Luis Rivera

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #19 prospect in 2002
  When the Orioles got their rebuilding effort into full gear midway through the 2000 season, just about every prospect they brought in when they traded veterans came with significant question marks. With Rivera, whose live arm is unmistakable, the troublesome issue is his health. Doubts loom larger than ever after he missed the 2001 season with his most serious arm trouble to date. Blisters bothered him throughout his years with the Braves, and he was shut down after nine innings following the trade because of a tired arm. He worked in the mid-90s in the winter Mexican Pacific League after the 2000 season, but he wasn't able to throw with his usual fluid delivery in spring training, when an MRI revealed a torn labrum in his shoulder. If healthy, Rivera has one of the better fastballs in the minors, with plus velocity and good movement. Baltimore had positive reports on him from Mexico this winter, though he saw little game action. He has a hard breaking ball and an aggressive approach suited for a bullpen job. That's probably where he'll end up anyway, as he never has pitched more than 100 innings despite being a starter throughout his career. The Orioles just would like to see him pitch, as many in the organization still haven't seen him firsthand.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #5 prospect in 2001
  Rivera was the best prospect the Orioles brought in during their midseason housecleaning. They got him in the deal that sent B.J. Surhoff to Atlanta. Rivera was the top prospect in the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 1997 but has battled injury problems ever since. Rivera has dominant stuff and one of the hardest fastballs in the minors, getting it up to 98 mph with good movement. He has a loose, mechanically sound delivery and an aggressive approach. He also has the makings of a good breaking ball, alternately described as a curve or a slider. The Orioles don't know what to think about Rivera because they haven't seen him pitch much. He worked just eight innings after the trade before getting shut down with a tired arm. Persistent blisters on his pitching hand have also been a problem, though the Orioles say Rivera will be ready for spring training. The club is taking a cautious approach, with good reason. Though Rivera has been bothered by injuries, none has been serious yet. If he's really sound, he could contribute in Baltimore in 2001.
• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #5 prospect in 2000
  Background: Rivera continues to blow away batters when healthy. The Appalachian League's top prospect in 1997, Rivera battled a back injury in 1998 and struggled with a recurring blister problem on his right index finger in 1999. He dominated down the stretch after moving out of the bullpen and into the rotation. During a pair of six-inning starts in the playoffs, Rivera won both games while striking out 23 without allowing an earned run. Strengths: Rivera is a power pitcher with one of the hardest fastballs in the minors, a pitch that has been clocked as high as 98 mph. The pitch features excellent movement, thanks to his near-perfect delivery and loose body. Rivera is a dogged competitor who has worked hard to improve his curveball. Weaknesses: Rivera's inability to avoid blisters on his index finger is a concern. It may force the Braves to move him back to bullpen. His changeup and physical strength could also stand some improvement. The Future: Rivera will make the climb to the Greenville rotation in 2000.
• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #4 prospect in 1999
  Background: The Appalachian League's top prospect in 1997, Rivera endured an adjustment year last season. After returning from a back injury early in the campaign, Rivera discovered some batters can hit his 98-mph fastball. He still averaged 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings while surrendering just 7.6 hits. Strengths: Rivera throws gas. His loose body and fluid motion generate incredible velocity with good movement on his pitches. When he mixes in his plus changeup and keeps hitters off-balance, Rivera can be virtually unhittable. His control is superb. Weaknesses: Rivera sometimes becomes enamored with his fastball and shuns his other two pitches. How quickly he moves up the organizational ladder will be determined by how consistent he can become with the command of his changeup and curveball. Rivera also needs to continue improving his physical strength. The Future: Rivera's learning process will continue at either Class A Myrtle Beach or Greenville. The Braves believe he is on the verge of moving up the ladder fast.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #51 prospect in 2000
• Ranked Baseball America's #71 prospect in 1999
• Ranked Baseball America's #44 prospect in 1998

• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Background: The Appalachian League's top prospect in 1997, Rivera endured an adjustment year last season. After returning from a back injury early in the campaign, Rivera discovered some batters can hit his 98-mph fastball. He still averaged 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings while surrendering just 7.6 hits. Strengths: Rivera throws gas. His loose body and fluid motion generate incredible velocity with good movement on his pitches. When he mixes in his plus changeup and keeps hitters off-balance, Rivera can be virtually unhittable. His control is superb. Weaknesses: Rivera sometimes becomes enamored with his fastball and shuns his other two pitches. How quickly he moves up the organizational ladder will be determined by how consistent he can become with the command of his changeup and curveball. Rivera also needs to continue improving his physical strength. The Future: Rivera's learning process will continue at either Class A Myrtle Beach or Greenville. The Braves believe he is on the verge of moving up the ladder fast.