H/W: 6-3 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/22/86
Gutierrez was a surprise '08 1st round pick by the Twins. He was converted to a closer by the University of Miami after returning from Tommy John surgery. During this time the former Hurricane ace developed a lively fastball that can hit 95 MPH with heavy sink. This pitch alone allowed him to have a successful debut at High-A Fort Myers, going 3-1 with a 2.10 ERA and 19 K's in 25.2 IP. He forced 2.56 ground outs per flyout as well.
Gutierrez exhibits good control of his fastball, but the biggest detractor to his game is the lack of a second pitch. The Twins seem optimistic that they can work with him to establish a breaking ball to work well with his very good fastball. Given the high level of success the Twins have enjoyed in developing pitchers, there is reason to be optimistic for this to happen. Gutierrez has a strong and athletic frame that should make him a fine late inning power arm at the major league level.
2009 Projection: Gutierrez had a successful but brief stint at Fort Myers, but he may find himself there again to begin the '09 season. The Twins have been working hard with him to develop his second pitch. Gutierrez seems best fit to be a late inning pitcher who can use his hard sinker to induce groundball outs with runners on base. While this is valuable for a big league club, the middle reliever roles holds no value to collectors. Regardless, watch to see if he continues to pitch in a closing role for either Fort Myers or AA New Britain.
Key Carlos Gutierrez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/202
 CARLOS GUTIERREZ AUTO RC TWINS SP 2008 BOWMAN CHROME AUTOGRAPH $0.99 |
 Carlos Gutierrez Twins 2008 Bowman Sterling autograph $8.00 |
 Nomination of Carlos M. Gutierrez to be NEW $17.17 |
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