Through September 6, 2000
YR
2000
|
G
54
|
GS
0
|
CG
0
|
SHO
0
|
IP
47.2
|
H
47
|
R
28
|
ER
26
|
HR
11
|
BB
18
|
SO
38
|
W
1
|
L
2
|
SV
29
|
ERA
4.91
|
Profile
& Scouting Report
Height:
6-5
Weight:
210 lbs.
Throws:
Right
Bats:
Right
Positions:
Relief Pitcher
Born:
December 31, 1961, San Gabriel , California
Drafted:
Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 37th round of the 1980 free-agent draft; did not sign ... Selected by the New York Mets in the third round of the 1983 free-agent draft.
Acquired:
Signed by the Minnesota Twins as a free agent on Dec. 11, 1995.
Pre-Majors Highlights:
Became a pitcher during his sophomore season with the Cougars.
Scouting Report
2000 Season
Seen as one of the few constants on the team going into the season, veteran closer Rick Aguilera nearly lost the faith of new manager Don Baylor during a very rough stretch in May. He pitched decently for the rest of the year before a broken thumb ended his season in early September. Overall, it was his worst year yet as a closer, and his ERA didn't even reflect that he allowed nearly half of the runners he inherited to score.
Pitching
In his late 30s, Aguilera has come to rely more and more on his forkball. The fact that he gave up 11 home runs in fewer than 50 innings last year illustrates that the forkball doesn't have the sinking action it once had. He also has an average fastball and slider, but he has to have precise command to make it all work. He's tougher on lefthanded hitters than most righthanded pitchers.
Defense & Hitting
Aguilera has a good record at the plate, although he hasn't had much of a chance to add to it since becoming a closer in 1990. Baserunners don't have to worry about Aguilera picking them off; he's nailed only one runner in his career. He's fairly easy to run on but is a good fielder who rarely errs.
2001 Outlook
Aguilera's contract was up at the end of last year and the Cubs declined to offer him arbitration. Chicago also signed Tom Gordon and slated him as the team's closer for 2001. In light of Aguilera's age and unimpressive 2000 season, he may find it hard to find a club willing to pay him closer money. He was effective in the second half, so it's possible his early slump had more to do with a physical problem than age. Aguilera may be reaching the point in his career where he must choose between a less glamorous role and retirement.
Scouting Report Source: STATS, Inc. Copyright 2000 STATS, Inc.
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