Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'3/165
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Birthday: July 5th, 1988
Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Andre Rienzo was signed out of Brazil by the White Sox back in 2006. Rienzo has catapulted up the White Sox prospect rankings after a stellar 2012 campaign. Rienzo ended the year with a 7-3 record, a 2.53 ERA, and a 1.161 WHIP. However, before his success in 2012, he served a 50-game suspension for PED usage. Rienzo went on to have a successful year in the AFL and besides one dreadful inning, he put up great stats.
Rienzo, as you can tell by his height and weight, has a lanky frame. However, his fastball can reach mid-90s and is very impressive according to scouts. He also possesses a good curveball and is developing a cutter.
Scouts seem to be mixed on whether Rienzo will stay a starter or move to the bullpen when he enters the big leagues.
Below are some scouting reports on Rienzo:
A talented righthanded strikeout artist from Brazil, White Sox prospect Andre Rienzo has the stuff and guile to succeed as a big-league reliever, even if that stuff came with its share of chemical enhancement last season. After serving a 50 game PED suspension, Rienzo returned to struck out almost ten batters per nine innings across three levels of play, mainly at AA Birmingham. He can dial his fastball up to 98, or maybe even a bit more than that in short use, and the average slider he mixes in should be enough to keep hitters honest. His changeup, a so-so one at best, shouldn't be a factor unless he returns to starting duty.
Baseball Prospect Nation:
Don’t see starter profile. Control profile hurts overall projection and limits any available command projection. Lack of change-up in arsenal is worrisome and hurts against LHH. FB-CB combo could play nicely in short stints. CT can be an interesting third pitch to add a little wrinkle. Size – and subsequent stamina – is a concern. If forced to start, likely #5 at best. If FB plays up in relief with improved strike throwing, setup potential exists. Could reach MLB quickly in relief, similar to Nathan Jones in 2012.
John Sickels:
Season marred by PED suspension but he pitched well in Double-A. Nice low-90s fastball, secondary stuff has improved, still working on command. Fourth starter or a relief option down the line. From Brazil.Follow Pale Hose Prospectus on Twitter - @ChiSoxProspects
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