Adrian Hernandez
| IP | 44 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 6.545 |
| WHIP | 1.705 |
| BB/9 | 6.136 |
| SO/9 | 6.75 |
- Full name Adrian R. Hernandez
- Born 03/25/1975 in Havana, Cuba
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 04/21/2001
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
He earned the nickname "El Duquecito" for similarities to countryman Orlando Hernandez (no relation), but Adrian needs to develop a style of his own. While he's provided glimpses of a pitcher worthy of the four-year, $4 million contract he signed in 2000, his 5.39 ERA in Triple-A illustrates his inconsistency. He tries to get too fancy at times, varying his arm angle and speed, but he tends to nibble when he does that. When he employs a more traditional delivery and stays at a three-quarters release, Hernandez challenges hitters with a 90-93 mph fastball with arm-side movement. He has yet to come up with an effective weapon against lefties, who have hit .303 against him at Columbus. His curveball, slider and changeup are average pitches, and he lacks a true out pitch. The revelation that he was more than four years older than previously believed didn't help his prospect status. Hernandez was outrighted from the 40-man roster and will have to battle for a bullpen spot in 2003. -
The Yankees signed Hernandez to a four-year, $4 million contract in 2000 after the Cuban defector sneaked on a flight to Costa Rica and trained for scouts in Guatemala. Two years into his career, El Duquecito has attracted more attention for his likeness to his mentor Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez (no relation), than for his performance. Adrian made his big league debut last year, but drew the ire of Roger Clemens when he missed a start due to illness. Like El Duque, Hernandez can be effective when his fastball is in the mid-80s or the low 90s because he alters his delivery and comes at hitters from all arm angles. All of his stuff has good movement and he throws a variety of breaking pitches, making it difficult for batters to get locked in. Hernandez needs to improve his changeup, especially to combat lefthanders, who hit .300 off him last year. He lacks a true out pitch, which might limit him to the bullpen or a swingman role. He could start 2002 in the big leagues or in Triple-A depending on how he performs in spring training. -
Though initial reports claimed Hernandez defected from Cuba disguised as a woman, he insists his escape was far less dramatic. What is certain is that he signed a four-year, $4 million major league contract in June. He reached Triple-A before a sprained ligament in his left knee ended his season. Hernandez' delivery resembles that of fellow Cuban Orlando Hernandez (no relation), which is why he earned the nickname El Duquecito. He throws a variety of pitches (sinker, cutter, curveball, slider, changeup) from a variety of arm angles, and his delivery and the life on his pitches make him difficult to hit. He can reach 92-93 mph when needed. Like Orlando Hernandez before him, Adrian needs to refine his changeup to combat lefthanders. They hit .250 against him with a walk for every four at-bats, while righties batted .209 with a walk for every 14 ABs. The Yankees will give Hernandez the opportunity to win the fifth spot in their rotation in spring training.
