Braulio Lara
| IP | 603 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.806 |
| WHIP | 1.532 |
| BB/9 | 4.761 |
| SO/9 | 8.209 |
- Full name Braulio Armando Lara
- Born 12/20/1988 in Bani, Dominican Republic
- Died 04/20/2019 in Bani, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
The 2011 season served as a learning experience for Lara. After leading the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in strikeouts in 2008 and 2009 and ranking second in the Appalachian League in ERA in 2010, he discovered that hitters at higher levels have better knowledge of the strike zone and will take advantage of mistakes. He recorded just five quality starts in 25 outings while battling his control and command, though he did throw more strikes in the final two months. Lara's best pitch is a 92-95 mph four-seam fastball that has above-average movement and appears to jump on hitters. He also throws a two-seamer to jam lefthanders, who hit only .212 against him last year (compared to .283 for righties). While he lacks consistent feel for his curveball and changeup, he earned credit for working diligently on them in 2011. Lara has a smooth and easy delivery when he throws fastballs but has difficulty maintaining the same fluidity with his secondary pitches. How he improves in that regard will determine whether he remains a starter or moves to the bullpen. He'll stay in the rotation when he climbs to high Class A in 2012. -
After leading his Dominican Summer League teams in strikeouts in 2008 and 2009, Lara made a smooth transition to the Appalachian League last year. He led the league in opponent average (.200), ranked second behind teammate Enny Romero in ERA (2.18) and tied for fourth in wins (six). Lara does a good job of jamming hitters on both sides of the plate with a 92-96 mph fastball that seems to jump on them. He has an easy, smooth delivery and throws both a two-seam and four-seam fastball. He made steady progress last summer with his curveball and changeup, with scouts believing both pitches have a chance to become average or better. While Lara has a live arm, he struggles with his control, particularly with his secondary pitches. In the past, he would lose confidence when he couldn't find the strike zone, but he made significant strides with his maturity in 2010. He's still working on the feel of his pitches and maintaining his focus from start to finish, yet should be ready to graduate to the full-season ranks at Bowling Green in 2011.
Minor League Top Prospects
-
Lara led his Dominican Summer League team in strikeouts in both 2008 and '09, but his command wavered and he tended to be too hard on himself. He took a step toward erasing those concerns this season, during which he led the Appy League in opponent average (.200) and threw five no-hit innings in his final start. Batters seemed unprepared for Lara's 92-96 mph fastball, which comes from an easy pitching motion. While he relied on his two- and four-seam fastballs to retire batters, he also improved the consistency of his curveball and changeup. Both of his secondary pitches have the potential to become average or better.
