Luis Vasquez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #30 prospect in 2011
  The Dodgers originally signed Vasquez as a shortstop in 2003, but he converted to pitching after only one season. His progress has been slowed by injuries, including missing the 2006 season after Tommy John surgery, but Los Angeles added him to its 40-man roster after last season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, though he had never pitched above high Class A. When Vasquez gets on the mound, it doesn't take long to see why the Dodgers felt he needed protection. He runs his fastball up as high as 100 mph while sitting in the mid-90s. He gets boring action on the fastball as well, though his combination of velocity and movement can lead to poor command. Tall and skinny, Vasquez uses a high three-quarters delivery, but he tends to have trouble getting over his front side enough, which also contributes to his command problems. He has a couple of average secondary pitches in his slider and changeup, though in one-inning stints he relies on his fastball almost exclusively. Coming off his best season as a pro, Vasquez could climb the ladder quickly, a notion the Dodgers' move to put him on the 40-man backs up. He could be a candidate to move straight to Double-A in 2011, or he could get there quickly if he does have to open in high Class A.