Jovanny Cedeno

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #8 prospect in 2002
  Injuries struck several of Texas' better pitching prospects in 2001, and no news was more devastating than that surrounding Cedeno. The Rangers had nagging concerns about his slender frame for a while, and had to shut him down after three starts at high Class A Charlotte. Doctors diagnosed a torn labrum in his shoulder that required seasonending surgery. When healthy, Cedeno dazzles with his fastball/ changeup combination. Like his idol and fellow Dominican Pedro Martinez, he gets exceptional movement on his changeup because of his large hands and fingers. Cedeno's fastball is explosive and travels into the mid-90s. He has the same love for the game that Martinez has. Still, Cedeno has pitched just 276 innings in five years as a pro. With only two options remaining, he may have to be kept in the majors before he accumulates the minor league experience he needs. He hasn't been healthy enough to develop a consistent breaking ball. Cedeno threw off a mound during instructional league and could have pitched in winter ball, but the Rangers decided to err on the side of caution. They hope he'll be ready for big league camp, though he might start this season in extended spring training. If he's healthy, Cedeno's ceiling is as high as high as any pitcher in the system.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #2 prospect in 2001
  The Rangers once worked the Dominican Republic as well as any organization, but their efforts there dropped off. The organization made a renewed push in recent years. Fernando Tatis and Ruben Mateo are the best hitters signed, while Cedeno is the most promising pitcher. Cedeno often is compared to Pedro Martinez because he's a lithe Dominican righthander with large hands that give him remarkable control of his changeup. Though Cedeno's plus fastball is his best pitch, his changeup makes him a strikeout pitcher. He finished 2000 with a seven-game winning streak during which he had 79 strikeouts in 56 innings. Cedeno needs to add strength. He had nagging injuries the last two seasons. He pitched a career-high 130 innings in 2000 but missed his final start with shoulder stiffness. Cedeno is also inconsistent with his breaking pitch. The Rangers will be careful with Cedeno, giving his body time to mature before piling innings on him. Cedeno may need at least three more full minor league seasons, which could create an option problem. He went on the 40-man roster for the first time this offseason.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked South Atlantic League #5 prospect in 2000
  Forgive the opposing managers who compared Cedeno to Pedro Martinez. They’re both Dominican; Cedeno’s statistics looks similar, albeit a few levels removed from the major leagues; and he’s a rail of a righthander with overpowering stuff, an easy motion and stunning command. "Usually guys that age don’t have a real idea how to pitch, but he does," Hagerstown manager Rolando Pino said. "He has a plan out there and most of the time he makes it work." Cedeno’s fastball is a solid plus pitch made better by an effective curveball and changeup. He can and probably will add weight, which may mean more velocity in the future. He stayed strong as the season progressed, notching 13- and 14-strikeout efforts in August.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #65 prospect in 2001

• December, 2001 Scouting Report
  Injuries struck several of Texas' better pitching prospects in 2001, and no news was more devastating than that surrounding Cedeno. The Rangers had nagging concerns about his slender frame for a while, and had to shut him down after three starts at high Class A Charlotte. Doctors diagnosed a torn labrum in his shoulder that required seasonending surgery. When healthy, Cedeno dazzles with his fastball/ changeup combination. Like his idol and fellow Dominican Pedro Martinez, he gets exceptional movement on his changeup because of his large hands and fingers. Cedeno's fastball is explosive and travels into the mid-90s. He has the same love for the game that Martinez has. Still, Cedeno has pitched just 276 innings in five years as a pro. With only two options remaining, he may have to be kept in the majors before he accumulates the minor league experience he needs. He hasn't been healthy enough to develop a consistent breaking ball. Cedeno threw off a mound during instructional league and could have pitched in winter ball, but the Rangers decided to err on the side of caution. They hope he'll be ready for big league camp, though he might start this season in extended spring training. If he's healthy, Cedeno's ceiling is as high as high as any pitcher in the system.
• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Forgive the opposing managers who compared Cedeno to Pedro Martinez. They’re both Dominican; Cedeno’s statistics looks similar, albeit a few levels removed from the major leagues; and he’s a rail of a righthander with overpowering stuff, an easy motion and stunning command. "Usually guys that age don’t have a real idea how to pitch, but he does," Hagerstown manager Rolando Pino said. "He has a plan out there and most of the time he makes it work." Cedeno’s fastball is a solid plus pitch made better by an effective curveball and changeup. He can and probably will add weight, which may mean more velocity in the future. He stayed strong as the season progressed, notching 13- and 14-strikeout efforts in August.