Fausto Carmona
From BR Bullpen
Fausto Carmona
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 4", Weight 190 lbs.
- Debut April 15, 2006
- Born December 7, 1983 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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[edit] Biography
Fausto Carmona is a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. The Indians signed the Dominican native as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He was named the organization's "Player of the Year" in 2003, at the age of 19. After finishing the 2006 season with a 1-10 record, Carmona turned in a 19-8 record in 2007. The right-hander finished the campaign second among American League starters with a 3.06 ERA, behind only John Lackey of the Angels. Carmona throws a hard sinking fastball that frequently induces ground balls.
[edit] Minor Leagues
The Indians assigned Carmona to the Dominican Summer League in 2001. He advanced to Burlington in 2002, and put up strong numbers. In 13 games, the future ace owned a 3.32 ERA and walked just ten opponents. He played for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers at the end of the season. He did not surrender a single run in three appearances with the single-A club. Carmona was the youngest player to appear for the Scrappers in 2002.
2003 was Carmona's breakout season in Cleveland's system. He won 17 of his 24 starts for the Lake County Captains. In 148 innings, the sinker-baller's ERA was 2.07, and his WHIP was 0.89. The South Atlantic League named Carmona the circuit's "Most Outstanding Pitcher". In one start with the double-A Akron Aeros, he tossed six innings and allowed three runs. After the season, Baseball America ranked Carmona the third best prospect in the Indians' organization.
Still just 20 years old, Carmona was sent to Kinston in 2004. He posted a 5-2 record for the club and his ERA was 2.83. In June, the Indians promoted their young arm to Akron. In 15 starts for the Aeros, Carmona's record was 4-8, his WHIP was 1.55, and his ERA soared to 4.76. Carmona made one start for the Buffalo Bisons, and allowed four runs in six innings. He also won two International League playoff games for Buffalo. Carmona won 13 games between Akron and Buffalo in 2005. His ERA between the two teams was 3.68, his WHIP was 1.21, and he walked just 35 in 173 2/3 innings. Baseball America deemed him the fifth best Indians prospect.
[edit] Indians: 2006-Present
Carmona started the 2006 season in triple-A, but was soon called up to the Indians. He debuted on April 15 against the Tigers. The outing was a success: he held Detroit to one run in six innings, and struck out four. He spent most of the season as a reliever, and Cleveland even experimented with using Carmona as a closer. This plan failed during a four game stretch in which Carmona blew three saves and took a loss. He allowed 11 runs in just 2 2/3 innings during the disastrous four game period. He finished out the season with a 1-10 record, and a 5.42 ERA.
Cliff Lee was sidelined with an injury during spring training in 2007, and a spot in Cleveland's rotation opened for Carmona. The White Sox pounded the 23 year old for 6 runs in 4 1/3 innings on April 13th, but Carmona rebounded nicely. He finished April with a 3.76 ERA, and was 4-0 in May. On May 17th, Carmona tossed a complete game shutout against the Twins. He was 9-4 with a 2.26 ERA in the second half of the season. Carmona's 19 wins and 3.06 ERA both ranked second in the American League. He allowed just one run in nine innings during his first postseason start; the Indians won the game in 11 innings, and won the ALDS in four games. The Red Sox fared much better against Carmona, who totaled only six innings over the course of two ALCS starts. He surrendered eleven earned runs on ten hits and nine walks in the two outings.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (2007)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (2007)
[edit] Related Sites
Sources: MLB Player Bio
