Getting To Know Edgmer Escalona

Source: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

(This post can also be seen on the forum of OriolesHangout.com)

DOB: 10/06/86       Age: 27

Hometown: La Guaira, Venezuela

Signed: Undrafted FA, Sept. 2004 by Rockies

Height: 6’4″       Weight: 235

Background: The Orioles signed Edgmer Escalona on November 20 to a one-year major league deal after impressing a couple O’s scouts during his Venezuelan Winter League starts. He’s best described as an inconsistent hard throwing right hander (Pedro Strop anyone?) who can work multiple innings. The Rockies were previously the only organization he’s known and they signed him as an 18 year old back in September of 2004. He made his professional debut with their DSL team in 2006. He pitched with great success at the short season, Low A, High A, and AA levels over the next three years, finding himself waiting in the wings at AAA as a 23 year old in 2010. Despite a rough looking 6.60 ERA at AAA in 2010 – mainly due to a grotesque 17 home runs allowed in 69 innings – Escalona received a September callup, making his MLB debut on September 3, 2010 with the Rockies. He bounced between AAA (where he pitched much more effectively) and the majors in 2011 and 2012.

It was a tale of two seasons in 2013 for Escalona. For the first time in his career he made an opening day roster and began the year on a roll, pitching to a 1.54 ERA while holding batters to a .216 average over his first 21.1 innings. His ERA inflated as he underwent several implosion outings in late May and early June before landing on the DL with elbow inflammation. Escalona continued to struggle to return to form upon return on July 2 as he pitched to a 9.93 ERA over his final 22.2 innings to finish with a 5.67 ERA in 46 innings pitched. The Rockies DFA’d Escalona on August 23 and outrighted him to AAA.

The Good: At 6’4″ and 235 pounds, the burly Escalona brings a fiery demeanor to the mound and attacks the strike zone with a two seam fastball that Fangraphs measured an average velocity of 94.4 MPH in 2013. The fastball has average life. He’ll also mix in a mid 80’s slider that can flash plus when at its best. Opposing batters have hit just .219 off the slider in his career. He carried a 40% groundball rate this season which is about major league average. Escalona also did a good job in a small sample with inherited baserunners, allowing just two out of thirteen to score in 2013.

Here are Dan Duquette’s thoughts: “He’s a big strong right-hander and has a good fastball,” Duquette said. “[He’s] working on developing pitches he needs to get lefties out.”

Translation: Escalona has added a split finger changeup to his repertoire which in theory will help him get lefties out more consistently if the pitch progresses into a reliable major league offering. Apparently, he’s been having success with the pitch which played a big factor in the Orioles decision to take a flier on him.

Debatable whether this is good but I find this description from the SB Nation Rockies blog, Purple Row, both interesting and humorous: “I’m not sure how they didn’t play Aerosmith’s “Livin’ on the Edge” every time Edgmer Escalona came into a game at Coors Field this year, it was a pretty accurate description of how he pitched, whether it was on the edge of a fight, a walk, a three-run homer or a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts was the question, and, come on, the guy’s name is Edgmer.”

The Bad: Escalona has trouble with the lefties. In pretty much each statistical category across the board, his numbers are worse against left handed batters. Numbers that particularly drive home this point:

Career versus L: 6.65 FIP, 2.33 HR/9, 3.96 BB/9, and 5.59 K/9

Career versus R: 3.58 FIP, 0.88 HR/9, 2.20 BB/9, and 6.90 K/9

From what limited video I’ve watched, he does a good job of attacking the strike zone and working ahead against righties but is more prone to nibbling and falling behind in the count against lefties, something the BB/9 splits back up. He also has command slips with the fastball, sometimes struggling to keep it down in the zone which has led to gopher ball troubles, not a good attribute for a pitcher at Camden Yards as Tommy Hunter can attest to. He’ll also hang the slider on occasion and while the pitch is above average, it can be driven far, especially by lefties, if left up in the zone. Escalona is out of minor league options so, there’s a fair chance he won’t pitch at all with the Orioles in 2014 if he’s cut in March and doesn’t make it through waivers.

Overall Assessment: Good low-risk depth signing with more upside than you think

Escalona throws from 3/4 arm slot and his burly stature, fiery demeanor, arsenal of pitches and ability to work multiple innings seem strikingly similar to former Orioles righty Alfredo Simon. The key with Escalona will be how this newfound split finger changeup comes along between now and spring training. I’m not familiar with the level of competition in the Venezuelan Winter league but Escalona has been working with success as a starter this offseason, registering a 2.52 ERA in 46.1 innings over eight starts. According to Eduardo Encina, Orioles scouts attribute his success to the splitter and he has shockingly held lefties to just a .164 average in that league. In my opinion, Escalona has the upside of a late inning reliever for the Orioles in 2014 but continued development of a legitimate splitter as a lefty neutralizer (along with sharper command within the strike zone) will be crucial in determining whether Escalona reaches that upside or is put on waivers at the end of Spring Training.

(Thanks to Fangraphs, MLB.com, Baltimore Sun, and Purple Row for valuable info in putting this together)

The Honorable Mention List (Because 100 Prospects Isn’t Enough)

Why have an honorable mention list? Because this is my one and only chance to save face when the inevitable happens and a few big time stars develop from the ranks of the unranked players who missed the cut for my Top 100. These are all the guys who have very intriguing profiles and just missed making my list. I only have 100 spots after all. There’s always going to be additional 25-50 names you can make a compelling case for. I have 25 listed here and fully expect several of them to outshine some of the bums I believed in but ultimately let me down on the Top 100.

HM/

Nick Tropeano – RHP – Astros – Age: 22 – Level: AA – Former Stony Brook ace just missed my Top 100. Had a tremendous year between A and A+. Needs to prove the velocity gains are for real with a strong season at AA. Great command of 4 average pitches. #3/#4 upside. Similar to Dan Straily.

Sean Nolin – LHP – Blue Jays – Age: 23 – Level: AA – Big sleeper lefty with a nice sinker. Potential #4 starter.

Adams was a 23rd Round pick out of Slippery Rock. I root for guys like this

Matt Adams – 1B – Cardinals – Age: 24 – Level: AAA – Might regret leaving him off Top 100. Big guy with 25-30 HR potential that has hit .300 at every level. Problem is he’s a bad athlete that’s limited to 1B and may struggle catching up to advanced velocities and breaking balls with his average bat speed.

Dan Vogelbach – 1B – Cubs – Age: 20 – Level: A – Everything I said about Adams, except much younger and has yet to play full season ball. Fat dude can flat out hit though.

Stryker Trahan – C – Diamondbacks – Level: A – Top high school catcher in last year’s draft. Hit well in SS ball. Could be in for big breakthrough this year.

Chris Stratton – RHP – Giants – Age: 22 – Level: A – Has a good, not great fastball/ slider combo. Not sure he’ll stick as starter yet.

Dorsyss Paulino – SS – Indians – Age: 18 – Level: A – Young, very athletic, great toolset. Need to see how full season debut goes before a jumping on bandwagon but has high potental.

Some think Heaney was a reach at #9 overall in the 2012 draft. Time will tell.

Andrew Heaney – LHP – Marlins – Age: 21 – Level: A – Strikethrowing lefty with good sinking fastball. Has limited upside but is polished and should develop into a solid #4 starter.

Nate Karns – RHP – Nationals – Age: 25 – Level: AA – Needs to prove he can stay healthy enough to handle a starter’s workload but Karns has premium stuff. Likely ends up in bullpen as a setup reliever.

Eduardo Rodriguez – LHP – Orioles – Age: 20 – Level: A+ Big sleeper prospect for the O’s. Has mid rotation upside. Detailed report on him here.

Robbie Erlin – LHP – Padres – Age: 22 – Level: AAA – Small lefty with middling stuff but throws strikes and knows how to pitch effectively. Might make a nice back of the rotation starter.

Matt Wisler – RHP – Padres – Age: 20 – Level: A+ Underrated sleeper that could jump onto more radars this year. Potential #4 control artist type starter. Young enough to improve that outlook.

Morgan is an alumnus of Roll Tide Nation

Adam Morgan – LHP – Phillies – Age: 23 – Level: AAA – Polished lefhander that nearly made the Top 100. Should make a nice back of the rotation starter.

Barrett Barnes – OF – Pirates – Age: 21 – Level: A – Not an elite talent and lacks ideal power but knows how to freakin hit and could be a nice find in the 2nd round for the Pirates.

Cody Buckel – RHP – Rangers – Age: 20 – Level: AA – Might regret leaving him off list. Doesn’t throw hard but pounds the strike zone and has the makings of a decent changeup. #4 starter upside. If he passes the dreaded AA test – not sold he will – he’ll definitely be on the Top 100 next year.

My pick for this year’s Minor League HR leader

Joey Gallo – 3B – Rangers – Age: 19 – Level: A – Mammoth power potential. I’m talking Chris Davis raw power. Will he hit enough for it to matter?

Hak Ju Lee – SS – Rays – Age: 22 – Level: AAA – Outstanding glove and can steal a base. Will the hit enough for it to matter?

Jesse Winker – OF – Reds – Age: 19 – Level: A – One of my favorite sleeper prospects from the 2012 draft. If he hits like he did in short season ball last year, he’ll jump onto everyone’s radar. Reminds me of Nick Markakis.

Bryce Brentz – OF – Red Sox – Age: 24 – Level: AAA – Another guy with big power but questionable plate discipline. May end up a late bloomer, Ryan Ludwick type. Could see time with the Bosux later this year.

Garin Cecchini – 3B – Red Sox – Age: 22 – Level: A+ Kid has a great hit tool and can hit for AVG. IF the power develops, he could become a quality everyday starter down the road.

As a Red Sox hater, I hope he doesn’t have a breakout year

Henry Owens – LHP – Red Sox – Age: 20 – Level: A+ Big sleeper prospect. Tall, lanky, projectable, and lefthanded – a scout’s wet dream –  that already throws hard but needs to develop more movement on pitches.

Kyle Parker – OF – Rockies – Age: 23 – Level: AA – Great athlete, former Clemson QB. Shows good patience at the plate and has good pop. Not sure he’ll hit for AVG yet. Another guy I’d like to see pass the ‘AA Test’ before including in the Top 100.

Bruce Rondon – RHP – Tigers – Age: 22 – Level: AAA – Potential closer. Can bring triple digits consistently. Needs serious work on control though.

DAS BOOT!!!

Max Kepler – CF – Twins – Age: 20 – Level: A – Premium 5 tool athlete from…GERMANY. Yep. Looking forward to seeing how his full season debut goes. Showed a lot of promise in short season ball last summer.

Carlos Sanchez – 2B – White Sox – Age: 22 – Level: AAA – Doesn’t hit for power but is a tremendous contact hitter who can hit .300 in the bigs and can steal 25 bases. Could end up a poor man’s Jose Altuve.

The Top 100 Prospects According To…Me, Part 2

26. Aaron Sanchez – RHP – Blue Jays – Age: 21 – Level: A+ Sanchez has rough command at the moment which may hold him back but I love the plus power fastball and improved secondary offerings. Has #1/#2 ceiling.

27. Taylor Guerreri – RHP – Rays – Age: 20 – Level: A – I’m bullish on Guerreri who is far from the majors but I think could be in line for a breakout season, establishing himself as a Top 25 guy next year. Throws a plus 92-95 MPH fastball with an outpitch curve.

Martinez Bullpen Sesh

28. Carlos Martinez – RHP – Cardinals – Age: 21 – Level: AA – I really like Martinez pitch ability and makeup. He’s undersized but don’t let that fool you. He brings a quality mid 90’s fastball and power curve. Needs to improve durability but has #2 starter upside.

29. Gary Sanchez – C – Yankees – Age: 20 – Level: AA – 50/50 chance at sticking at C. I think he can as an offensive minded catcher, with potential to hit for elite power and average if he improves his plate discipline and overall durability.

30. Tyler Skaggs – LHP – Diamondbacks – Age: 21 – Level: AAA Not as high on Skaggs as others. I think he’s more of a solid #3, Matt Harrison type, than the potential #1/#2 others project as his ceiling.

31. Anthony Rendon – 3B – Nationals – Age: 23 – Level: AA – Excellent defender. Lightning quick bat speed gives him 25 HR upside. Great batting eye allows for high OBP. Will he stay healthy enough for it all to matter?

Teheran in action with the Braves

32. Julio Teheran – RHP – Braves – Age: 22 – MADE MLB ROSTER – Apparently, Teheran has turned a corner this Spring showing signs of the pitcher that ranked #3 on this list two years ago. I may end up having him too low. Still has #1/#2 upside but I’m not entirely sold he reaches it just yet.

33. Jonathan Singleton – 1B – Astros – Age: 21 – Level: AAA – Singleton has a chance to be a very productive 1B who draws a crapload of walks and can put out 25-30 home runs in his prime. Could be up with the Astros after the all star break if he obliterates AAA pitching.

34. Archie Bradley – RHP – Diamondbacks – Age: 20 – Level: A+ Dylan Bundy’s high school rival. Great fastball velocity and potential plus secondaries. Control and command need serious work though. Far from a finished product.

35. Albert Almora – CF – Cubs – Age: 19 – Level: A – Reminds me of Christian Yelich when he was drafted. Has to prove himself over a full season but Almora has a tremendous natural feel for hitting. How his power and base running ability develop will determine his upside.

36. Jackie Bradley, Jr. – CF – Red Sox – Age: 22 – MADE MLB ROSTER – Bradley, former Gamecock CWS hero, brings a nice combination of OBP, speed, and plus defense, and should be able to put out 15 HR a season. Reminds me of the good Coco Crisp. My pick for A.L ROY.

Dodgers have 40 mil invested in this guy, or what Magic Johnson calls ‘chump change’

37. Yasiel Puig – OF – Dodgers – Age: 22 – Level: AAA – After a torrid Spring, Puig has generated some buzz in Dodgerland as a potential impact regular with tremendous power. Needs to work on plate discipline and keep weight under control or he’ll end up like washing out like Wily Mo Pena.

38. Nick Castellanos – 3B – Tigers – Age: 21 – Level: AA – Doubt he sticks at third. Also, have questions about his plate discipline but he has a great hit tool with potential for 20-25 HR power. High ceiling as an impact hitter but some bust potential too.

39. Chris Archer – RHP – Rays – Age: 24 – Level: AAA – Love Archer’s upside. His two seam fastball and slider combo is lethal. However, his ability to command them isn’t. If he can put it all together, has #1/#2 upside. If not, he’ll become a potential all star closer.

40. Jorge Soler – RF – Cubs – Age: 21 – Level: A+ I’m impressed with Soler, a big D.R. signee for the Cubs who brings light tower power and a rocket arm in RF to the table. I think he can hit for average too.

41. Trevor Rosenthal – RHP – Cardinals – Age: 23 – MADE MLB ROSTER – Rosy returns to the pen where he dominated last September in the Cardinals successful playoff push. Has potential down the road as a #2/#3 if he refines his secondaries enough to compliment his power mid 90’s fastball.

42. Gregory Polanco – OF – Pirates – Age: 21 – Level: A+ The raw, 5 tool talent Dominican had a huge breakout season at Low A last year. If success translates forward to higher levels I could see him developing into a Dexter Fowler type player.

Mike Olt in action for the Rangers

43. Mike Olt – 3B – Rangers – Age: 24 – Level: AAA – Not as big on him as others. He’ll be productive and hit for 20 – 30 HR power. But, I question his ability to keep the K’s under control as well as remain at 3B long term. Should be a solid everyday player.

44. Mason Williams – CF – Yankees – Age: 21 – Level: AA – Could be overrating him some but Williams is a premium athlete with great natural feel for hitting. Needs to show more durability. Reminds me of former Yankees CF prospect Austin Jackson.

45. David Dahl – CF – Rockies – Age: 19 – Level: A – Another 2012 high school draftee who absolutely destroyed short season ball. Reminds me of a potential Colby Rasmus.

46. Alex Meyer – RHP – Twins – Age: 23 – Level: AA – The big 6’9″ righty brings a mid 90’s fastball and much improved command from his college days at Kentucky. Potential mid rotation guy. A nice get from the Nationals for Denard Span.

Nicolino, the big prize from the Blue Jays mega deal

47. Justin Nicolino – LHP – Marlins – Age: 21 – Level: A+ – Really like Nicolino. Stuff doesn’t wow you but it’s all solid, and he just knows how to freakin pitch. At age 21, could end up exceeding current #3/#4 expectations.

48. Danny Hultzen – LHP – Mariners – Age: 23 – Level: AAA – Not as big on Hultzen as I was last year. Looks like a solid #3 starter at best. Needs to sharpen control issues that plagued him at AAA last year. The fastball and slider are still quality pitches.

49. Oswaldo Arcia – RF – Twins – Age: 22 – Level: AA – Short, stocky with good pop and a strong arm in RF. Reminds of a Dominican version of former twins OF Jason Kubel.

50. Noah Syndergaard – RHP – Mets – Age: 20 – Level: AA – Big Syndergaard fan. His 91-94 MPH fastball and plus changeup combo with good command gives him #2/#3 upside IF he can develop a better breaking ball.

– Prospects 51 – 75 here