Edward Mujica Stats & Scouting Report

IP	553
ERA	3.922
WHIP	1.177
BB/9	1.448
SO/9	6.998

Full name Edward Jose Mujica
Born 05/10/1984 in Valencia, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Virgen De La Chiquinquira
Debut 06/21/2006

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Organization Prospect Rankings

Another of former international scouting director Rene Gayo's finds, Mujica signed for $30,000 in 2001. He strained his elbow during his debut in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League, but it didn't cost him much development time. Used primarily as a starter during his first two years in the United States, he took off after becoming a full-time closer in 2005. He hasn't posted an ERA higher than 2.95 at any of his stops since--including 10 appearances with Cleveland in 2006. He didn't allow an earned run until June 24 last year, a span of 382⁄3 innings. Mujica works quickly and aggressively, pounding the strike zone with a 92-95 mph fastball. He's still fine-tuning his secondary pitches, however. His 86-87 mph slider regressed in 2006, as he had trouble finding a consistent release point, leading it to flatten out. He has added a splitter that has the makings of a plus pitch, but it still needs work. With the Indians rebuilding their bullpen, Mujica could play a significant role in 2007 if he finds better command of his complementary pitches.
Mujica's pro career got off to an inauspicious start when he strained his elbow during his 2002 debut in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League. He didn't miss much time, however, and he took off last year when the Indians made him a full-time closer. He led the system with 24 regular-season saves and recorded four more in the Eastern League playoffs. Mujica brings power stuff with a 93-94 mph fastball and an 86-87 mph slider. He goes right after hitters, and the Indians rave about his fearlessness and short memory. His control is remarkable, as he issued just seven walks in 60 innings last season. He needs to be more effective against lefthanders, who hit .309 against him in Double-A, and coming up with an offspeed pitch might do the trick. Mujica will have a chance to close in Triple-A this year, putting him on the doorstep to Cleveland, an unlikely scenario just two years back.