Victor Prieto

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #22 prospect in 2004
  Prieto took a huge leap forward in his first U.S. season, then fell back in 2003. One of many intriguing prospects signed out of Venezuela by former Marlins scout Miguel Garcia, Prieto struggled with his command and went winless at Jamestown. He still has a big arm and quick arm action. He fires his heavy fastball at 94-97 mph with an outstanding 12-to-6 curveball and the makings of a plus changeup, though he doesn't use it as much as Florida officials would like. He's quiet and hard to read, even for fellow Spanish speakers. Prieto has a tendency to overthrow and tries to do too much on the mound. He can be too aggressive at times. With his thin frame that borders on being frail, Prieto's health must be monitored closely. He has been shut down several times in the past with a tired arm and a sore shoulder, and he needs to add more strength. Though extremely raw, Prieto's high ceiling should buy him plenty of developmental time. He's not ready for full-season ball yet.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #18 prospect in 2003
  One of many intriguing prospects signed out of Venezuela by former Marlins scout Miguel Garcia, Prieto took a huge leap forward in his first U.S. season. After posting two strong years in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League, Prieto showed a classic delivery and quick arm action last year in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He was dominant after he got over a bout with shoulder soreness. The ball jumps out of his hand and he touches 95 mph with good movement. He needs to choose between a hard curveball and a slider, both of which have severe tilt, and he has the makings of an outstanding changeup. He has a tendency to overthrow at times. With Prieto's frame, thin almost to the point of being frail, his health must be monitored carefully. He was shut down a couple of times with a tired arm and needs to add more strength. He likely will start 2003 in extended spring training, followed by his first taste of short-season Jamestown. While Prieto is still raw, his ceiling is high.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #12 prospect in 2002
  With Prieto, it's all about throwing strikes. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he has a solid pitcher’s build, and he goes right at hitters with a moving, two-seam fastball that registers 92-93 mph. He also has the makings of an outstanding curveball and a slider with late, quick tilt. His changeup continues to evolve. "He has outstanding stuff and can be overpowering when he gets his pitches in the strike zone consistently, but he has a tendency to be wild," Skeels said. "He could blow through the minors in a hurry if it all comes together for him."

• December, 2001 Scouting Report
  With Prieto, it's all about throwing strikes. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he has a solid pitcher’s build, and he goes right at hitters with a moving, two-seam fastball that registers 92-93 mph. He also has the makings of an outstanding curveball and a slider with late, quick tilt. His changeup continues to evolve. "He has outstanding stuff and can be overpowering when he gets his pitches in the strike zone consistently, but he has a tendency to be wild," Skeels said. "He could blow through the minors in a hurry if it all comes together for him."