Fernando Salas Stats & Scouting Report

IP	8.2
ERA	3.12
WHIP	1.85
BB/9	6.23
SO/9	3.12

Full name Noel Fernando Salas
Born 05/30/1985 in Huatabampo, SON, Mexico
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut 05/28/2010

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Salas served as a human yo-yo during 2010, popping up seven different times for cameo relief appearances with the major league club after making his debut in May. His poise no matter the situation won him almost as many fans as his signature command. The Cardinals signed Salas out of the Mexican League in 2007 with the promise of giving him a shot to be a starter in high Class A. He struggled and was returned his Mexican team but got a second shot in 2008, this time in relief. He blossomed in the role and earned a spot in the 2008 Futures Game after a solid turn as the Double-A closer. In 2010, Salas returned to the ninth inning, working with with a low-90s fastball and a tight slider. He's able to use both pitches to tickle the edges of the strike zone, and he maintains his velocity while working with movement on his fastball. He rarely uses a changeup. Salas allowed one run in his first 10 major league innings, and he displayed a better ability to recover when behind the count. He'll settle into a permanent spot in the major league bullpen.
The Cardinals sought Salas in February 2007, enticing him to leave the Mexican League for a chance to be a reliever/piggyback starter at Palm Beach. When he struggled, going 2-3, 5.26 in 16 games at high Class A, the Cardinals lent him back to his Mexican team, Saltillo, for the remainder of the 2007 season. A few months into his second try in 2008, Salas represented the Cardinals in the Futures Game. He throws a 91-92 mph fastball and has a serviceable curveball. Yet his most marketable skill is a knack for throwing strikes and working to the four corners of the zone, with movement at every level of the zone. He struck out 100 batters against just 16 walks in 74 innings, and over his final 59 innings he walked just 10 batters. Coaches and scouts called him one of the best at locating his fastball in the league, and he rarely threw behind in the count. When Salas does fall behind in the count, he can be combustible as he allowed 12 homers. Movement at the major league level will dictate his role at Triple-A, but Salas has the ability and moxie to handle a late-inning role, possibly as a setup righthander to begin his major league career.

Minor League Top Prospects

Salas pitched two seasons with Saltillo in the Mexican League before the Cardinals purchased his contract in February 2007. When he scuffled in high Class A in his U.S. debut, St. Louis loaned him back to Saltillo to finish last season. He had no difficulties in 2008, however, grabbing Springfield's closer role by late May and leading the TL with 25 saves. Salas operates out of a deceiving short-arm delivery, so his 91-92 mph fastball jumps on hitters quickly. His curveball is serviceable, but he mostly gets outs by throwing strikes and locating his fastball to both sides of the plate. He sometimes falls into a habit of pitching away from hitters, falling behind in the count and enabling hitters to sit on his fastball. Salas surrendered 12 homers, the most among the league's relievers.