Joe Torres

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #9 prospect in 2003
  Torres has gone the wrong way since ranking No. 1 on this list after his debut season. He hasn't approached the 96 mph he hit in 2000, though he made strides in 2002 despite pitching without his best stuff. Torres spent most of 2002 at 87-88 mph, touching 91, which forced him to a finesse approach. From a low three-quarters release point and with whip-like arm action, he creates effective arm-side run and sink on his fastball. His curveball has the potential to be a double-plus pitch. He has outstanding work habits. Because his delivery went haywire, Torres spent the offseason in yoga classes to gain flexibility. He lost arm speed and extension out front, costing him velocity on his fastball and bite on his curveball. His changeup is slightly below-average. Angels scouts were impressed with Torres during offseason workouts and expect him to show up in spring training looking more like the pitcher they signed to a $2.08 million bonus. If things click for him in high Class A, he'll catapult his way back into the system's upper echelon.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #5 prospect in 2002
  Torres went to the top of the list a year ago after being drafted 10th overall and dominating at short-season Boise. He started 2001 out on the wrong foot, though, reporting to camp out of shape and getting his mechanics to get out of whack. Torres studied hours of film before rediscovering his delivery. He didn't touch 96 mph as he did in his pro debut, but he was back up to 91-92 and flashing his power curveball by the end of instructional league. He has a fast, whip-like arm action from a low three-quarters slot, similar to Randy Johnson. His curve can be a devastating pitch. Last year served as a wakeup call for Torres, whose fastball dropped all the way to the mid-80s during the spring. He'll need to maintain his conditioning and prove himself in a full-season league. His changeup has potential but still lags behind his other two offerings. Some of his struggles can be attributed to receiving too much advice. The Angels consider 2001 a learning experience for the teenager. Torres worked hard to get back into shape and should be primed to show his best stuff this year in low Class A Cedar Rapids.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #1 prospect in 2001
  The Angels have plenty of righthanded pitching prospects, but they didn't have a quality lefthander until they selected Torres with the 10th overall pick in the 2000 draft. He signed for $2.08 million, then excelled in the short-season Northwest League against hitters who generally were four years older. He allowed more than two runs just once in 11 outings and limited opponents to a .170 average. He was the top pitching prospect in the league and concluded the season with 13 strikeouts in 6 1⁄3 innings in his final start. Torres has always been precocious. In 1999, Baseball America ranked him as the top 16-year-old player in the United States, after he won the gold-medal game of the World Junior Championship in Taiwan. Though Francisco Rodriguez has slightly better stuff, Torres occupies the top spot on this list because he's lefthanded, projectable and less of a health risk. Torres reminds the Angels of a young John Candelaria. He already throws a consistent 89-93 mph with the ability to touch 95, and he should add more velocity as he grows and fills out. His arm looks like a whip as he delivers pitches from a low three-quarters arm slot that makes it difficult for batters to pick up the ball. With time, Torres should have at least three solid pitches. His curveball is the best breaking pitch in the organization, and he made progress on his changeup in instructional league as Anaheim didn't allow its pitchers to throw breaking balls. He throws quality strikes, not permitting a single homer in the Northwest League. He's mature and competitive and has the work ethic to get considerably better. Torres needs experience more than any major adjustments. If he improves the consistency of his curveball and changeup, he could have three plus pitches. His body can get stronger and his command can improve. Torres will be ready for full-season ball at 18, with Class A Cedar Rapids his likely destination. If he performs well, he could move up to high Class A Rancho Cucamonga by the end of 2001. Anaheim won't rush him, but he could be ready for the major leagues in late 2003--before he turns 21.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Northwest League #3 prospect in 2000
  As the year went on, Torres got old enough to vote and good enough to impress every team he faced. The 10th overall pick in 2000was the highest-drafted player in the league, and his high ceiling was plainly evident. In his last start, he beat Everett with 13 strikeouts in six innings while walking four and giving up just two hits. League managers such as Spokane's Tom Poquette were impressed with how Torres, the league's youngest player, handled himself in a league filled with 20-somethings. "He showed good composure and plenty of arm strength," Poquette said. "He's got good velocity for a lefthander. I thought the way they handled him, being a young first-round pick and pitching him a little at a time, worked well." Torres throws an 88-90 mph fastball that touches 93. Boise manager Tom Kotchman compared Torres, who also throws a big curveball, slider and changeup, to former big leaguer John Candelaria. "He's very cerebral," Kotchman said. "His slider is plus, his curveball is plus and he's above his years in maturity. He can be a No. 1 or No. 2 starter in the big leagues, or he might be a dominant closer."

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #50 prospect in 2001

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  As the year went on, Torres got old enough to vote and good enough to impress every team he faced. The 10th overall pick in 2000was the highest-drafted player in the league, and his high ceiling was plainly evident. In his last start, he beat Everett with 13 strikeouts in six innings while walking four and giving up just two hits. League managers such as Spokane's Tom Poquette were impressed with how Torres, the league's youngest player, handled himself in a league filled with 20-somethings. "He showed good composure and plenty of arm strength," Poquette said. "He's got good velocity for a lefthander. I thought the way they handled him, being a young first-round pick and pitching him a little at a time, worked well." Torres throws an 88-90 mph fastball that touches 93. Boise manager Tom Kotchman compared Torres, who also throws a big curveball, slider and changeup, to former big leaguer John Candelaria. "He's very cerebral," Kotchman said. "His slider is plus, his curveball is plus and he's above his years in maturity. He can be a No. 1 or No. 2 starter in the big leagues, or he might be a dominant closer."