Captip to Citizen Steve for the link, the Astros have signed 25th Round pick pitcher Rodney Quintero.
Quintero:
“I had two options. I could come back to Chipola, or take the offer. I signed because you don’t know what happens in the future. I just wanted to start playing pro baseball. That’s it.”
Chipola CC Coach Jeff Johnson:
“It is disappointing any time you lose a guy and you lose him late. I felt like Rodney had a chance to be a first rounder next year. I’ve had two first rounders, and I’ve worked with a couple other guys who went in the first round, and (Quintero) is in the same category with those guys.
I try to tell guys to not get in a situation of taking less than they’re worth, but he’s ready to start that process, and I wish him the best...
...“I wouldn’t (be) surprised to see him in big leagues in a few years. He’s got the arm strength. He’s an explosive, athletic pitcher, which you don’t see very often. He’s got explosive legs, a quick arm, and his fastball sneaks up on you. He can get it up to 95 (mph), but he could be guy you see throwing 97 or 98 at some point. It’s there, it’s just a matter of him developing secondary pitches, gaining some confidence, and having some more success. But he’s got a chance to be a real guy.”
Quintero will head to Greeneville.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
