Frank Mata
| IP | 17 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 7.941 |
| WHIP | 1.882 |
| BB/9 | 4.235 |
| SO/9 | 4.765 |
- Full name Frank Jesus Mata
- Born 03/11/1984 in Barcelona, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 05/26/2010
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Signed at 18 out of Venezuela, Mata's combination of a big body and a big-time arm reminds some of a young Bartolo Colon. He has a strong lower half and thick back to go with short arms that produce 94-96 mph fastballs. He also has a hard slider that has a chance to become a plus pitch. His power stuff enabled him to tie for the Appalachian League in saves last year, and he has been unhittable in the lower minors. He has good makeup and toughness, and he shows a keen baseball mind. The Twins forced Mata to use his changeup more in instructional league, and the pitch needs much more work. He received a scare at the end of instructional league when he was shut down with elbow pain. Minnesota initially feared he might require Tommy John surgery, but it turned out to be a strained ligament instead of a tear. Mata spent the winter rehabilitating his elbow in preparation for going to low Class A in 2005.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Mata and Greeneville's Enyelbert Soto tied for the league lead with 13 saves. The difference was that Soto worked in the upper 80s while Mata touched 95-96 mph a few times every outing. He pitched at 92-93 and peaked at 97 with excellent life. Mata also employs a hard, late-breaking slider that he's not afraid to throw in 3-1 and 3-2 counts. A former starter, he'll even show a changeup but really doesn't need to. He gave up seven earned runs in 1 2/3 innings in his lone start of the summer, compared to six in 25 games (1.82 ERA) in relief.
