. He took a huge leap forward in 2009, winning Summit League player and pitcher of the year honors while ranking second in NCAA Division I in strikeouts per nine innings (13.8) and sixth in whiffs (132). After signing him for $25,000 as a sixth-round pick, the Reds expected him to succeed against younger hitters, but his complete dominance was a pleasant surprise. Serrano blew through Rookie ball, then was even better for most of his stay in low Class A Dayton. He allowed two runs in three relief outings (spanning eight innings), then put together a 20-inning scoreless streak once he moved to the starting rotation. Serrano's tight slider is his best pitch. He commands it and his 89-90 mph fastball well, and he also uses a palmball grip to throw an effective changeup. In the long term, he profiles best as a reliever, a role in which his fastball could play up to give him a second plus pitch. Already 24, he'll have to prove he can succeed against hitters who are as advanced as he is, and Cincinnati will give him that chance in Double-A at some point in 2010.