Lesli Brea

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #28 prospect in 2002
  While Brea's birthdate still is officially listed as 1978, most people outside the organization acknowledge that he's at least a few years older than that. Brea himself admitted to being born in 1973 after he joined the Orioles in 2000. Now used solely in relief, Brea got off to a bad start in Triple-A last season before righting himself and earning a September callup to Baltimore. He still has a mid-90s fastball and a hard slider, two pitches that can be overpowering. His efforts to develop a third pitch, which he never picked up, have ended with his move to the bullpen. The Orioles just want him to concentrate on throwing his fastball and slider for strikes consistently. After an encouraging winter performance in his native Dominican Republic, Brea will compete for a big league bullpen job.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #23 prospect in 2001
  Another of the arms from last summer's housecleaning, Brea's relative value depends on how old you think he is. According to his listed birthdate he's 22, but other reports say he's as old as 27. He's intriguing because he has two power pitches, highlighted by a mid-90s fastball, though it lacks movement. He also throws a hard slider in the mid-80s. But he has struggled with command and has no third pitch, which means he probably needs another year or two of development. The Orioles were happy with his showing in the Arizona Fall League, though he went 1-1, 6.43 in seven innings. Time isn't a problem for someone in his early 20s, but it is for someone in his late 20s. Regardless of his age, he's best suited to a bullpen role. Because the Orioles believe he's really 27, they'll challenge him to make the big league bullpen this spring. It will be a surprise if he proves ready.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #8 prospect in 1999
  Background: Brea throws exceptionally hard for a short righthander, and his strikeout numbers have been eye-catching the past two seasons. Like his Wisconsin teammates Anderson and Meche, he was clocked as high as 97 mph last year. The Mariners are grooming him as a closer. Strengths: Start with a fastball that Mariners director of pro scouting Ken Compton calls "double plus." Brea also throws a plus slider that breaks violently late. His command of both pitches improved significantly last season. Weaknesses: Brea doesn't have a third pitch, though he may not need one. Despite the quantum leap in '98, there is still room to improve his command. The Mariners are also interested to see how Brea adjusts as he climbs and faces better hitters. The Future: Brea should be the closer at Lancaster in 1999. The Mariners think he could move pretty quickly, and with their recent bullpen history, there's certain to be a opening whenever he's ready.
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  Ranked New York Mets #7 prospect in 1999
  Background: Brea was slated to be included in the Mariners' Top 10 prospect list before being traded to the Mets for Butch Huskey. He recorded the fourth best strikeout ratio among relievers in full season minor league baseball last season, at 13.19 strikeouts per 9 innings. Strengths: Despite his short and slender build, Brea is a pure power pitcher. He throws a fastball that can reach 97 mph and regularly runs in the 93-94 mph range. He complements that with a hard slider. The Mariners were grooming Brea as a closer and he will likely assume the same role with the Mets. Weaknesses: Brea showed much improved control last year, but his command still needs plenty of work. He doesn't throw any offspeed pitches, and the Mets are sure to try to encourage him to develop one so they can expand his role in the future. The Future: Given the Mariners' history of trading away future big league players, Brea's future looks promising. He should start the season at St. Lucie.

• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Background: Brea was slated to be included in the Mariners' Top 10 prospect list before being traded to the Mets for Butch Huskey. He recorded the fourth best strikeout ratio among relievers in full season minor league baseball last season, at 13.19 strikeouts per 9 innings. Strengths: Despite his short and slender build, Brea is a pure power pitcher. He throws a fastball that can reach 97 mph and regularly runs in the 93-94 mph range. He complements that with a hard slider. The Mariners were grooming Brea as a closer and he will likely assume the same role with the Mets. Weaknesses: Brea showed much improved control last year, but his command still needs plenty of work. He doesn't throw any offspeed pitches, and the Mets are sure to try to encourage him to develop one so they can expand his role in the future. The Future: Given the Mariners' history of trading away future big league players, Brea's future looks promising. He should start the season at St. Lucie.