Sendy Rleal

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #15 prospect in 2007
  Rleal was known to few outside the organization when he was added to the 40-man roster after the 2005 season because he had been handled carefully while filling out his frame and battling minor injuries. He won a spot in the big league bullpen to open 2006 and gave up no runs in his first four appearances, but struggled after that and went back to Triple-A Ottawa in mid-July before returning to Baltimore in September. Rleal has a legitimate power stuff, with a 93-95 mph fastball that touches 97 and a hard slider. To be consistently effective in the majors, he'll have to maintain the sharpness of his pitches as well as his command. He tired quickly in several outings, and he tended to get sloppy with his mechanics. He also needs to maintain his composure when things get tight. The Orioles asked Rleal to focus on better work habits and attention to detail, in the hopes he can claim a role as a setup man for Chris Ray in spring training.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #13 prospect in 2006
  Rleal has moved exceedingly slow through the system, thanks to his slight frame and nagging injuries earlier in his career. He had a breakthrough season in Double-A last year, however, establishing himself as one of the best relief prospects in the organization and getting added to the 40-man roster. He began the season setting up Chris Ray, and he didn't miss a beat after taking over Bowie's closer role when Ray jumped to Baltimore. He shows three plus pitches at times, and his changeup is the best in the organization. It's his out pitch against lefthanders. His fastball sits at 93-95 mph and touches 96-97, with good movement and sink. He also throws a hard, late-breaking slider as an occasional third pitch. Rleal has good control and should be in line for a big league job soon. He'll compete for a spot in the Baltimore bullpen in spring training but is expected to open the season in Triple-A. It shouldn't be long before he's setting up Ray again, however.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #25 prospect in 2002
  Rleal, who played mostly shortstop before he signed with the Orioles, has made steady progress while building arm strength and learning the nuances of pitching. Set to play his first full season in 2001, he was shut down in July with a strained elbow. Rleal has three solid pitches, with a fastball that sits at 92-93 mph and should get better as he matures. He maintains his velocity well. He also throws a slider and changeup that are good pitches when they're on but are still inconsistent. Rleal has moved on a slow patch because of his late conversion to pitching, so the Orioles would like for him to pick up the pace this season if his arm is sound. He'll open the season in high Class A.