Nick Pesco

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #16 prospect in 2006
  The Indians aren't afraid to spend on draft-and-follows. They gave Sean Smith $1.1 million in 2002, the same year they drafted Pesco in the 25th round. He got the same amount a year later and has established himself as one of the top righthanders in the system. Pesco struggled with his command through the first half of 2005 and his velocity varied throughout the year, forcing him to learn how to compete without his best stuff. He usually pitches at 90-94 mph, though his fastball dipped into the upper 80s at times. His changeup, the best in the system, has deceptive downward movement. His slider became an effective weapon as he added more tilt and increased power to the pitch. Consistency is his greatest challenge, and he still needs to improve his stamina. Pesco will move up a level to Double- A, where he'll anchor the staff with his close friend and top prospect Adam Miller.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #9 prospect in 2005
  In 2002, the Indians signed righthander Sean Smith for $1.1 million as a draft-and-follow out of Sacramento City College. A year later, they went back to the same northern California juco conference and spent the same amount on another draft-and-follow, Pesco. While Smith had elbow problems in 2004, Pesco had a strong first full season. He is armed with a four-pitch repertoire, including the most effective changeup in the organization. His extra-large frame and heavy, boring 90-94 mph fastball on a downhill plane elicit comparisons to Jason Davis. Pesco made strides with his slider and curveball last season, though both pitches have yet to reach their projections yet. He has the makings of a good, clean delivery, but he needs to continue working on staying over the rubber to create better overall balance. The Indians' pitching depth affords them the luxury of not needing to rush Pesco. His second trip to high Class A could be short-lived, with a quick promotion back to Double-A very possible.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #11 prospect in 2004
  After taking Pesco as a 25th-round draft-and-follow in 2002, the Indians watched him blossom into a potential first-rounder as a Cosumnes River sophomore last spring. They signed him in May for $1.1 million, and he finished second to teammate Rafael Perez in the Appalachian League ERA race in his pro debut. A big, strong righthander who has been compared to Jason Davis, Pesco throws a 91-94 mph fastball on a good downward plane. He also has a 12-to-6 power curveball and slider, yet his best pitch may be his changeup. He's durable and has good command within the strike zone. Cleveland has made minor adjustments to Pesco's mechanics, and he needs to maintain his lengthened stride. He also must learn how to attack hitters, and the weapons to do so are there. Pesco should be a draft-and-follow signing in the tradition of Jason Davis in 2000 and Sean Smith in 2002. He will join Adam Miller in anchoring what should be another powerhouse rotation at Lake County in 2004.