Another possible sleeper for the ‘07 season is RHP Kenny Maiques. In ‘04, Maiques made 12 appearances out of the Long Beach Dirtbag bullpen as a freshman, which was led by an all star pitching staff of Jered Weaver, Jason Vargas and Cesar Ramos. Following the regular season, he had a successful Alaska Summer League where he flashed a 95 mph fastball and had plans for returning to Long Beach for his sophomore year. Instead he opted to enroll at Rio Hondo Junior College at the last minute, and ended up being the most dominant JUCO pitcher of the year. He threw 2 perfect 7 inning games, fanning 17 hitters in the first perfect o, and 14 the next. Both games were within a 3 week span. During that season he also had a streak of 49 scoreless innings. He led all California Juco pitchers with a 0.66 ERA, striking out 133 in 82 innings. (15/9IP).
With that amazing performance, Maiques would’ve been considered a 3rd round talent but he snapped a ligament in his elbow just before the draft and had to own up to scouts that he needed surgery. Maiques had to think his career was over, but the Cardinals picked him in the 37th round and he underwent Tommy John. Maiques has only pitched 4 innings professionally just this past June for the Spikes and was shut down due to a stiff elbow.
Maiques is still a possible 2nd day draft steal, previously throwing a 91-94 mph fastball and a sharp breaking slider that is said to be a dominant offering. Scouts considered him undersized in ‘05 at 5′11″, 175 lbs but now his MiLB page lists him at 6′1″, 185 at 21. The fact that the Cardinals picked Maiques, covered his surgery and have stuck with him to this point shows their faith in the right hander’s potential. If he’s healthy, look for him to make the Swing team as a reliever, and he could find a spot in the rotation a la Trey Hearne if pitches well.
Filed under: Kenny Maiques, Sleepers
erik
azruavatar
fewgoodcards
roarke49
theredbaaron
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t even know if I’d classify him as a sleeper. I have to admit that I haven’t seen him throw, but I think he’ll tail out before he’s 27, although I hate saying things like that without seeing footage of them throwing.
The truth of the matter is he still has the potential to be a dominant pitcher. I played with Kenny at Rio Hondo and I have NEVER seen anyone take control of a game like him. At will Kenny can add MPH. He has that extra gear that all great pitchers have. His will to win is what seperates him. It takes time to recover and the Cards know that. They are making the commitment because they believe in him.
Maybe…Balkroth, you should see some footage before making a judgment call! This kid’s got talent!
Maiques now dominating in his return to pro ball:
Through July 18, 2007, he has 32K/13BB/23H in 34 innings. Opponents hitting .193 off him, with a GB/FB ratio of over 2.
He needs to move up against better competition, but those are the numbers of a guy who is healthy and has good stuff.
Right on Sidd. I couldn’t agree more. Hopefully they move him soon, but it’s hard to figure who and when they’re going to make a move with. He’s 5 saves away from breaking the “Swing” franchise single season record. He’s definately healthy.
By the numbers alone you would think they would challenge Maiques, if he is back to where he was and it sure looks that way Maiques is on his way to a mlb career this guy threw 2 perfect games in college and I witnessed him pitching in college they werent even close talk about electric stuff.They seem to want players who like to compete this young man thrives on it should soon will be moved up.