Jose Vaquedano

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #22 prospect in 2006
  Vaquedano made another successful step in his quest to become the first Honduran-born player to reach the majors. He advanced to high Class A and was the hardest starter to hit in the Carolina League, surrendering just a .219 average when he worked out of the rotation. Vaquedano misses bats more because of his ability to locate his pitches than sheer stuff. He throws an 88-91 mph fastball on a tough downward plane, setting hitters up for his deceptive changeup. His slider currently rates as below average, and his ability to refine it may be the difference between projecting him as a back-of-the-rotation starter versus a long reliever. Though Vaquedano has a skinny frame, he has been durable. He's a tough competitor who isn't afraid to challenge hitters with less-than-overpowering stuff. While the Red Sox didn't protect him on their 40-man roster this offseason, they respect what he's accomplished and he's an organization favorite. Vaquedano will have to keep proving himself, with Double-A his next test.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #28 prospect in 2005
  Trying to become the first Honduras-born player to reach the big leagues, Vaquedano gained on his main competition (Cleveland's Mariano Gomez) in 2004. While Gomez was slowed with a finger injury, Vaquedano advanced two levels while getting his first exposure to full-season ball. He dominated low Class A, then pitched just as well after getting by a rocky first month in high Class A. His changeup currently is his best pitch, as he sells it well by using the same arm speed he does with his fastball. Vaquedano's fastball stands out more for its sink than its velocity (88-90 mph), but he could throw harder because he has a quick arm and a thin, projectable build. His slider is a usable third pitch. Though Vaquedano throws strikes, he'll need to locate his fastball better to set up more advanced hitters for his changeup. He should pitch in Double-A this year.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #28 prospect in 2004
  Vaquedano is bidding to become the first player born in Honduras to reach the majors, though he'll have competition from Indians prospect Mariano Gomez. Drafted in the 35th round in 2002 after two seasons at Vernon Regional Junior College, he took a step forward last year when he moved from the bullpen to the rotation. He returned to Lowell and was named the team's pitcher of the year. Tall and lean, Vaquedano pitches down in the strike zone and gets natural sink on his 90-92 mph fastball and his changeup. He has a fluid arm action and an easy, repeatable delivery, which allow him to throw strikes. Vaquedano still needs to add strength and improve his secondary pitches. He can throw his slurvy breaking ball for strikes but it's not especially sharp. He's ready for his first taste of full-season ball and will start in low Class A this year.