2/11/14

MM's Top 25- #20 RHSP Domingo Tapia



#20 RHSP Domingo Tapia (LR: #13)
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6' 4" Weight: 186 lb
Age: 22
Acquired: 2009 International Signing, Dominican Republic

2013: (A+) 3-9, 4.62 ERA, 7.9 K/9, 5.6 BB/9, 1.480 WHIP
2012: (A) 6-5, 3.98 ERA, 8.4 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 1.141 WHIP
2011: (R/SS-A) 6-5, 3.38 ERA, 5.8 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, 1.268 WHIP
2010: (R) 4-3, 3.45 ERA, 5.6 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 1.255 WHIP

Tapia has all the potential tools to be a top of the rotation starter. A four-seam power fastball that, while flat, can consistently touch triple digits; A two-seam fastball that has heavy sinking action while still clocking in at 95-97 MPH, a premium velocity slider that has late horizontal plane movement, and a high 80's change-up that has excellent down and away movement and potential to be a plus MLB offering. However, there's just one obstacle standing in the way of his ceiling....control.

Tapia has a natural low 3/4 arm slot that generates a strong arm whip without adding stress and remaining a fluid motion. However, this arm slot naturally adds a ton of movement to a pitcher's arsenal which, in turn, creates more difficultly when it comes to harnessing the control. Tapia suffered from a bout of control issues in 2013 and it has caused some talent evaluators to wonder if he can remain a starter. If not, then he stills has all the tools to be a successful closer in the bigs. This year will be CRITICAL in his development as this will be his last season before he becomes Rule 5 eligible. If he can solve the control issues look for him to skyrocket back up the list.

Anticipated Assignment: (AA) Binghamton starting rotation
Ceiling: #2 MLB rotation starter
Floor: Second Division "Hold Your Breath" MLB Closer 

5 comments:

Mack Ade said...

Tapia is a future member of the Mets pen.

Very few have ever impressed me as much as this kid

Robb said...

Posting their age at the start of the 2014 season would be a great addition to these write ups. i always wonder how old they are.

Herb G said...

Robb - he's 22 and will be for the entire 2014 season.

Mack - I'm wondering what impressed you so about him, other than his sheer velocity. I'm a believer in performance over potential, and I have not yet been able to get excited over Tapia. With triple digit velocity and a "ton of movement", as Christopher says in the write-up, you would think he would have Kimbrelesque strikeout numbers, but his K/9 has been pedestrian throughout his career to date. I personally don't think he has a future in the majors, unless he harnesses his wildness and gets more swing and miss stuff.

Anonymous said...

His flat fastball is what's limiting his K/9 rate.

While guys aren't getting hard contact off it....they are still making contact.

IMO he's basically Bobby Parnell 2.0

Anonymous said...

@Robb

Ask and you shall receive.

:)