Rockies Flamethrower on Waivers

Posted on April 17th, 2009 11:22am by Mike Hindman
Filed under Baseball, Texas Rangers

Evan’s buddy Tracy Ringolsby reports that the Rockies have placed flamethrowing right-handed reliever Juan Morillo on waivers.

I would not be the least bit surprised if Morillo ends up in the Rangers system. The 25 year old can bring triple-digit cheese and I’ve seen him deal 92 mph sliders (while sitting next to one of the Rangers pro scouts who was basically giddy at what he was seeing).

Somehow, his results have never remotely reflected his physical ability, but given the club’s need to find a power RH setup man to replace Jack Benoit, I can see Texas taking a flyer on Morillo.

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6 Comments to “Rockies Flamethrower on Waivers”
  • Dusty Y @ April 17th, 2009 at 11:44 am

    Might as well.

  • Kevin @ April 17th, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    The guy has no control, freakish attributes, but no zone-control…Kinda like a right-handed CJ Wilson without the ability to keep the ball down. He has 330 walks in 550 professional innings..And 526 K’s.

    For comparison CJ has dealt 615 professional innings, recording 233 walks and 520 K’s.

  • Seanathan @ April 17th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    How exactly would this work? DFA Rupe for a flyer on this guy, if he doesn’t work out, hope Nippert is better towards the end of May. If Nippert doesn’t work out, then it’s time for a young un?

  • Mike Hindman @ April 17th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    Seanathan: Yeah, something like that. And then if Morillo doesn’t figure things out, get rid of him and try Thomas Diamond…or Beau Vaughan…or Brian Gordon… or Neftali Feliz….

  • Goyogringo @ April 17th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    surely your joking given his horrendous stats in AAA last year. His 2008 would rank _worse_ than any Rangers MiL reliever last year and you think he will be better than Rupe, on a major league roster?! Oh my. Thankfully, he was claimed by the Twins.

  • Scott @ April 17th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    the Twins claimed reliever Juan Morillo off waivers from the Rockies and designated Philip Humber for assignment. They must feel that Morillo has more upside given the mid-90s heat. Both pitchers are out of options. Tracy Ringolsby of Inside The Rockies notes that the Twins were the 21st in line to make the Morillo claim.