They're saying it's Matt Nevarez and a PTBNL.
Nevarez is a 22-year old 6'5", 220lb RHP. With Hickory in the South Atlantic League (same league as Lexington), Nevarez is 1-4 (9 saves) with a 2.83 ERA/1.06 WHIP in 34 games, all in relief, with 50K:15BB, and 1 homer allowed this season.
In four seasons in the Rangers organization, Nevarez is 7-7 with a 3.19 ERA/1.42 WHIP, 126K:71BB. 2009 has very clearly been his best season as a professional, mainly because he's healthy for the first time, after Tommy John surgery in '07.
Captip to JLStreet for this profile piece on Nevarez. A nugget, if you'll allow:
Known as a power arm out of high school, Nevarez is definitely putting up the numbers of a power reliever. But he feels like a much different pitcher than he was prior to the Tommy John surgery.
“I feel like I’m way different,” Nevarez explained. “My mechanics are way better. I feel like I have better command with my fastball and pitches. I’m staying behind—less arm problems. I feel like everything is getting better. I’m more mature with reading hitters and stuff.”
His fastball can hit 96, but he's working on a slider, too.
Of course, if this is all simply speculation, I'm going to feel pretty stupid. But if anything, we've all learned a little more about Matt Nevarez. And who would complain about that?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
