Lino Urdaneta
| IP | 1 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 63 |
| WHIP | 8 |
| BB/9 | 9 |
| SO/9 | 0 |
- Full name Lino Urdaneta
- Born 11/20/1979 in Caracas, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School U.E. Berito Canonico
- Debut 09/09/2004
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After seven seasons in the Dodgers system, Urdaneta signed with the Indians as a minor league free agent in November. A month later, the Tigers took him in the third round of the major league Rule 5 draft because they clocked him at 98 mph in the Venezuelan League. They carried three Rule 5 picks though the entire 2003 season, but after actively signing free agents this offseason, it will be harder to keep all three of their Rule 5 choices in 2004: first baseman/catcher Chris Shelton, situational lefty Mike Bumatay and Urdaneta. After saving 32 games in 2002, Urdaneta couldn't repeat that success in Double-A last year. While he complements his fastball with a hard slider, he has trouble repeating his pitches, doesn't throw enough strikes and doesn't miss enough bats. Urdaneta's velocity alone makes him a worthwhile gamble, but he has to be put on waivers and offered back to Cleveland for half the $50,000 draft price if Detroit can't give him a roster spot all season.
