Pedro Liriano

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #18 prospect in 2004
  The Brewers often compare Liriano to Pedro Martinez, but they're talking about his wiry physique and not his stuff. Liriano throws a sinker in the high 80s to low 90s, and his best pitch is a slider that hitters can't help but chase. He has a deceptive delivery with a quick arm from a low three-quarters slingy slot. The Angels gave him up to get Alex Ochoa from Milwaukee for their stretch run in 2002. Liriano ran hot and cold in his Brewers system debut at Double-A in 2003, though he pitched well in the Southern League playoffs. When he commands his pitches and has an effective changeup, he wins. When he doesn't, he struggles because he can't just overpower hitters. If he doesn't improve at Triple-A this year, he may be destined to become a middle reliever.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #12 prospect in 2003
  Introduced to scouts by his cousin, Angels starter Ramon Ortiz, and often confused with a Cubs second-base prospect of the same name, Liriano is trying to carve his own identity with the Brewers, who picked him up last July in the Alex Ochoa trade. After starring for three years in Rookie ball, including being named Pioneer League pitcher of the year in 2001, he jumped to high Class A last year and continued to thrive. His best pitch is a deceptive slider, though some scouts wonder if more advanced hitters will chase it. If they don't, Liriano could be in trouble because he rarely breaks 90 mph with his fastball and still needs to improve his changeup and command. As with many Latin players, there are rumblings that Liriano is older than his listed age of 22. If he continues to get hitters out, that won't be an issue with the Brewers. He'll start 2003 in Double-A.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #25 prospect in 2002
  Liriano's performance has far outstripped his tools during his two pro seasons, but his performance simply can't be ignored. In 2000, he became the third player in Arizona League history to bat .400 while leading the Mariners to a championship. He encored by leading all minor league second basemen with a .326 average in 2001, and adding 65 steals in 85 attempts before breaking a bone in his hand on a slide in late August. From a physical standpoint, he's not as impressive. He's not very strong or even very fast, despite his basestealing prowess. He's a slap hitter who excels at making contact but doesn't have outstanding onbase ability. His defense is a concern, as he has stiff hands and has trouble backhanding grounders. He makes too many careless errors. Liriano has made the effort to improve, and it showed this winter when he played in his native Dominican. The Mariners will see how he fares in high Class A in 2002.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #29 prospect in 2001
  Liriano, who ranked third in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League with a .367 average in 1999, won a batting title in his U.S. debut. He hit an even .400 in the Arizona League, where the Mariners ran away with the league title. After finishing the season with four games in Everett, he went to Asia for a minor league exhibition tour. Liriano is an aggressive hitter who puts the ball in play and doesn't strike out much. He has a solid stroke but doesn't project as a power hitter. Instead, he'll be the scrappy guy at the top of the lineup who gets on base and causes disruptions. He's not a burner, but Liriano utilizes his speed well. Defensively, he has work to do, though he has the tools to become an adequate second baseman.