Luis Valera

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #23 prospect in 2002
  It's rare but not unprecedented for a successful reliever to begin his career as a position player. Cincinnati believes Valera could join the company of Trevor Hoffman, Troy Percival and Felix Rodriguez. He hit .210 in two years of Rookie ball and didn't look like he'd ever hit enough to hold down an everyday job. Moreover, he lacked the fluid footwork and hands required of a catcher. The Reds didn't want to waste Valera's valuable arm strength, so they converted him to pitching last summer--ironically, the day after he hit a grand slam. Despite never having pitched before, Valera immediately warmed up to the role. His fastball ranges from 90-94 mph and he garnishes it with a wicked 84-mph slider. He continued to progress after the season, earning most-improved-pitcher honors in Cincinnati's instructional league camp. As expected, he needs work on his command and on such subtleties as holding runners on base and developing a changeup. He's likely to spend his first full year as a pitcher in low Class A.