Prospect Profile: Radhames Liz P Baltimore Orioles
-Dexter Sports
3:14 PM
Radhames Liz has seen his ups and downs in his short minor league career. He has been a part of two no hitters, one on his lonesome for the class A Fredrick Keys. Times only got better as Lyz was named the Orioles minor league pitcher of the year in 2007
and hitters continued to struggle against him. The Orioles, just looking for a start in a horrific season, called up Liz to give him a look after a great season in AA Bowie. In the august call up, Liz went 0-3 with a 6.93 ERA , striking out 23 in the meantime walking 25. Liz's struggles made it evident that the youngster was rushing and still adapting to major league hitters.
Liz has a plus fastball that ranges anywhere from 94-97 MPH with a devastating curve ball and great change when he controls them. His control has been a big issue, and in order to address it the orioles have shortened up liz's windup to give him better control. The results have looked good, as Liz continues to throw more strikes. Liz ranked second in the eastern league in strikeouts last year with 161. Liz has been often compared to converted reliever Carlos Marmol, and when it comes down to it, the Orioles will soon have to make a decision whether he is more valuable as a reliever or starter in this league. Liz is currently starting for the AAA Norfolk Tides.
My Projection: I see Liz getting one more run at the starting rotation, either as a replacement for Jim Johnson, who is filling in for the injured Adam Loewen or when the Orioles actually replace Daniel Cabrera. If the orioles are out of contention by July, then we can expect to see Liz no matter what the cost. I ultimately think Liz's best value is as a closer or set up man. If he could harness his pitch control, then the sky is the limit and it would be really tough to face this right hander. This could also become an option if the Orioles trade away George Sherrill or anyone in the pen.
3:14 PM
Radhames Liz has seen his ups and downs in his short minor league career. He has been a part of two no hitters, one on his lonesome for the class A Fredrick Keys. Times only got better as Lyz was named the Orioles minor league pitcher of the year in 2007
and hitters continued to struggle against him. The Orioles, just looking for a start in a horrific season, called up Liz to give him a look after a great season in AA Bowie. In the august call up, Liz went 0-3 with a 6.93 ERA , striking out 23 in the meantime walking 25. Liz's struggles made it evident that the youngster was rushing and still adapting to major league hitters.Liz has a plus fastball that ranges anywhere from 94-97 MPH with a devastating curve ball and great change when he controls them. His control has been a big issue, and in order to address it the orioles have shortened up liz's windup to give him better control. The results have looked good, as Liz continues to throw more strikes. Liz ranked second in the eastern league in strikeouts last year with 161. Liz has been often compared to converted reliever Carlos Marmol, and when it comes down to it, the Orioles will soon have to make a decision whether he is more valuable as a reliever or starter in this league. Liz is currently starting for the AAA Norfolk Tides.
My Projection: I see Liz getting one more run at the starting rotation, either as a replacement for Jim Johnson, who is filling in for the injured Adam Loewen or when the Orioles actually replace Daniel Cabrera. If the orioles are out of contention by July, then we can expect to see Liz no matter what the cost. I ultimately think Liz's best value is as a closer or set up man. If he could harness his pitch control, then the sky is the limit and it would be really tough to face this right hander. This could also become an option if the Orioles trade away George Sherrill or anyone in the pen.
