Richard Alvarez
| IP | 184 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.94 |
| WHIP | 1.5 |
| BB/9 | 3.571 |
| SO/9 | 8.755 |
- Full name Richard Alvarez
- Born 08/14/1992 in Valencia, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Rangers say Alvarez's early development has followed the track of another precocious Venezuelan, Martin Perez. Like Perez, Alvarez showed below-average fastball velocity but a very advanced feel for pitching and a loose arm action when he signed with the Rangers in 2008. He spent most of his 2009 pro debut as a 16-year-old facing much older competition in the Arizona League, where he demonstrated impressive polish despite posting lackluster numbers. He pitched at 86-87 mph and topped out at 88, but Texas believes he'll add velocity as he matures, just as Perez did. Alvarez's three-pitch arsenal is highlighted by a plus changeup with good arm speed, deception and fade. He flashes an average curveball and does a good job mixing speeds and locations will all his stuff. For a young pitcher, he also does a good job fielding his position and controlling the running game. Alvarez has a clean arm action and a good delivery that he repeats well. He has already added 15-20 pounds since he first signed, and he could become an elite prospect if his stuff improves as he gets stronger. His command and feel for pitching could be enough to get him to the big leagues if he can develop just a fringe-average fastball.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Alvarez signed with the Rangers in December 2008 for $800,000, and he pitched nearly the entire AZL season at age 16. What separates Alvarez from other Latin pitchers his age is his advanced feel for pitching and his quality and command of secondary pitches. "He does all the little things so well," Rangers manager Bill Richardson said. "He has great sequences with his pitches and controls the running game. He's advanced for this level." Alvarez's 80-mph curveball is his best pitch and should add bite when he gets more arm strength. His changeup is also a potential plus pitch, and he throws it with good arm speed and deception. His fastball only sits at 86-87 mph, but he's able to retire batters by locating it effectively. As he grows and fills out, he could another 5 mph on his heater.
