Carlos Fisher

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #24 prospect in 2009
  A converted outfielder who moved to the mound while playing at Citrus (Calif.) JC and later added polish at NAIA power Lewis-Clark State (Idaho), Fisher may prove to be another bullpen find for the Reds. He had success as a starter in his first pro two seasons, but wore down after a mid-2007 promotion to Double-A. That worked out fine for his long-term development because his arm action and maximum-effort delivery always have been more suited to a bullpen role. Working in relief for the first time as a pro, Fisher could focus on throwing his fastball, cutter and slider, and he scrapped his changeup. His fastball sits at 91-93 mph and will touch 95. It's effective because it has heavy sink, which helps induce groundouts. He had a rough ending to his Arizona Fall League campaign, allowing one run in his first six outings and 11 in his final four stints. Fisher should return to Triple-A with a chance to help out the major league bullpen at some point during 2009 if he can improve his control and consistency.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #20 prospect in 2008
  As a high school outfielder, Fisher went to the Padres in the 15th round of the 2001 draft. He opted for college, and after realizing he couldn't hit pitching at that level, he moved to the mound as a sophomore at Citrus (Calif.) JC to take advantage of his above-average arm. The Reds signed him as an 11th-rounder in 2005 after he spent two years at NAIA power Lewis-Clark State (Idaho). When he's on, Fisher's 90-93 mph heavy sinker and cutter are enough to completely handcuff hitters. He knows how to work down in the zone and induces plenty of grounders. Though he has worked primarily as a starter in his three pro seasons, Fisher's high-effort delivery and arm action are better suited for relief. He wore out in the second half of 2007, posting a 1.58 ERA through his first 14 starts and a 6.14 ERA in his final 14. Coming out of the pen, Fisher could simplify his repertoire and junk his fringy changeup. He'd also probably add 2-3 mph to his fastball. He'll return to Double-A this year.