Yankees Scouting Report: Manny Banuelos

Frankie Piliere is a former MLB scout and is currently a writer for AOL FanHouse. He had a chance to watch the Yankees top pitching prospect LHP Manny Banuelos this week and came away very impressed. Here is a link to his article and here is a quick recap of what he had to say:

Physical description

• Banuelos has added bulk to what was once considered a smallish frame.
• He’s athletic which helps him repeat his delivery well.
• He is right where he needs to be physically.

Mechanics

• Banuelos has “well-above-average command” thanks to “very consistent delivery.”
• He works from a three-quarter arm angle.
• He “creates a nice downward angle despite his lack of height.”
• He has problems occasionally working underneath his pitches.

Fastball

• His fastball is the biggest change from last year. It was 90-92 mph; it’s now 93-94 and occasionally works 95-96. He’s even hit up to 97 mph.
• That is considered “a true plus fastball.”
• He can “be a bit reckless with his location in the zone at times.”

Curveball

• His curveball is another significant difference between this season and last.
• “His downer curveball was a consistent plus, six pitch on the 2-8 scouting scale."
• It clocks in at 75-79 mph.
• When he keeps it down in the zone, “it’s a true swing-and-miss, above-average pitch.”

Changeup

• Banuelos’ best pitch, even after improvement with his other pitches.
• It clocks in at 78-82 mph with “big two-seam action and dead-fish drop.”
• He has enough confidence to go to it in hitter’s counts.
• “It’s a pitch that really sets him apart and will allow him to move quickly.”

Summary

• There is a very short list of left handed MLB pitchers who can throw 93 mph or better.
• His command will also further set him apart.
• His only negative may be his lack of size.
• If he can remain healthy and “keep his shorter frame in check” he is capable of being a front-of-the-rotation starter.

Click here to read Piliere’s entire article.

Related Stories

• June 22, 2010 -- The Yankees Farm System is Exciting Again
• April 12, 2010 -- Sherman: Yanks Farm System Needs to Produce Pitchers
• April 12, 2010 -- Yankees Prospect Manny Banuelos Missed Start
• March 30, 2010 -- Another Look at the Yankees Farm System