Julio DePaula Stats & Scouting Report

IP	20
ERA	8.55
WHIP	2
BB/9	4.5
SO/9	3.6

Full name Julio Cesar DePaula
Born 12/31/1982 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut 05/16/2007

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

When DePaula signed with the Twins, he was a smallish middle infielder. They wanted him as a pitcher, though, and he has worked hard to get stronger over eight years in the system. His one-stop-a-year approach finally paid off with a late-season big league promotion in 2007. DePaula doesn't have the breaking ball to start, but he has two above-average pitches that should make him an effective middle reliever. His low-90s fastball touches 95-96 mph and features good life down in the zone, and his changeup once rated as the best in the organization. It's still a plus pitch, and because of it, DePaula can get leftthanders out (.542 OPS last year). He has enough stuff and durability to extend his outings, with 10 of his Triple-A appearances lasting at least three innings. DePaula gets in trouble when he leaves his fastball up. His lack of confidence in his breaking ball makes him more vulnerable against righthanders. DePaula pitched in the Dominican Winter League and was expected to come to compete for a spot in the big league bullpen.
It wasn't that the Rockies didn't think highly of DePaula when they traded him to the Yankees for Dingman, a minor league reliever. They just expected more of Dingman, who pitched just seven games in Colorado before leaving as a free agent. Meanwhile, DePaula has gone 29- 12 and averaged nearly a strikeout an inning since the deal. The slight DePaula fools hitters with lightning-quick arm speed that generates 91-95 mph fastballs. He made strides last year in conserving pitches, which allowed him to work deeper into his starts. Never short on confidence, DePaula began throwing his low-80s slider and plus changeup when behind in the count. DePaula was able to channel his intensity to become more efficient on the mound. He must continue to keep his emotions in check to avoid losing control of the game. Though DePaula has been a durable strikeout artist, he might fit better as a dynamic short reliever in the majors. After being added to the 40-man roster for the first time, he'll attend his first big league camp and should open 2003 in Triple-A.
DePaula has the makings of a dominating pitcher, but whether it will be as a starter or reliever remains to be seen. After finishing fourth in the Northwest League in strikeouts in 1999, he finished second in the South Atlantic League in the same category last season. Despite his lackluster record, there were glimpses of his ability to overpower in 2000, including a no-hitter in which he hit the first batter and retired the next 27. He can reach the mid-90s with his fastball and maintain his velocity into the late innings. He's an innings eater with strain-free mechanics and an exceptional work ethic. If DePaula is going to remain a starter as he moves up the ladder, he'll need to improve his breaking ball and changeup.

Minor League Top Prospects

When the Yankees designated righthander Chris Dingman for assignment in March 2001, they found an interested taker in the Rockies. Colorado gave up DePaula to get Dingman, who since has returned to the Yankees via a trade with the Reds. Meanwhile, DePaula has blossomed into a viable starting pitcher. He has a low-90s fastball that touches 94 mph, along with a slider and a changeup. His arm action is quick, making his pitches more deceptive. DePaula made progress this year, learning how to change speeds more effectively and developing his secondary pitches. The Yankees like the way he aggressively challenges hitters.