Victor Garate
| IP | 2 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 22.5 |
| WHIP | 4 |
| BB/9 | 13.5 |
| SO/9 | 0 |
- Full name Victor J. Garate
- Born 09/25/1984 in Maracay, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- Debut 09/05/2009
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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After seven years with the Astros organization and just 26 appearances in full-season leagues, Garate finally experienced success in pro ball after switching organizations. The Dodgers acquired him in the Triple-A portion of the 2007 Rule 5 draft for $12,000. By mid-May he moved into the low Class A rotation, striking out 12 in one July start. He was promoted to the high Class A California League on July 22 and by the end of the season led Dodgers farmhands in ERA (2.79) and strikeouts (150). No full-season pitcher who threw more than 100 innings in 2008 exceeded Garate's average of 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Aggressive and competitive, he throws 89-92 mph, harder than he did with Houston, with good finish from a low-three-quarters delivery. His lack of athleticism leads in part to below-average command. The fastball moves in on lefthanders and his sweeping slider, while flat at times, can be effective against lefthanders. He also throws a changeup. The gutsy Garate, who spent the winter as a reliever in Venezuela, projects as a poor man's Brian Fuentes. He should move up to Double-A in 2009.
