The Hottest/Coldest Pitching Prospects in the Offseason Winter Leagues

After highlighting the hottest and coldest position prospects of the offseason leagues earlier this week, it’s once again time for the weekly recap of pitchers. As I mentioned in the previous installment, there are very few big-name pitching prospects still active across the Dominican, Mexican, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican winter leagues. At the moment they are comprised of a combination of veteran and unaffiliated players hoping to land a contract in time for the 2013 season.

Here’s a look at this week’s hottest and coldest pitching prospects.

Hottest

Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Dominican Winter League): 2-1, 3.23 ERA, .218 BAA, 24/9 K/BB (7 GS)

Over his last three starts, Teheran has looked like the 2011 version of himself, possibly due to a recent adjustment to mechanics; has been nearly unhittable over his last three starts: 16.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 11/3 K/BB.

Lisalverto Bonilla, RHP, Philadephia Phillies (DWL): 13.2 IP, 6.59 ERA, .357 BAA, 17/6 K/BB (16 G)

Traded to the Rangers in last week’s Michael Young deal, Bonilla has settled in after a rocky start in the DWL with no earned runs and six strikeouts over his last 3.1 innings. However, it may take a while to lower that ERA.

Alex Torres, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Venezuelan Winter League): 51.1 IP, 3.86 ERA, .234 BAA, 71/22 K/BB (12 GS)

Rays’ southpaw continues to impress in the VWL and has gradually sharpened his command; last two starts: 9 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 8/1 K/BB.

Coldest

Julio Rodriguez, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Puerto Rican Winter League): 15.1 IP, 4.11 ERA, .192 BAA, 16/8 K/BB (7 G)

After appearing in six games as a long reliever, Rodriguez made his first start of the year on Thursday—and it didn’t go well: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, 2/6 K/BB.

Hector Rondon, RHP, Chicago Cubs (VWL): 20 IP, 4.50 ERA, .214 BAA, 11/6 K/BB (22 G)

Has been consistently bad in last four appearances: 4 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 1/1 K/BB; allowed one earned run in each outing.

Bruce Rondon, RHP, Detroit Tigers (VWL): 14 IP, 7 SV, 5.14 ERA, .283 BAA, 15/6 K/BB (15 G)

Rondon was roughed up for his second time in four appearances on Friday when he allowed two earned runs on four hits and lasted only 1/3 inning; will the Tigers remain confident that the right-hander can break camp as closer?

Jay Jackson, RHP, Chicago Cubs (Mexican Winter League): 36.1 IP, 3.22 ERA, .250 BAA, 22/11 K/BB (8 GS)

Coming over two consecutive scoreless starts, Jackson, 25, tossed a dud on Wednesday: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 1/1 K/BB.

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