#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:
Tapia is a future member of the Mets pen.
Very few have ever impressed me as much as this kid
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.
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.
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
@Robb
Ask and you shall receive.
:)
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