Franklin Nunez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #26 prospect in 2005
  After getting released by the Dodgers, waived by the Phillies and pitching sparingly in the Mets system in 2003, Nunez put it all together last year. The Devils named him their Triple-A pitcher of the year, and he capped the season with eight appearances in Tampa Bay. His success centers on an explosive fastball that has been clocked as high as 100 mph, proving he's all the way back from shoulder surgery in July 2002. Nunez never has shown a reliable second pitch or command, and his ability to do so will determine whether he can reach his ceiling as a setup man. His first stint in the majors was up and down. He blew hitters away at times, highlighted by four strikeouts in a perfect two-inning outing against Oakland, but fell behind in the count too often and became hittable. Nunez will have to be more consistent to grab a bullpen job in spring training.
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #22 prospect in 2003
  Perez has made strides each year since his U.S. debut at 18. That progress was interrupted in October, when he had Tommy John surgery that will put him out through the 2003 season. Despite his elbow injury, the Phillies added him to their 40-man roster in November. Perez employs a heavy fastball with good sink. He improved his velocity in 2002, going from 88-91 mph to sitting at 93-94. Hitters have a tough time lifting it, so Perez gets a lot of grounders. For that reason, the Phillies see his future being in the bullpen rather than the rotation. Perez also seems to work better in relief, posting a 2.52 ERA in that role last year compared to 4.48 as a starter. The Phillies envision Perez being similar to Carlos Silva, eventually replacing him in the middle innings as Silva goes deeper into games. Perez' slider continues to improve but isn't an average pitch yet. He needs to work on his consistency within the strike zone, not so much throwing more strikes but better ones.
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #11 prospect in 2002
  The Dodgers released Nunez after one season in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League at the age of 18. They soon may regret giving up on him so quickly. To be fair, Nunez never showed the electric stuff for the Dodgers that the Phillies have discovered since. In four years in the Philadelphia organization, Nunez has worked his way up the ladder on the strength of a fastball that reaches 99 mph. He has the best arm in the system but still is trying to corral his command. He has drawn comparisons to Mariano Rivera for his slight build and free and easy arm action, but he lacks Rivera's resilient demeanor and tends to lose his concentration and composure too easily. Nunez' overpowering stuff is best suited for the bullpen, as he never has surpassed 112 innings in a season. But the Phillies have kept him in the rotation to build stamina and provide an opportunity for Nunez to learn to repeat his delivery. At times he loses his rhythm and his mechanics break down. He worked toward improving his slurvy curveball in the Arizona Fall League. With his outstanding fastball, Nunez could jump to the big leagues in a hurry. If everything clicks for him, he could be a dynamic reliever.
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #28 prospect in 2001
  Originally signed in 1994 by the Dodgers, Nunez was released after just one season in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. After he spent two years out of baseball, the Phillies discovered he had physically matured and signed him in 1998. He finally made his stateside debut that year, following a second and more decisive tour of the DSL. His fastball, which touches 98 mph, was rated the best in the South Atlantic League in 1999. Because he lacks an above-average secondary offering, Nunez will be used in short relief. The Phillies hoped his time in the rotation would help him develop his breaking stuff. He was able to air out his heater and became more effective in his nine relief appearances last year. A late bloomer, he may see his ascent helped by the shift to the bullpen. Improving his rudimentary curve or changeup would raise his profile even more.