Yoel Hernandez Stats & Scouting Report

IP	15
ERA	5.4
WHIP	1.4
BB/9	.6
SO/9	7.8

Full name Yoel Alejandro Hernandez
Born 04/15/1980 in Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut 05/05/2007

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Not to be confused with the standout Cuban hurdler of the same name, Hernandez could find his way to Philadelphia in 2006. He succeeded in the lower levels with precise location of fringe-average stuff but became more hittable as he advanced through the system. Hernandez moved to the bullpen in 2003 and started paring down his repertoire. The short stints also allowed his fastball to reach 90-92 mph after previously sitting in the upper 80s. He was progressing nicely in 2004 before elbow and shoulder problems ended his season in early August. Hernandez didn't immediately regain his strength and velocity, so he started in high Class A in 2005. By the end of May he had worked his way to Triple-A, where he effectively mixed his fastball with a plus slider out of the bullpen. Hernandez' ceiling isn't high, but he should make his big league debut this year, though he might begin the season in Triple-A.
Like many pitchers in the Philadelphia system, Hernandez has a tall, slender frame. Unlike the others, he doesn't possess a plus pitch or the same ceiling. Using an 86-88 mph fastball and a curveball, changeup and sinker, he makes his living through precision. He can throw any pitch to any location in any count. His command is an asset, but because he's always around the plate Hernandez has been very hittable. He led the Florida State League in losses last year, but threw better than that stat suggests. Hernandez has shown the ability to be a workhorse, topping the FSL in innings pitched after a full winter's work in Venezuela. He'll pitch in the Double-A rotation this year.
It's silly to read too much into Rookie-level Gulf Coast League statistics, but the Phillies were eager to see Hernandez face full-season league competition after he claimed the GCL's ERA title in 2000. Pitching with savvy beyond his youth, he took advantage of the comfortable pitching conditions at Lakewood's new GPU Energy Park. Hernandez displays an advanced feel for changing speeds and commands three pitches for strikes. He locates his 90-92 mph sinker efficiently and mixes in a late-breaking curveball and good changeup. He'll throw any of his offerings in any situation. He's aggressive with his fastball on the inner half of the plate. Hernandez hit 18 batters last year, a number the Phillies like to see. He doesn't own overpowering velocity, so he'll have to continue to be fine with his command and control. He could afford to add some weight, but he proved his stamina by logging 160 innings after spending the winter pitching in Venezuela. Hernandez will spend another winter pitching in his homeland and then start the 2002 season in high Class A. He projects as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
One of the most pleasant surprises in the organization last year, Hernandez made his U.S. debut an overwhelming success by winning the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League's ERA title and recognition as the circuit's No. 6 prospect. The Phillies would have been happy if the teenager kept his head above water during his pro debut, but instead they came away raving about his advanced feel for pitching. Hernandez already demonstrates the ability to locate four quality pitches: a projectable 89-92 mph fastball, a good curveball and changeup, and a developing slider. After his encouraging effort in the GCL, he continued to show his poise and pitchability by competing in the Venezuelan Winter League. Hernandez has shown that he's more than capable of handling the challenge of a promotion to the full-season South Atlantic League this year.