CARLOS SILVA

 

Relief Pitcher
Philadelphia Phillies

 

Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 225 lbs.
Born: April 4, 1979, in Bolivar, Venezuela.

 

MAJOR LEAGUE SEASON PITCHING STATISTICS:

 YEAR

ERA W L G IP H R ER BB K HR BAA
2002 3.21 5 0 68 84 88 34 30 22 41 4 .282
 

PROFILE:
Carlos Silva was a 1996 graduate of U.E. General Ezequiel Zamora Bolivar High School in Venezuela. He began his professional baseball career with the Phillies Class-AA Reading affiliate in 2001, where he finished tied for most wins in the Eastern League (EL) with 15 and was second in innings pitched with 180. He also hurled four complete games that season. His 15 wins at Reading that season where the most by a Reading pitcher since Bob Scanlan led the EL with 15 wins back in 1987. Silva started in the EL All Star Game that season and recorded the win. He also recorded a win in the only EL playoff start that he pitched in, throwing seven strong shutout innings. Silva made it to the big leagues last season, with a surprisingly strong spring training showing. He quickly became one of the most durable middle relievers on the Phillies. Carlos’ best pitch is his heavy mid-90s fastball, which he possesses good command of. He also throws a curve and changeup. He doesn’t blow hitters away with his stuff, but has shown good durability to take the ball when needed and good mental toughness. He is also adequate defensively and at controlling opponents’ running game.

FINAL ASSESSMENT:
Carlos Silva certainly solidified a spot on the Phillies pitching staff for 2003, with his solid rookie performance last season. However, he could really help improve himself if he could develop a real “out” pitch. In addition, because he was mostly a starter in the minors, he might be of more use to the Phils if they used him as a starter rather than a middle reliever. Yet, at this point in time, the Phils are more hard pressed for relievers than starters, hence Silva’s immediate future should be out of the pen. He doesn’t possess blue chip ability, but Silva could prove to be serviceable major league pitcher for years to come. Particularly, if he can improve one of his off speed pitches and perhaps land a starting role in the future. Again, we see him as a serviceable innings-eating middle reliever, or as a back-of-the-rotation starter someday. He should go in one of the early middle rounds in the upcoming NABL draft.