Robert Manuel

For a guy who had been DFA’d and demonstrated he’s nowhere near the prospect the M’s hoped two years ago?

funky delivery, crap FB, good change… didn’t Tampa build one of the game’s best pens out of guys just like him?

Ron Shandler’s group at baseballhq.com had this to say about Manuel:

Robert Manuel (RHP, CIN)

The 26 year-old has been promoted to the big leagues for the first time. Acquired from the Mets in May ‘06, the Reds have mainly utilized Manuel as a long man in the bullpen. He’s been outstanding since his breakout year in ‘08. He has a career 2.84 ERA, 1.5 CTL and 8.5 DOM. Manuel doesn’t have a strikeout pitch and generally allows quite a few more flyballs than grounders, but he’s found success by throwing strikes. He has pinpoint command of his 87-91 mph fastball and he can add some cutting action to it as well. Manuel simply knows how to pitch. He also uses a slider and changeup. He may not have a lot of upside, but he’s the type of guy to eat and pitch effective innings.

STATS: Louisville (AAA) – 32 g, 3-3 2.51 ERA, 43 IP, 4.0 CMD, 1.9 CTL, 7.5 DOM, 2 HR, .209 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever – will provide depth in a tired bullpen
POTENTIAL: Setup reliever
RATING: 6C

Please note they have him at 87 mph to 91 mph this season in AAA Louisville. So don’t get you panties all in the bunch over his lack of velocity.