Carlos Rivero Stats & Scouting Report

AB	13
AVG	.308
OBP	.357
SLG	.462
HR	0

Full name Carlos Luis Rivero
Born 05/20/1988 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut 08/29/2014

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Rivero failed to tap into his potential with the Indians, and the Phillies claimed him off waivers in the winter of 2010 and moved him from shortstop to third base. The Nationals got him on a waiver claim in November 2011 and he had his best pro season last year in Triple-A, resuscitating his faded prospect status. Rivero stands out for his above-average defense at the hot corner, where he has sure hands and a plus arm. He's still capable of filling in at shortstop, though he lacks the range to play the position every day. Rivero shortened up his swing in 2012 and had success peppering line drives from gap to gap. He has quick, strong hands and above-average raw power, though it doesn't play in games. He still chases too many breaking balls and likely lacks the plate discipline to be a full-time big leaguer. His defense, versatility and bat speed could make him a solid utility player. He could get his first taste of the big leagues if injuries create a need in 2013.
Rivero has shown flashes of breaking out but has yet to put it all together. After hitting .220/.290/.279 in the first half last season, he rebounded and hit .280/.340/.457 after the all-star break as Akron cruised to the Eastern League title. He also made strides at the plate in the Arizona Fall League, showing the ability to keep his bat in the zone longer. Rivero is bigger than most shortstops and showcases impressive raw power in batting practice that he's still learning to translate into game situations. He's still figuring out his swing, and he has made strides leveraging his legs better and not drifting with his hips as often, though it's still something he needs to monitor. While he's not a free swinger, Rivero can struggle to handle breaking balls. He's a reliable fielder on balls hit in his area, with soft hands and a plus arm, but he has below-average speed and lateral range, so he might ultimately end up at third base. Rivero likely will return to Double-A, and repeating the level could lead to the best offensive year of his career. The Indians protected him on their 40-man roster during the offseason.
Rivero signed for $100,000 as a 16-year-old in 2005, and he's still just tapping into his potential. The secondyoungest regular in the Carolina League in 2008, he exploded in the final month, batting .358/.413/.587 with five of his eight homers in the season's final 28 games. Rivero has plus power that's evident in batting practice, though that power has yet to manifest itself in games with much frequency. As his frame continues to fill out, his power should continue to grow. He has a sound swing that generates plenty of bat speed, and he is a good athlete. Defensively, he offers soft hands and a strong arm. While Rivero has tools, the gap between his potential and his present ability is still significant. He struggles to recognize breaking pitches, and he needs to get his hands into a better load position. He has the arm for shortstop, but 16 of his 24 errors last season came on throws. He's a below-average runner with below-average lateral range, and scouts from other clubs think a move to third base might be a better fit. If he puts everything together, some club officials believe he could become another Jhonny Peralta. Rivero will reach Double-A before he turns 21 and could join the Indians at some point in 2010.
Several clubs passed on Rivero as a 16-year-old in 2005 when the Indians signed him for $100,000. That could wind up being a bargain-basement price if Rivero's performance matches his tools. For his size, Rivero still shows good hands, range and a plus arm at short, though as he continues to fill into his body, he might have to move to third base. Rivero has big raw power and hitting ability to go with his defensive tools. His bat speed is above-average and he features an easy, fluid stroke. Rivero's ceiling will ultimately be determined by his offensive approach. Plate discipline is the first and foremost concern, as Rivero struggles to recognize breaking balls. But overall discipline and his maturity will also play a large role. Several front-office personnel and managers around the South Atlantic League dropped points from Rivero's game because he's too flashy and appears lackadaisical at times. He'll head to high Class A for 2008, where he's sure to see a steady diet of offspeed stuff.

Minor League Top Prospects

Rivero's anticipated power potential began to emerge as the CL season wore on. His average jumped from .241 in April to .358 in the final month, when he hit five of his eight homers. His power still hasn't peaked, and his gap power should begin to translate into home runs as he fills out his 6-foot-3 frame. Rivero holds his hands high in his stance and sometimes has problems getting them down into a good load position. Improving his pitch recognition will be a key to his continued development. Defensively, Rivero has soft hands and plus arm strength but needs to work on his lateral range. The Indians are confident he will remain at shortstop after he matures physically.

Best Tools List

Rated Best Defensive 3B in the International League in 2012
Rated Best Infield Arm in the Cleveland Guardians in 2010
Rated Best Infield Arm in the Cleveland Guardians in 2009

Career Transactions

3B Carlos Rivero assigned to Tiburones de La Guaira.
3B Carlos Rivero and assigned to Venezuela.
Rieleros de Aguascalientes traded 3B Carlos Rivero to Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos.