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Julio Teheran: Colombia Serves Up Prospects
Written by Rue on March 10, 2008 – 9:25 pmWith the recent buzz around international prospects (namely 17 year-old Julio Teheran), we figured we’d post some of what we could find. Notable players like Edgar Renteria have been acquired from Colombian leagues, and if he’s any indication, it certainly won’t be a bad call to keep up the recruiting. There are currently 47 Colombian players in the US major/minor systems (as well as 16 from the Dominican Republic, and 12 from Venezuela), so it seems that some of this recruiting is worth the effort. However, since 1972, there have only been seven players to make it to the majors, the rest staying in the minors and other feeder leagues. According to El Heraldo de Colombia, there are five major prospects in Colombia with Teheran making the biggest waves.
It seems that every bit of information out there says the same thing about this guy.
Full Name: Julio Teheran Pinto
Age: 17 (DOB: Jan 27, 1991)
Location: Columbia
Signed: 2007 with the Braves for $800,000 (highest ever for a Colombian)
He was recruited by five different organizations, and threw a 92 mph fastball in try-outs. Typically he averages about 94 mph. Baseball is in his blood; apparently his uncle, Miguel Teheran was a stand-out player (and is a current talent scout in Colombia – for the Braves, might I add). He’s tall and thin, 6′2.4″, 189 pounds. Growing up, he was called “the Horse” because of his size, force, and conviction. He has a consistent curve ball and sinker, and his other pitches are at least average. He’s a Curt Schilling and John Smoltz admirer, and according to sources will be playing AA ball in 2008. Many hope that in three years he will continue in the footsteps of Emiliano Fruit, the first Colombian pitcher in the Major Leagues.
Venezuelan Daniel Mavarez (Barranquilla pitching coach) says Teheran’s the best he’s ever seen for his age in Latin America. For the past two years, the Yankees, BoSox, Mets, Cardinals, and Tigers have been eyeing him, and are rumored to have even offered more money for him than the Braves laid out. Why did he land in Atlanta? Well, we can apparently thank Uncle Miguel for that one, too – and maybe a bit to Edgar Renteria for having a brother who has been linked to Teheran in Columbian league play, and for being a “magnificent” mentor to young Julio when he came to visit Atlanta. We’ll definitely let you know more as we find it out, because we’re just as interested as the next guy.
The other prospects include Jair Fernandez, Ronald Ramirez, Donovan Solano, and Martin Vega, all of whom are currently playing in single A clubs for the Mariners, Astros, Cardinals, and Mariners, respectively. Hopefully we will be able to see some great things out of these international prospects, and we’ll definitely keep our eyes on Teheran for the next few seasons.
Tags: Edgar Renteria, Julio Teheran, Julio Tehran
Posted in Minor Leagues | 9 Comments »
By Colin on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply
Julio Teheran looks like he’s going to be the Braves’ top pitching prospect for a while. He’s young, but with some development, the guy will tear up batters at the big league level.
Most comparisons put him in the league of Felix Hernandez, Seattle’s #1 starter.
By Jonathan on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply
I like the potential this guy has, I just get a little wary of someone that young throwing that hard. If he doesn’t make sure to perfect technique and take it easy when possible, I don’t see his arm lasting too terribly long. That much speed can be a killer on the elbow and shoulder.
I do, however, like this kid’s chances of helping the Braves out in Atlanta a few years down the road.
By Rue Grant on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply
alright what else do you want me to write? that one was fun. and got stolen.
By Smitty on Mar 19, 2008 | Reply
As we saw to our detriment last year, our pitching can never be too deep. Hopefully this guy will make the rotation in a couple years.
Good profile, Rue. Thanks.
Smitty
By keyjul on Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
eres un gran prospecto a grandes ligas ponle fe a lo q haces y pidele a dios q te acompañe a cada partido, eres el mejor lo saves te quiero mucho nunk lo olvides.
By Solo on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
"I just get a little wary of someone that young throwing that hard." Don't underestimate a pitcher that's young and throws hard. Just look at Tim Lincecum. People didn't give him a chance because of his funky, unique delivery. I'm sure they regret that now.
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Julio Teheran looks like he's going to be the Braves' top pitching prospect for a while. He's young, but with some development, the guy will tear up batters at the big league level.
Most comparisons put him in the league of Felix Hernandez, Seattle's #1 starter.
By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I like the potential this guy has, I just get a little wary of someone that young throwing that hard. If he doesn't make sure to perfect technique and take it easy when possible, I don't see his arm lasting too terribly long. That much speed can be a killer on the elbow and shoulder.
I do, however, like this kid's chances of helping the Braves out in Atlanta a few years down the road.
By keyjul on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
eres un gran prospecto a grandes ligas ponle fe a lo q haces y pidele a dios q te acompae00200061 cada partido, eres el mejor lo saves te quiero mucho nunk lo olvides.