- Full name Omar Ortiz
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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One of San Diego's six first-round picks from 1999, Ortiz has had little success since he was promoted to Class A six outings into his pro career. He has gone 6-12, 6.05 at that level, totally puzzling the Padres. Ortiz can touch 95 mph with his fastball, and his slider and changeup are solid average pitches. His work ethic draws praise as well. But he has an inconsistent release point, which hampers his ability to throw strikes. And once Ortiz falls behind in the count, he tends to just lay the ball over the heart of the plate. Lefthanders enjoy facing him, batting .343 with nine homers in 181 at-bats last year. He'll head back to the California League, where he lost his last six decisions in 2000, and try to get himself straightened out.