Juan Carlos Oviedo
| IP | 388 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.291 |
| WHIP | 1.327 |
| BB/9 | 3.085 |
| SO/9 | 7.284 |
- Full name Juan Carlos Oviedo
- Born 03/15/1982 in Bonao, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 05/09/2005
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After trading for John Buck and Justin Huber in 2004, the Royals had no need for Benito Santiago, whom they signed to a two-year contract before the season. So they traded Santiago to the Pirates for Nunez, who has been called "Little Pedro" because of his physical resemblance to fellow Dominican Pedro Martinez. Scouts say he's a closer match for another Dominican, Julian Tavarez. Nunez has a live arm, throwing 92-94 mph and reaching 97. Strictly a fastball pitcher when he signed, he since has developed a curveball and slider. Though he's not very big, he generates his heat with very little effort. He could stand to add some weight, though his velocity and stamina haven't been problems to this point. He'll go through periods where he has trouble finding the strike zone, but for the most part Nunez has shown good command. Nunez is still quite raw but has shown consistent improvement. His ability to refine a usable changeup will determine whether he can stay in the rotation or will be better suited for the bullpen. He'll make his Royals debut in high Class A. -
After he showed a live arm and a plus-plus fastball in the Gulf Coast League in 2002, the Pirates jumped Nunez to low Class A last season. That proved more than he could handle, but he recovered nicely with a fine showing at Williamsport. Despite a lithe frame, Nunez routinely runs his fastball up to 95 mph. He's reminiscent of another smallish Dominican pitcher, Pedro Martinez. Nunez' other pitches are still in the rudimentary stages, though he made progress with his curveball and changeup in 2003. He felt some elbow pain late in the year and his slight build leads to concerns about his long-term stamina. Nunez will remain a starter for the foreseeable future because the Pirates want him to develop his secondary pitches. However, his long-term role may be as a reliever because of the durability concerns. With his lively fastball, Nunez looks like a pitcher who could close if he can command at least one other pitch. He'll get another crack at Hickory this season, but the Pirates see no need to rush him. -
Nunez burst onto the scene in 2000, going 5-3, 2.19 in 14 starts in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League after signing that February. He was slow to adjust to the United States in 2001 and repeated the Gulf Coast League last year. Nunez throws hard, his fastball topping out at 96 mph and averaging 94. He has a smooth delivery and the ball appears to jump out of his hand as it gets on top of hitters in a hurry. Nunez has the potential to throw even harder once his body matures, but he needs to get over his reluctance to throw anything but his fastball. The Pirates want him to learn a breaking pitch and changeup but he's hesitant. Nunez obviously will need to add at least one more pitch and gain strength. His command has been impressive, though it remains to be seen how well he'll throw his secondary pitches for strikes. It's not out of the question that Nunez will stay in extended spring this year before reporting to short-season ball in June.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Nunez showed amazing arm strength for a pitcher who tipped the scales at a slight 155 pounds. He was clocked consistently and at 93-94 mph, topping out at 96. He should throw even harder as he gets stronger. Nunez had excellent command, particularly with his fastball, and walked just five hitters in 60 innings. He flashed a nasty slider but his secondary pitches were erratic. Managers liked his poise and his willingness to challenge hitters.
