Luis Leroy Cruz Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Luis Leroy Cruz
Born 09/10/1990 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Academia Santa Monica
Drafted in the 9th round (272nd overall) by the Houston Astros in 2008 (signed for $150,000).

View Draft Report

Were he a bit taller, lefthander Luis Cruz's draft stock might soar. As it is, Cruz is listed as 5-foot-9 but is still the best lefthander out of Puerto Rico. He may have the best stuff as well. His fastball works at 88-91 mph, touching 92 with late sink. His changeup is an above-average pitch, and his curveball shows potential with quick bite but is still inconsistent. Cruz works with clean mechanics, a loose arm and gets extension out front, but his size has scouts thinking he's a future reliever.

Top Rankings

Astros scouts flew to Puerto Rico last year to drop in on Cruz at the recommendation of part-time scout Joey Sola. A center fielder in high school, he had experimented on the mound and then pitched in a tournament, showing only a high 80s fastball. But Sola new that Cruz was fatigued from the season and had more life on his fastball than he showed. Sure enough, the Astros saw it not long after drafting him and signing him for $150,000. Despite having a small frame along the lines of J.C. Romero, Cruz is deceptive. He can buzz his fastball up to 93 mph, and it jumps on hitters. He uses a changeup that has good sink and fade as an out pitch. Though his curveball is still rudimentary, it has some tightness and good rotation. He missed the final six weeks due to a sore elbow, and because he's a crossfire delivery guy, will spend the spring making some corrections to his delivery. He will be a project but could shoot up this list if his pitches come together.