Onan Masaoka

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #9 prospect in 1999
  Background: After facing low-caliber high school competition in Hawaii, Masaoka has made rapid adjustments as a professional. He was moving quickly through the system until hitting a wall midway through 1998. Strengths: Masaoka has an above-average fastball in all respects--velocity up to 94 mph, late-riding life and excellent deception. When he's in a groove, Masaoka can spot the pitch inside and out and overmatch most hitters. He is a tireless worker when he's not pitching. Weaknesses: Masaoka improved his two secondary pitches, his curveball and changeup, in 1998. But they still aren't big league average quality. After his strong start in 1998, he may have started pressing. By the second half of the year, he had worn himself out physically and mentally. The Future: Masaoka has made occasional appearances out of the bullpen and that is where his future might be. His fastball, already a plus pitch at 92-94 mph, could add even more velocity if he becomes a reliever. His secondary pitches would be less important in that role.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #95 prospect in 1997

• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Background: After facing low-caliber high school competition in Hawaii, Masaoka has made rapid adjustments as a professional. He was moving quickly through the system until hitting a wall midway through 1998. Strengths: Masaoka has an above-average fastball in all respects--velocity up to 94 mph, late-riding life and excellent deception. When he's in a groove, Masaoka can spot the pitch inside and out and overmatch most hitters. He is a tireless worker when he's not pitching. Weaknesses: Masaoka improved his two secondary pitches, his curveball and changeup, in 1998. But they still aren't big league average quality. After his strong start in 1998, he may have started pressing. By the second half of the year, he had worn himself out physically and mentally. The Future: Masaoka has made occasional appearances out of the bullpen and that is where his future might be. His fastball, already a plus pitch at 92-94 mph, could add even more velocity if he becomes a reliever. His secondary pitches would be less important in that role.