Robert Benincasa
| IP | 182 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.61 |
| WHIP | 1.275 |
| BB/9 | 3.016 |
| SO/9 | 9.94 |
- Full name Robert Benincasa
- Born 09/05/1990 in Tampa, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Florida State
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Drafted in the 7th round (234th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2012 (signed for $145,000).
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The 1,000th overall pick in 2009 out of high school, Benincasa turned down the Blue Jays to attend Florida State, unlocking some of his potential as a junior relief ace. He made seven starts the previous two seasons and has a solid 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame and clean arm action that could return him to a starting role as a pro. He has mixed in a solid-average split-changeup but generally pitches off his 90-92 mph fastball, which regularly hits 93-94 and has good sink, and his slider, an above-average pitch with late action and decent depth.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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A first-team All-America closer during his 2012 junior year at Florida State, Benincasa saved 27 games between low Class A and high A in 2013, but his stuff fell off down the stretch as he wore down physically, partially a result of poor nutritional habits. At his best, Benincasa works in the 92-94 mph range and touches 96 with slightly above-average sink, but he sat around 89-92 late in the season. At full strength, his low-80s slider has good depth and rates as a 55 pitch on the 20-80 scale, but it was not as sharp late in the year. Benincasa has a solid third pitch in his split-changeup, giving him another weapon against lefties. He is a good athlete with plenty of poise in tight spots and promising feel for pitching, giving him a chance to reach the big leagues as a middle reliever. He'll need to do a better job putting on weight--and keeping it on--for him to reach that ceiling. Benincasa figures to advance to Double-A Harrisburg in 2014 and might not be far from the majors.
Draft Prospects
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The 1,000th overall pick in 2009 out of high school, Benincasa turned down the Blue Jays to attend Florida State, unlocking some of his potential as a junior relief ace. He made seven starts the previous two seasons and has a solid 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame and clean arm action that could return him to a starting role as a pro. He has mixed in a solid-average split-changeup but generally pitches off his 90-92 mph fastball, which regularly hits 93-94 and has good sink, and his slider, an above-average pitch with late action and decent depth.
