December 3, 200322 yr Belizario expected to turn heads By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- Last Spring Training, a baby-faced, then-19-year-old Venezuelan named Miguel Cabrera impressed the Marlins. Though Cabrera was considered a blue-chip prospect, few could have projected he would become a household name and a playoff hero for the Marlins after turning 20. In the upcoming Spring Training, another baby-faced Venezuelan player promises to turn heads. Lanky right-handed pitcher Ronald Belizario will get a chance to showcase his electrifying stuff in a Major League camp. For now, though, the 6-foot-2, 150-pounder is gaining more seasoning as he pitches for the Zulia Aguilas in the Venezuelan Winter League. The Marlins have high hopes for Belizario, who turns 21 on New Year's Eve. But unlike Cabrera, he is not expected to make such a meteoric rise to the Major Leagues at such an early age. Because Belizario is on the 40-man roster, he will work with the big-league club in the spring. But he isn't expected to pitch at the Major League level in 2004. "He has an extremely good arm," Marlins vice president of player development and scouting Jim Fleming said. "His stuff is excellent. He needs to improve his consistency." Like most pitchers with a 96-mph fastball, Belizario sometimes gets caught in the trap of trying to overthrow to get out of jams. Once he harnesses his command, he promises to become an effective starter. And his makeup is such that he could also relieve, if necessary. "When he has command, he is dominant at times," Fleming said. "He can go out and absolutely dominate a game. Other times, he can be all over the place. When he stays under control, he can pitch." In the highly competitive Venezuelan league, Belizario has seen limited action. The right-hander is 1-0 (4.05) in six games with two starts. He has nine strikeouts and nine walks in 13 1/3 innings. Belizario, who experienced some tenderness in his shoulder this season, relies mostly on his fastball and slider. He can spot his fastball and effectively changes speeds, ranging from 88-96 mph. A pitch that needs improvement is his changeup. Fleming notes that lower-level minor league pitchers can get batters out without a changeup, so they don't always perfect it. Belizario started the season at low Class-A Greensboro, going 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 10 games. He had 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 48 innings. He moved up to Class-A Jupiter, going 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA in six games. The Marlins anticipate him opening next season either at Jupiter or Double-A Carolina.
December 3, 200322 yr he needs some more meat on him. He needs to put some black and teal on :thumbup
December 4, 200322 yr He's just one of several good arms down on the farm. Keep your eyes peeled for Scott Olsen, Jeff Allison, Jon-Michael Nickerson, Paul Mildren and Logan Kensing. The pitchers just keep coming. We also have Hutchinson, Ungs and Holdzkom. The 06, 07 & 08 teams will have pitching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 4, 200322 yr Author and if Stokes and Hermida pan out and join Cabrera in the line-up, we'll have hitting!!!!!!!!!!
December 4, 200322 yr Don't forget about Eric Reed. He's a speedster like Pierre and he'll play for us.
December 4, 200322 yr Prospects are just that...prospects. If they were automatic, every team would be good. I remember thinking our future rotation would be anchored at the 1-2 spots with Beckett and Wes Anderson who was supposed to be right behind JB. In addition, our future outfield would be composed of Will Smith and Abe Nunez. Doesnt usually work out. :confused Doesnt mean we cant still hope though.
December 4, 200322 yr From what i Hear, Our Minors are in the 20's (Rated overall). But everyone knows theres Stacked with Great Pitching a good Hitters in those lowe levels
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