Greg Atencio Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Alonzo Gregory Atencio
Born 07/15/1981 in Phoenix, AZ
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 191 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Lamar CC
Drafted in the 10th round (288th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2002.

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RHP Greg Atencio's nine-inning average of 12.2 strikeouts is one of the nation's best ratios, making him the best juco prospect in Colorado.

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Atencio knew nothing but success as an amateur, winning consecutive New Mexico 5-A state titles at Albuquerque's El Dorado High before helping Lamar (Colo.) Junior College reach the 2002 Junior College World Series. At Lamar, he and the White Sox' Brandon McCarthy served as co-aces. While McCarthy excelled immediately in the minors, Atencio struggled. He got hammered in his pro debut in the short-season Northwest League, earning a demotion to the Arizona League in 2003. He led the low Class A Midwest League with 14 losses in 2004. Atencio seemed more comfortable when he moved to the bullpen full-time last season. His statistics weren't extraordinary, but his fastball jumped to 94-96 mph with heavy sink when he worked in shorter stints. Atencio also throws a slider that reaches the upper 80s, and his power two-pitch combo could take him to the majors if he can improve his command. His biggest problem is that he gets offline to the plate with his mechanics and fails to finish his pitches. He leaves fastballs above the belt too often, and move advanced hitters will punish them. He'll head to Double-A this season.