Gallardo, 20, literally came out firing on all
cylinders. The 6-foot-3 starter saw action in six games during rookie
ball, where he posted a very impressive 0.93 WHIP and a microscopic
0.47 ERA. Gallardo was then advanced to Beloit, where he made two
starts to end the 2004 season.
The native of La Pieded,
Mexico spent the entire 2005 campaign with Single-A West Virginia.
Gallardo made 26 appearances (18 starts), posting an 8-3 record with a
strong 2.74 ERA in 121 1/3 innings of work and continued to keep
runners off the base paths as he put up a WHIP of 1.24.
Last
season was a two-city tour for the prized right-hander. Gallardo
started the 2006 season with High-A Brevard County, where his 0.99 WHIP
led to his midseason promotion to Double-A Huntsville. He finished the
season off strong, putting up a 5-2 record with a 1.63 ERA to go along
with another very low WHIP number of 1.01. Gallardo also lead all the
minors with 188 strikeouts.
As if his sheer numbers are not
impressive enough, Gallardo continues to develop his electric arsenal
of pitches on the mound. He boasts a 96-MPH fastball with good movement
to go along with a sharp-breaking curveball in the mid 70’s. Gallardo
still has the time to develop his pure mechanics, which will take some
work, but it’s impossible to deny the way the ball seems to explode
when he delivers.
Yovani Gallardo’s pure ability to get hitters out (career WHIP of 1.12) paired with his electric stuff make him a legitimate blue-chipper for the Brewers’ organization – not to mention how well he swings the stick. He should start the 2007 season with Triple-A Nashville and it seems very likely that he will hear his name called come September.
Farm Feed will highlight
a new prospect every Sunday morning. Have a player you would like to
see profiled? Simply email Adam Loberstein at adamloberstein@gmail.com with the player(s) of your choice.