Joe

Torres

Torres, a 2000 first-round pick, has really struggled this year, although it shows up more in his ratios (41 H, 17/18 K/BB in 32 2/3 IP) than it does in his ERA (4.68). With more injury woes and his velocity still down, his stock has dropped significantly.

If Torres underwent surgery now, he’d could miss all of next season. The left-hander has battled shoulder problems and lost velocity since he appeared to be one of the top pitchers to come out of the 2000 draft.

Torres, who was selected 10th overall by the Angels in 2000, had a 2.24 ERA and 62/23 K/BB ratio over 56 1/3 innings as a reliever last season with Double-A Tulsa. Now 29 years old, he’s unlikely to ever make it to the major leagues.

Torres is trending in the wrong direction and has yet to make it through a full season at the Triple-A level. The former 10th overall pick has a 4.51 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over his disappointing minor league career. It’s remains \ unlikely that he resurfaces as a reliable reliever.

The Angels first became concerned that Torres would been ligament replacement surgery last July, but they hoped the winter off would give him time to heal. The 2000 first-round pick hasn’t had his best stuff in about three years. Maybe surgery will allow him to reemerge as a prospect in 2005.

Torres, the 10th overall selection in the 2000 draft, was able to stay healthy as a reliever last season and was actually quite effective, amassing a 2.68 ERA in 50 1/3 innings. He did walk 31, but the Southern League hit just .164 off him. It appears that the Rangers will give him a chance to win a bullpen spot next spring. Kason Gabbard may be his competition.

The 10th overall pick back in 2000, Torres has yet to reach Triple-A as a professional. He posted a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings last year at Double-A in the White Sox organization. Now 28, his odds of ever producing a worthwhile big league career are not good.