Johnny Cueto
From BR Bullpen
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Johnny Cueto was a two-time Reds Minor League Pitcher of the Year before making his major league debut in 2008.
Cueto was signed in 2004 and debuted with the DSL Reds, going 3-6 with a 2.58 ERA. In 2005, he was 2-2 with a 5.02 ERA for the GCL Reds and 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA for the Sarasota Reds.
Cueto made major strides in 2006. The 20-year-old was 8-1 with a 2.59 ERA for the Dayton Dragons with 52 hits, 15 walks and 82 strikeouts in 76 1/3 IP. He led the Midwest League with two shutouts. He started the MWL All-Star Game for the East team, allowing one run in one inning. Promoted back to Sarasota, his record was 7-2, 3.50 with 48 hits allowed and 61 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings. He led Cincinnati Reds farmhands in wins and was second in strikeouts. He was named the Reds' Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Baseball America ranked him as the #12 prospect in the MWL and the #14 prospect in the Florida State League.
Johnny remained effective in 2007. He started with Sarasota (4-5, 3.33, 72 K in 78 1/3 IP) and moved up to the Chattanooga Lookouts. His record was 6-3 with a 3.10 ERA for the Lookouts, with 11 walks to 77 strikeouts in 61 innings. Moving up another step to the Louisville Bats, he was 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA. In 22 innings, he fanned 21 while walking just two. He led Reds farmhands in ERA (3.07) and strikeouts and was third in wins. He was again the Reds Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Baseball America rated him as the 5th-best FSL prospect and 4th-best Southern League record. They also proclaimed Cueto as having the best slider and control in the Reds organization.
Cueto was 4-1 with a 2.84 ERA for the Águilas Cibaeñas in the winter of 2007-2008, helping them win the Dominican League title. He struck out 37 in 31 2/3 innings.
The 22-year-old made the 2008 Reds out of spring training and was their #3 starter. He had a fine MLB debut. He struck out his first batter, Chris Young, and fanned seven more in his first five innings without allowing either a hit or walk. Justin Upton opened the 6th with a home run for the only hit off of Cueto, who tossed another two perfect innings before being replaced by David Weathers. Cueto picked up the victory. Cueto's second start included 8 more strikeouts. With 18 strikeouts and no walks in his first two games, Cueto became the first major leaguer to start so auspiciously since 1900. He lost his next five decisions, though, as his ERA rose from 2.02 to 5.56.
[edit] Sources
- 2008 Reds Media Guide
