D.J. Carrasco

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Kansas City Royals #23 prospect in 2003
  Carrasco came out of nowhere to emerge as a prospect in 2002, leading the Carolina League with 29 saves and 55 appearances. The Royals liked what they saw of Carrasco in the Carolina-California League midseason all-star game and followed him throughout the year. His strong numbers in the Arizona Fall and Mexican Pacific leagues during the offseason clinched the team's decision to grab him in the major league Rule 5 draft. Carrasco was a position player at Pima CC and didn't take it well when the coaching staff moved him to the mound. That attitude contributed to Carrasco being released by the Orioles and Indians earlier in his career. Though he will turn 26 as the 2003 season opens and has thrown just 20 innings above high Class A, the Royals believe Carrasco is finally getting the hang of pitching. His best pitch is a plus slider that was considered the best in the Pittsburgh system. His fastball sits at 91-93 mph. Carrasco has solid command of both pitches, and he can drop down and throw them from a sidearm slot to freeze hitters in two-strike counts. He's ticketed to open the season in the Kansas City bullpen, which already is crowded with young arms.