Raudel Lazo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #22 prospect in 2013
  Lazo's uncle is Pedro Luis Lazo, the all-time wins leader in Cuba's Serie Nacional and the closer on Cuba's national team for more than a decade. Raudel also pitched on the national team until he defected in early 2011. Though his fastball sat at 87-88 mph when he worked out for teams in Mexico, the Marlins liked his projectable, wiry frame and signed him for $60,000. He proved a pleasant surprise during his 2012 pro debut, showing a quick arm and good feel for three pitches. Lazo throws strikes and generally works ahead in the count. His fastball has jumped to 90-92 mph and runs up to 94 with good life. He commands it well most of the time, but occasionally it wanders on him. He varies the speed on a hammer curveball that's an out pitch. He can make it break straight down or give it more of an 11-to-4 bend with some sweep to it. At times he'll throw it harder for strikes, with velocity that gives it more of a slider look. Lazo's changeup has sinking action that generates a lot of swings and misses. He's lights out against lefties (.176 average last year) and effective enough against righties to project as a set-up man. Despite his small build, he proved durable and served as the go-to guy in Jupiter's bullpen. He should start 2013 in Double-A and could move quickly.