Any Twins fans interested in following the organization’s prospects have to be intrigued by Deolis Guerra. The 20-year-old right handed pitcher has most recently been promoted to Double-A New Britain where his work has been described as “brilliant” and “inconsistent.”
Guerra’s performances have included a no-hit, nine strikeout six inning performance but his 5.19 ERA indicates inconsistency. A recent online article in the New Britain Herald said Guerra’s out pitch is his changeup and described it as “devastating.” https://www.newbritainherald.com/articles/2009/08/22/sports/doc4a8f559506754372078426.txt
Twins farm director Jim Rantz talked to the Herald about that pitch and Guerra’s development. “Everything works off your fastball,” Rantz said. “If he can locate the fastball and throw strikes, that changeup is deadly. That’s a weapon. …
“This is only a 20-year-old kid and he’s already got about four years under his belt. I’m pleased with the advancement that he has made and how he’s come along.”
Guerra’s potential arrival some day as part of the Twins’ rotation has appeal beyond the obvious need that the big league club is struggling to find starters. As part of the infamous Johan Santana trade in 2008, Guerra has been considered by some observers to be the gem of the four-man package that also brought center fielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber and Kevin Mulvey to the Twins organization from the New York Mets. A productive career by Guerra would make those with a Twins bias feel a lot better about losing two-time Cy Young award winner Santana.
Guerra, who is 6-3 with New Britain and has struck out 45 batters in 52 innings, was once an eye candy kind of prospect in the Mets organization. The Venezuelan was signed as a free agent for $700,000 by the Mets who viewed him as a pitcher loaded with potential.
Guerra’s performances have been inconsistent during his minor league career. The velocity of his pitches has been questioned and his stamina, too. But Guerra at other times has shown big league velocity and he has both the youth and the body frame, 6-5, 200 pounds, to develop more stamina.
Almost still a teenager, Guerra is two levels from the major leagues. Since he’s already advanced from Class A to AA this year, the Twins might not call him up in September when their roster expands from 25 to 40, but it will be surprising if he doesn’t have the opportunity to make the team in the spring of 2010, or 2011.