R.J. Alvarez moving into 66ers starting rotation

[Chuck]

Good to hear, as he has a solid fastball/slider combo and a developing offspeed pitch.

 

In his debut, he fanned 5 over 2 2/3 innings, giving up just 1 hit, 1 run and no walks. 

 

If you missed it, here's our scouting report and interview we did with him ....

 

 

 

 

Interview Conducted by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer

Alvarez went 9-7 with a 5.17 ERA as a starter in his first two seasons at Florida Atlantic, but shined in the Cape Cod League as a reliever and the Angels were watching as they started R.J.'s professional career in the Orem Owlz bullpen where he posted a 0.53 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 34 innings.

 

Opposing hitters have to face Alvarez's high effort delivery which causes deception to go along with a 95-97 MPH fastball, clocked as high as 100 MPH. Alvarez slider is a true knockout punch to go along with his heater. Alvarez has a changeup, but he didn't use it with the Owlz and may never since he's expected to remain in the bullpen. Alvarez throws across his body and at times it can affects his command.

 

The Angels sent Alvarez to the Inland Empire 66ers in an effort to move him quickly. So far he's rewarded them with a 3.12 ERA, striking out 24 over 17 1/3 innings, while limiting opposing hitters to a .190 BAA. 

 

Check out our recent chat with R.J. Alvarez

 

 

 

[SoWhat]

Upper 90's Fastball, second best pitch is a Slider, throws across his body. This sounds a bit familiar

[Scott34]

To clarify: it's still unclear if he's going to stay in the rotation long-term. Would be awfully exciting, though.

[Tank]

He looks like Speizio.

[jshep]

Interesting, but I don't know about this amounting to anything.

 

He's got an awfully reliever-y delivery. And his command is pretty shaky thusfar even out of the pen.

[Second Base]

It might be jumping the gun a bit to say he's moving to the rotation.  You'll notice the 66ers used Arenas and Jimenez, normally two starters, to finish the game as relievers.  I think this is probably one of those one time things.  I can't imagine that delivery working in the least bit across more than 2-3 innings.  No arm could withstand that every 5 days.  

[ettin]

Interesting, but I don't know about this amounting to anything.

 

He's got an awfully reliever-y delivery. And his command is pretty shaky thusfar even out of the pen.

 

Yeah I think with the big league club pitching woes there is too much being read into this. I applaud the front office for trying a lot of our Minor league arms out in starter roles to see if they stick but this is a case of "I'll believe it when I see it".

[Angel Oracle]

He definately fits long term as a late innings specialist.     He can still use the change on occasion in the pen.

 

Remember that K-Rod started off as a starter; and then converted to the pen after 2001, after which the rest is history.