Mat Latos

2013

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2012

After enjoying a career year in 2010, Latos appeared to take a significant step back in 2011. Virtually all of his numbers, ranging form ERA to K/BB to swinging-strike percentage, took a hit. However, if you look at his monthly splits, you'll notice that the overall totals are skewed by a poor start to the season in which Latos was suffering from both velocity and control issues as well as recovering from a sore shoulder in spring training. He made steady improvements and by midseason, had righted the ship, posting a 2.87 ERA with a 3.83 K/BB ratio after the All-Star break, all while holding the opposition to a .205 BAA. Traded to the Reds in December, Latos will now pitch half of his games at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, but his strong peripherals should help him retain most of his value despite an expected uptick in his home-run rate.

2011

In his first full season in the majors, Latos took the National League by storm racking up 14 wins, 189 strikeouts, a 2.92 ERA, and an outstanding 1.083 WHIP. He kept his walk rate down (2.4 BB/9IP) and used a fastball/slider combination that kept hitters off balance. Of course, pitching in PETCO Park also helped. Going into 2011, the biggest concern will be how his body handles the 60-plus innings increase he made from 2009 to 2010. Assuming he can stay healthy, expect an adjustment period as he won't be sneaking up on anyone this time around. Still, his skill set and home park are a great foundation for any young pitcher.

2010

An ankle injury kept him off the mound in April, but Latos hit the ground running thereafter, dominating Double-A and impressing in the Futures Game. His cup of coffee with the Padres was less impressive and showed that he needs work on his secondary pitches. He's in a great spot for a young pitcher and has both the scouting and stats imprimaturs. Look for him to be a league-average starter this season and get better from there as his breaking ball and changeup improve.

2009

Latos, considered by many in the San Diego organization to be their future closer, started the season at Low-A Fort Wayne after staying behind at extended spring training due to shoulder soreness. He then suffered a rib cage injury and when recovered, he was assigned to the Arizona Rookie League where he aggravated an intercostal strain. He finished the season at short-season Eugene (also Low-A). Between his early season shoulder woes and recurring intercostal strain, Latos only threw 56 innings combined over the three levels, starting in 11-of-15 appearances to build up arm strength. While Latos is still viewed as the bullpen stopper, his development was curtailed a bit by the 2008 injuries, so he is going to have to show he is durable enough to handle the role, probably by beginning the season at Double-A Portland. It is encouraging that Latos' arm remained healthy, but the lingering nature of his intercostal strain is a concern.