Severino Gonzalez

The Phillies' lack of starting depth in the high minors forced them to give Gonzalez a look last season before he was ready. He made seven starts, going 3-3 with a 7.92 ERA. On the surface those numbers look bad, but a 4.57 FIP indicates he was not as bad as it looks at first glance, although still not pretty. While Gonzalez was hit hard when batters made contact, he also was able to strike hitters out at a solid clip and displayed his trademark command that he has shown throughout his time in the minors. The biggest problem for Gonzalez is his mediocre stuff: He averages around 89 mph with his fastball, and he got hit hard by major league bats because he is around the plate so much with his weak fastball. He will need to refine his approach in order to be successful in the majors. The Phillies will have him open the year back at Triple-A and could give him another shot in the majors later in the season.

Gonzalez put himself on the prospect radar after a solid 2013 season, but scouts questioned whether his stuff was good enough to play at the higher levels. His first full season at Double-A would seem to justify those concerns, as Gonzalez saw his strikeout rate drop significantly. He also struggled with the long ball seeing his HR/9 balloon to 1.3. The bright spot for Gonzalez is his command. He walked just 34 in 158.2 innings. If he continues to command his pitches and can keep hitters off balance with his off-speed stuff, Gonzalez should continue to advance up the ladder, eventually reaching the majors. He's not much of a fantasy prospect given his risky profile as a pitcher that does not possess a true put-away pitch.

Gonzalez finished last season a combined 7-5 with a 2.00 ERA and a 119:22 K:BB ratio in 103.2 innings across three levels - though he made just one start at Double-A at the end of the year. He has stellar command of his pitches, which is why the Phillies' brass believes he can move quickly through their farm system. Scouts have concerns with his ability to remain effective as he climbs through the minors due to a fastball that sits around 90 mph. Gonzalez should open the year at Double-A Reading and will get a chance to prove himself against tougher competition. With continued success, he could be knocking on the door for an opportunity in the majors in 2015.