Jose Ascanio

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #25 prospect in 2008
  The Cubs added another potential arm for their big league bullpen when they grabbed Ascanio from the Braves in a December deal for Will Ohman and Omar Infante. After a back injury limited him to five appearances in 2005 and character issues hampered his progress in 2006, Atlanta tried to trade Ascanio prior to last season but found no takers. He wound up making his big league debut in July and held his own in 13 games with the Braves. He showed added maturity and the potential to be a dominating reliever. He has clocked as high as 97 mph with his fastball, yet relies too heavily on the pitch at the expense of developing his breaking ball and changeup. His heater sits in the mid-90s and he commands it well. He has shown some feel for his changeup but the pitch lacks consistent depth. Ascanio probably could use some more seasoning in the upper minors, but he should contribute to the Cubs at some point in 2008.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #21 prospect in 2006
  The Braves had high expectations for Ascanio heading into 2005, but he took the mound just five times before a fracture in his lower back ended his season. The prognosis is that he'll be ready for the 2006 season, though the Braves have concerns because of the severity of the injury. Ascanio has a slight build but possesses an electric arm that produces overpowering fastballs up to 97 mph. His breaking ball and changeup have lagged behind, but he showed signs of developing a better feel for both offerings before being sidelined. Ascanio's command wasn't as consistent last year as in the past, but much of that has been attributed to his back injury. The Braves have been careful with him during his first four pro seasons by limiting his appearances and pitch counts. If he can stay healthy, Ascanio has the potential to be one of the organization's top pitching prospects.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #11 prospect in 2005
  After disciplinary issues limited him to eight games in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League during his U.S. debut in 2003, Ascanio put in a full season in 2004 and showed the ability to dominate against more experienced hitters. The Braves assigned him to extended spring training at the outset of 2004, but summoned him to low Class A in mid- April when Ricardo Rodriguez came down with shoulder tendinitis. Ascanio had no problems adapting, quickly emerging as a reliable bullpen option and pitching well until running out of gas in August. Despite his relatively small frame, he has a big arm. He reached 97 mph on several occasions with his well above-average fastball, which also features good movement. He's still trying to gain a consistent feel of his changeup and breaking ball, and Atlanta believes that will happen if he stays healthy. He already does a good job of throwing strikes. He also has a strong desire to succeed. As with Odalis Perez in the late 1990s, the Braves are trying to protect Ascanio by limiting his appearances while his maturing body catches up with his arm strength. He'll be promoted to high Class A in 2005.