David Hernandez - Baltimore

[Kelly_Leak]

Was wondering if anyone had any information/scouting on Hernandez. All I know is what I see in his numbers...high Ks high BBs last year, still high Ks better command to date this year. I am a bit intrigued because (A) the Baltimore rotation stinks and (B) he is on their 40 man roster.

Any scouting info out there?

[Kelly_Leak]

Okay...so I'm guessing no one has any scouting information on Hernandez, so I figured I would post what I see (stats only). Since I first posted Rich Hill has come off the DL to take Hendrickson's spot, while James Berken has been called up to take Eaton's spot. All in all the O's rotation still stinks. From what I've read Berken has questionable major league stuff and Bergesen has been underwhelming since being called up, so I still see two possible holes he could slide into.

This is what we know about Hernandez in AAA in 2009:
Age: Recently turned 24 (an appropriate age for his level)
40-man roster?: Yes (no move required, a definite plus)
K/9: 12.5 (excellent)
BB/9: 2.7 (solid...definite improvement from 2008)
HRs: 3 (very good considering the next stat)
GroundOuts/AirOuts: 0.69 (flyball pitcher in Balt could be scary, but there is a solid defense in the OF)
BAA: .206

AA stats from 2008:
K/9: 10.6
BB/9: 4.5
HRs: 10
GroundOuts/AirOuts: 0.74
BAA: .217

It should be worth noting that he recently pitched 7.1 innings of shut out ball that included 14 Ks and more importantly 0 BBs!!! I'm not sure what the rational was in picking Berken over Hernandez, but if he keeps pitching like this in AAA he will be up before the All-star break. Then the question becomes whether he can translate his success to the majors. I'm still skeptical about his control, but he is definitely worth monitoring (especially in AL-only).

[Todd Zola]

I can only add more "numbers" stuff, not really any scouting per se.

1. Word is he is more Uehara insurance for Thursday than anything

2. He has improved his B-rate this season, fueling his success so far in Triple-A. The key will be sustaining that at the next level. I have no "reasons" why -- new approach, refinement of repertoire, etc, just that up until 2008, his crutch was command.