Jesus Valdez

An unsigned fifth-round pick of the Angels out of high school last year, Valdez had committed to Arizona but wound up at Oxnard instead. His stock has held steady after a year of junior-college ball, and he figures to be drafted in the same range this year. He has made strides throwing quality strikes, and his breaking ball has improved. He threw a loopy curveball a year ago, but now he's throwing a slider. His fastball is his bread and butter, sitting at 90-92 and peaking at 94. He dabbles with a changeup, but it is still in its nascent stages. Valdez has a quick arm and a loose, wiry 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame. Scouts would like to see him develop a more aggressive approach on the mound, and they question his work ethic and intensity. He has the arm strength to reach the big leagues, but his current repertoire suggests he'll be a reliever in pro ball.