January 28, 2021 at 4:01 PM
Scouting Report Updates: Frank German and Jose Adames
Over the last week, the Red Sox a pair of new minor league pitchers for whom we've posted new scouting reports. First, signed right-handed reliever Jose Adames to a minor league contract. Adames last pitched in rookie ball for the Reds in 2019 and we project him to go to Salem. A few days later, as part of acquiring veteran reliever Adam Ottavino from the Yankees, the club also obtained right-hander Frank German and cash considerations. German was the Yankees' 2018 fourth-round pick out of North Florida, and slots in at twenty-seventh in the SoxProspects Rankings. We project him to start in Portland.
Here are our initial reports on the pair, compiled from data and reports as well as our scouting sources across the game. Please note that these reports will be updated after we have seen these players in person.
Physical Description: Athletic right-hander who has filled out considerably over the last few years. Minimal remaining projection.
Mechanics: Throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot. Long arm action with lots of moving parts. Slight trunk twist before coming forward. Effort in delivery. Has had trouble repeating delivery over longer outings.
Fastball: 93-97 mph. Tops out at 98 mph. Below-average command. Velocity has increased in pro ball and now routinely sits mid-90s. Potential plus-to-better offering.
Changeup: Best secondary pitch. Has improved since he got into pro ball and provides a nice compliment to his fastball. Still needs refinement and improved consistency. Potential average offering.
Slider: Lags behind changeup. Average potential at best.
Career Notes: Velocity spiked during the Conference tournament of his draft year and stock rose, leading the Yankees to draft him in the 4th round. Named First Team All-Conference in his sophomore and junior years at North Florida.
Summation: Potential middle-reliever. Ceiling of a back-end starter if he can continue to develop his secondary pitches and command takes a step forward.
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Physical Description: Average frame. Heavier than listed weight. Minimal remaining projection.
Mechanics: Throws from a three-quarters arm slot. Medium leg kick and long arm action. Very quick arm. Significant effort in delivery.
Fastball: 96-99 mph. Tops out at 100 mph. Well-below-average control. Has struggled to throw strikes and miss bats.
Curveball: Power 10-to-4 curveball that will flash potential, but is inconsistent.
Changeup: Pitch shows late fade. Will flash average at least.
Career Notes: Has undergone Tommy John surgery twice, in September 2016 and in June 2018.
Summation: Arm strength depth reliever type. Has elite velocity, but has never pitched above High A and has a significant injury track record.
Ian Cundall is Director of Scouting for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @IanCundall.