Jaime Cerda
| IP | 122 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.279 |
| WHIP | 1.566 |
| BB/9 | 5.533 |
| SO/9 | 6.713 |
- Full name Jaime Magana Cerda
- Born 10/26/1978 in Fresno, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Fresno City College
- Debut 06/28/2002
- Drafted in the 23rd round (694th overall) by the New York Mets in 1998.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Cerda had his original contract voided when the Mets discovered that he needed Tommy John surgery. He signed a new deal five days later and made his pro debut in 2000. After allowing one earned run in 21 Triple- A innings to lower his career minor league ERA to 1.35, Cerda was effective in his big league debut. Cerda has a deceptive delivery and gets ahead in the count with his fearless approach. He does an excellent job of working both sides of the plate with his 89-91 mph sinker. Cerda can cut his fastball to lock up righthanders, who hit just .204 against him in the majors. Because he's not overpowering, Cerda needs to become more consistent with the fade on his changeup and the command of his breaking ball. While he has moved rapidly through the organization, he must continue to make adjustments as major league hitters become more familiar with him. Cerda is a leading candidate to fill one of the lefty roles in the New York bullpen in 2003. -
Cerda signed as a draft-and-follow in 1999, only to have his original contract voided because of an injury. He re-signed with the Mets and didn't make his pro debut until 2000, posting a 1.27 career ERA and reaching Triple-A. He succeeds with a deceptive delivery and consistency in throwing strikes. Fearless on the mound, he goes right after hitters and uses both sides of the plate. The lefty has an average fastball in the 90 mph range with good movement, along with a decent repertoire of secondary pitches. After rising as rapidly as he did, Cerda must continue to be consistent at higher levels against more experienced hitters. Because his game is more finesse than overpowering, he needs to upgrade his changeup and breaking ball. While Cerda is being penciled in for the Norfolk bullpen in 2002, he could make his major league debut should the need arise in New York. John Franco is the only lefty reliever guaranteed to have a job with the Mets.
