#38 – LHP Angel Cuan

Bats/Throws: L/L

Height/Weight: 5’11”/150

Acquired: NDFA

Born: 5/29/89 (Panama City, Panama)

2009 Rank: NR

Why Ranked Here: As more than one scout who saw him this year said, this “slight” lefty “has a chance.”  At this point, on the list, that’s all one can ask.  Both of Cuan’s secondary offerings, a true curveball and a changeup have a chance to be MLB average.  His fastball, which lives at 84-89 mph is the weak link in his game.  Lefties can get by with middling heaters, but he’ll need to at least maintain 87-89 to give himself a real big league chance.

2009: The Mets started Cuan off in Brooklyn, where he was hit hard in two starts (15 H, 7 R, 8 IP) before he was sent down to Kingsport, because as we all know around here, losing in Brooklyn is simply unacceptable.  Even with the Cyclones, Cuan’s ratios (9 K, 2 BB) were fine.  With Kingsport, he was still hittable (76 H, 59.2 IP), but his K/BB was strong: a touch above three.

Dr. Pangloss Says: A lefty at the back end of a big league rotation

Debbie Downer Says: Cannon fodder at AA.

Projected 2010 Start: Savannah with a reasonably strong Spring Training