Atlanta Braves' Prospect Profile: Randall Delgado

Randall Delgado is a 19-year-old Panamanian currently with the Atlanta Braves' A affiliate in Rome, Georgia.

The young right-hander is in his third year with the organization and has established himself as a dominant strikeout pitcher in the low-minors (with 50, 81, and 112 Ks in 45, 69, and 102 innings) with a fastball topping out around 94, curveball, and change-up.

Standing an imposing 6'3" and weighing only 165 pounds, it is safe to assume that his fastball may ramp up another mile-per-hour or so once he bulks up some more.

Delgado has received praise for advanced control at his age and should see his walk numbers (12, 35, and 45 in his first three pro seasons) go down as he gains more experience.

In the past three seasons, Delgado has put up solid numbers and is quickly establishing himself as one of the better prospects the Braves have.

In his best season so far in 2008, the No. 13 prospect in the Braves' system (by Baseball America) had a 3.13 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 81:30 K:BB rate in 69 innings while allowing five homers.

2009 hasn't been quite as smooth.

In 20 games, Randall has a 4.41 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 112:45 K:BB rate in 102 innings.

However, Delgado received some attention a week or so back from Mark Bowman and other writers when he pitched seven no-hit innings.

Leading up to that start were three in which he had posted a 1.89 ERA.

Those starts brought his '09 line back to respectability and showed that he has started to adjust to his level of competition.

Delgado should continue in his development as a big-time strikeout pitcher as his confidence, stuff, and control improve.

He has plus stuff and projects into a No. 2 or three starter at the highest.

Provided that he can keep up his pace, 2013 or 2014 may be when Delgado is donning an Atlanta Braves uniform.

Next in the Prospect Profile series: Van Pope.