Jonathan Albaladejo

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #23 prospect in 2004
  After spending his first two pro years in the Gulf Coast League, Albaladejo came out of nowhere to lead the Puerto Rican League in ERA following the 2002 season. He had another big offseason this year, beating Mexico and Panama as Puerto Rico finished fourth at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Panama. Big and strong, Albaladejo has the makings of a workhorse and led the South Atlantic League in complete games during his full-season debut. His best pitch is a fastball that reaches 95 mph, though he usually throws it in the 92-93 range. He has outstanding command for a hard-throwing youngster and is able to spot his fastball all around the strike zone. Albaladejo also throws a curveball, slider and changeup but needs to work on all of those pitches. He must find a consistent second pitch in order to put hitters away with two strikes. Albaladejo has made great progress in the last year and will begin 2004 in high Class A Lynchburg. If he doesn't refine his stuff enough to make the grade as a starter, he could make it to the majors as a set-up man or closer.