Sunday, March 05, 2006 |
The 31st Team: Baseball America's List Of Near Misses
Baltazar Lopez, 1b, Angels
Born: Nov. 22, 1983. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 180. Signed: Mexico, 2003. Signed by: Clay Daniel.
After international scouting supervisor Clay Daniel discovered him playing for Monterey in the Mexican League, Lopez had a breakout season in 2004, hitting .314/.368/.513 in low Class A. His encore wasn't nearly as inspiring, however. A pre-existing right shoulder injury slowed him in spring training in 2005, then he hurt his right wrist and played in just 52 games in the high Class A California League. He also was suspended after failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs. When healthy, Lopez shows a fluid lefthanded stroke, but he rarely was 100 percent last year. His strong, nimble hands allow him to generate good bat speed. Rancho Cucamonga hitting coach James Rowson tweaked Lopez' grip, as he was overlapping his hands. He now interlocks two fingers, allowing him to release the bat head easier. Pitches on the inner half give him trouble, and he needs to improve his plate discipline. He's a below-average runner and defender, though his hands are fine and with time he should become a solid gloveman. He'll probably return to high Class A this year.Bobby Mosebach, rhp, Angels
Born: Sept. 14, 1984. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 200. Drafted: Hillsborough (Fla.) CC, 2005 (9th round).Mosebach turned down an offer from the Nationals as a draft-and-follow after they took him in 12th round in 2004, then signed with the Angels for $152,000 after going in the ninth round in 2005. Had he not turned pro, he would have attended Tennessee. Because he had a heavy workload at Hillsborough (Fla.) Community College, the Angels kept him on strict pitch counts in his pro debut and had him skip instructional league. His velocity varied from 87-95 mph with some life. Mosebach's slider was up to 87 as an amateur but sat near 82 after he signed. His slider is an average offering with depth and good tilt at times, though his front side tends to fly open, causing his stuff to flatten out and his control to suffer. When he stays on line to the plate, his command improves and he has a tendency to break lots of bats. The Angels place a priority on teaching their young pitchers a changeup, and Mosebach added one to his arsenal last summer. He profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter and eventually could find a home in the bullpen. He's in line for an assignment to low Class A Cedar Rapids in 2006.
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