Born09/18/1985 in Sabana De La Mar, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 5'11" / Wt.: 162 / Bats: R / Throws: R
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Organization Prospect Rankings
The Brewers had every reason to believe Mieses would pitch in the major leagues in 2001. And he would have, if not for a back problem midway through the season, followed by a shoulder injury near the end that required surgery. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery by spring training or shortly thereafter. Mieses has a nasty palmball that befuddles hitters and poise on the mound. Those advantages, and the ability to put his pitches where he wants them, allow him to get away with an average fastball and curveball. When you're not an overpowering pitcher, you have to hit your spots. Hitters who lay off Mieses' palmball cause him problems. This year, doctors discovered he has a back condition that will have to be monitored regularly. If Mieses comes back from his injury, there's no reason to think he can't pitch for the Brewers in 2002. Whether he'll ever be more than an end-of-the-rotation pitcher is debatable.
Mieses has been the biggest winner in the Brewers system the past two years, going 27-9, 2.61. He pitched two seasons in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League before he was brought to the states for Rookie ball but could prove to be a real find. With a palmball that throws hitters off balance, plus an average fastball and curveball, Mieses mixes his pitches with maximum effectiveness. He has shown good poise on the mound and appears mature for his age. His solid strikeout-walk ratios are indicative of his plus command. He shelved his palmball in instructional league to concentrate on his fastball and curveball. He's not an overpowering pitcher, topping out around 89 mph, so he has to hit his spots. Most Midwest League managers felt more advanced hitters would lay off his palmball and take advantage of his other pitches. After pitching well at both Class A levels last season, Mieses probably will begin the 2001 season in Double-A. He could make it to the big leagues before the end of 2002.
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