Maikel Cleto Game Report

by Baseball Handyman on Dec 13, 2008 6:39 AM PST

I saw him play in Savannah against the Rome Braves and wrote up a report for my blog. Thought you would all want a look considering he's yours now.

Maikel Cleto, RHP, NYM -19-year old IFA from the Dominican Republic; (6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 8 K)

Looked every bit of 218 lbs, but seemed shorter than his listed height of 6'3"
Spent first two innings in the 92-94 range with his fastball.
Velocity spiked in the 3rd and 4th as he was consistently hitting 94 and topping out at 97 MPH.
Fastball seemed to lack movement.
Breaking pitches were rudimentary at best. Looked as if he threw a cutter at 88-90 and a very poor curve in the upper 70's.
Slowed arm action and altered mechanics tipped curve badly.
Sling shot arm action. with size/mechanics, not much room for projection with the fastball. With it already at 92-97, does he need it?
Bulldog on the mound, really attacked hitters and had a nice "swagger."

His fastball velocity, along with his demeanor has me thinking closer. Attitude and swagger resembled Ugueth Urbina. Needs SIGNIFICANT refinement or addition of a true second pitch to reach potential.

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Thanks for this

Very raw, obviously, but that’s not a big shock with a 19-year-old; here’s hoping he’s coachable.

by The Ancient Mariner on Dec 13, 2008 8:20 AM PST reply actions

Thanks for the info

It’s going to be fun watching the High Desert rotation in 2009 with Aumont, Ramirez, Pineda, Adcock and now Cleto. That’s got best rotation in the league written all over it (not to mention YOUNGEST rotation in the league).

by Kevman22 on Dec 13, 2008 8:59 AM PST reply actions

Here's hoping they keep Cleto in Clinton for a while

as I think High Desert would be a bit much for him. (Besides, if he’s in Clinton, I might get the chance to see him pitch.)

by The Ancient Mariner on Dec 13, 2008 9:18 AM PST up reply actions

That; would probably be a good idea.

This scouting report shows just how raw he really is. He seems to have been rushed a bit so far, who knows what he’ll do if he repeats last years level.

by Kevman22 on Dec 13, 2008 9:48 AM PST up reply actions

Mets LOVE to rush guys

I think he’s ready for A+ though as the Sally League is no slouch. Keep in mind the game I saw him play was versus Rome’s big three of Heyward, Freeman, and Johnson. Johnson took him yard on a mistake two strike fastball left belt hight, but he had Heyward on his heels and made Freddie Freeman look absolutely silly.

Mike Newman
baseballhandyman.com

by Baseball Handyman on Dec 13, 2008 10:23 AM PST reply actions