Fernando Nieve

Nieve was claimed off of waivers in spring training by the Mets, and after opening the year at Double-A Binghamton, was promoted after a month to Triple-A Buffalo. Nieve went 3-0 with a 3.70 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 24.1 innings for the Bisons to earn a call-up to the Mets, where he was immediately slotted into the rotation. After a brilliant first three starts, Nieve reverted back to his prior form in his next three outings before tearing his right quadriceps a July start against Atlanta, landing awkwardly at first base bag while trying to leg out an infield hit. The injury sidelined him for the balance of the year. He will likely enter 2010 as a spring training invite to earn either a rotation or bullpen spot.

Nieve spent the vast majority of the 2008 season with Triple-A Round Rock, going 2-5 with a 5.72 ERA in 36 appearances, seven of which were starts. He was called up for a brief time in May and again in September, but pitched just 10.2 innings with the Astros and he posted an 8.44 ERA in those innings. The Astros have been hoping for a few years now that he’d be an impact pitcher for them, but he hasn’t been able to put it together. Still, it's too soon to give up on him at 26, and he will once again have a shot to break camp with the big league club during spring training.

Nieve challenged for the final spot in the rotation in spring training last year, but lost out to Chris Sampson. After struggling with Triple-A Round Rock, it was discovered he had a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He underwent successful Tommy John surgery in May, and is unlikely to pitch in 2008.

Nieve made 40 appearances with the Astros last year, including 11 starts, and went 3-3 with a 4.20 ERA. As a starter, he was 2-3 with a 4.67 ERA. His biggest problem is command within the strike zone, as he allowed a staggering 18 home runs in just 96.1 innings. He will compete with Matt Albers for the final spot in the rotation.

Another product of the Astros' work in Venezuela, Nieve is a late bloomer with a good fastball/slider combo. He could use more time at Triple-A (his ERA there jumped two runs a game), but he'll be in the Astros' mix no later than midseason. He looks more like a reliever than a starter right now, and could be a good one as early as '07.

Nieve excelled in Single-A Salem, posting a 2.96 ERA in 24 starts. The 22-year-old Venezuelan is still very raw but has the talent to one day be a major league starter.

Nieve is part of the Astros' famed Venezuelan program. He was added to the 40-man roster in November after a breakthrough season at low Single-A Lexington. He throws a heavy sinking fastball that ranges between 91-95 mph, but still needs to work on his control. He's still two-to-three years from making it to the majors.