After signing Edgar Gonzalez and Oscar Villareal out of Mexico, the Diamondbacks have another find in Lizarraga. He really blossomed in 2003, adding 10 pounds to his skinny 6-foot-4 frame before succeeding in a swing role in low Class A. He moved to the rotation for good in late July and allowed just nine runs over his final seven starts. Lizarraga always had fine command of his three-pitch repertoire and a knack for pitching beyond his years, but the extra strength helped raise his fastball from 87-89 mph to the low 90s. He occasionally hit 94. He also throws a solid slider and a changeup. Lizarraga likes to set hitters up by adding and subtracting velocity from his fastball and slider while moving the pitches around the strike zone. He followed up with a strong winter in the Mexican Pacific League. Lizarraga should move up to the rotation in Lancaster, a hitter's park that will prove a stern test. The Diamondbacks think he ultimately can end up similar to Miguel Batista.
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