Claudio Vargas

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #7 prospect in 2003
  Considered one of the Marlins' top pitching prospects, Vargas was shellacked in his first taste of Triple-A in 2002. Florida included him in the July trade that brought Cliff Floyd back to Montreal. Vargas pitched better after a demotion to Double-A, but he wasn't as effective at that level as he had been the year before, when he ranked second in the Eastern League in strikeouts. Vargas has unlimited potential and one of the best arms in the system. His prototypical pitcher's body and quick arm help him generate an overpowering 94-97 mph fastball and a power curve. Both have the potential to be plus major league pitches. His fastball is fairly straight but can be deceptive at times. Vargas needs to refine his delivery so he can throw more strikes. He also must improve the consistency of his curveball and utilize it more often. If he's going to remain a starter, he'll have to come up with a better changeup. The Expos haven't decided whether Vargas' long-term role is in the rotation or bullpen. He'll give Triple-A another try in 2003.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #7 prospect in 2002
  Vargas' star took off in 1999 when he came back from a bout of shoulder tendinitis to throw 96 mph in a playoff game for Kane County. Vargas pitches at 92-93 mph and has touched 97 with his lively fastball. He has a smooth delivery and a live, loose arm to go with a solid pitcher's frame. He spent much of 2001 working on a three-quarters arm slot and showed a better, late-breaking curveball toward the end of the season. He has a bulldog mentality on the mound and loves to pitch up and in. He tends to leave pitches up, and his changeup still needs work. He also must maintain a consistent arm slot and finish his pitches. While other Marlins righthanders have struggled to stay healthy, Vargas has shown the durability of a future middle-of-the-rotation starter. He should get his first taste of Triple-A in 2002, with a big league callup possible in September.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #6 prospect in 2001
  Signed at 16, Vargas has made slow but steady progress. His star took off in late 1999, when he came back from shoulder tendinitis to throw 96 mph in a playoff game for Kane County. That earned him an invitation to big league camp last spring, and he has been climbing ever since. Vargas pitches at 92-93 mph and has touched 97 with his lively fastball. He has a smooth delivery and a live, loose arm to go with a solid pitcher's frame. He has a good feel for both his curveball and changeup. He has a bulldog mentality on the mound and isn't afraid to pitch inside. His curve tends to get slurvy as he struggles with his arm slot. Vargas probably will have to make it a full-fledged slider at some point, but the Marlins discourage younger pitchers from throwing sliders or splitters. His fastball command escapes him now and again, and he'll leave pitches up and over the middle of the plate. Vargas should be in the next wave of young Marlins starters to reach the majors. He should get his first taste of Triple-A in 2001, and a big league callup is possible in September.