| IP | 10.2 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.22 |
| WHIP | 1.31 |
| BB/9 | 3.38 |
| SO/9 | 6.75 |
- Full name Gregory Alexander Infante
- Born 07/10/1987 in Caracas, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 09/07/2010
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Infante impressed former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen by making five scoreless appearances during a September 2010 big league cameo, but never got a big league look last season. In fact he opened 2011 in Double-A, where he allowed just one run (unearned) in 12 appearances before spending the rest of the year in Triple-A. Infante's fastball averaged 96 mph when he was in Chicago, and that was no illusion. He pitches at 94-98 mph but still seeks reliable secondary pitches and command to go with his heat. He has a hard slider that gets groundballs when it's on but tends to be slurvy. He also has a mid-80s changeup that he used more when the White Sox tried to develop him as a starter. He leaves too many pitches up in the strike zone, which is why he doesn't dominate as much as his sheer velocity might indicate he should. After spending the winter pitching in Venezuela, Infante will get a chance to pitch for a major league job in spring training. -
Nearly 19 when he signed in 2006, Infante was old for a Latin American prospect entering pro ball. In his first four pro seasons, primarily as a starter, Infante lacked consistency and developed blisters late in games. The White Sox decided to try him as a full-time reliever in 2010, and he shot from high Class A to the the big leagues. He didn't allow a run in five September appearances for Chicago. Infante can light up a radar gun as much as anyone in the system, working at 94-98 mph and capable of breaking triple digits, though he doesn't always know where his fastball is going. His secondary pitches need work, but he does have a power curveball that can buckle knees when it's on. He also has a mid-80s changeup, though he doesn't need it much in relief. He gets a lot of groundballs and didn't allow a home run in 2010. Infante could push to make the White Sox with a strong spring training. He has pitched just 31 innings above Class A and none in Triple-A, so he might be better off with some time in Charlotte. His raw power stuff gives him a ceiling as a closer, though his ultimate role will depend on how much command he develops. -
Infante didn't sign out of Venezuela until he was 18 years old, and his career moved slowly until he started putting things together when he repeated the Rookie-level Appalachian League last season. He had control problems at every stop, including an assignment to low Class A at the start of 2008, but he suddenly started throwing strikes when he returned to Bristol in the summer. Infante's biggest problem was overthrowing, something he doesn't need to do. His arm strength and clean delivery allow him to range from 89-95 with his fastball, and he usually sits at 91-93. He maintains his velocity deep into starts. His 74-79 mph downer curveball is a solid second offering but he has yet to show much mastery of his changeup. Now Infante must build on his breakthough when he gets a second chance at Kannapolis in 2009. He could be a No. 3 starter if he maximizes his potential, though he's a long way off.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The first player on this list to reach the major leagues, Infante joined a depleted White Sox bullpen in September. He didn't allow a run in five apperances. Infante's fastball separates him from other relief prospects. He throws a consistent 94-98 mph and can reach triple digits. He also has a power curveball that's a plus pitch at times, and can mix in a mid-80s changeup if hitters are sitting on hard stuff. He still needs to improve his control and the consistency of his secondary pitches, but Infante has closer's stuff. He didn't allow a home run all year in the minors or majors. -
Infante got a later start to his career than most international free agents, signing with the White Sox as an 18-year-old in 2006 and turning 19 while pitching in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League that summer. He posted an ugly 8.61 ERA in the VSL, and followed up by going 2-3, 4.01 with 23 walks in 34 innings in the Appy League in 2007. Infante showed the same wildness in an assignment to low Class A Kannapolis this May, but he finally hit his stride in a return engagement in Bristol. Though he's already 21, Infante's arm strength and clean delivery are difficult to ignore. His fastball ranges from 89-95 mph and sits at 92-93. While his command comes and goes, he holds his velocity late into his starts. He also throws a hard 74-79 mph downer curveball that functions as his out pitch. Because he tends to overthrow everything now, he lacks feel for a changeup. But if he develops that pitch and improves his command, he could become a No. 3 starter.
