Per Reader Request, a Prospect Retro: Carlos Silva

Carlos Silva was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as a free agent in 1996, out of Venezuela. He made his pro debut that summer, pitching 18 innings for Martinsville in the Appalachian League at the age of 17, allowing 11 runs but posting a nice 16/5 K/BB ratio. At this point, he was a basic "kid with a live arm", his best attributes being youth and control. He'd have rated a Grade C or Grade C+ prospect.

Returning to Martinsville in 1997, Silva made 11 starts, posting a 5.15 ERA and a 31/14 K/BB in 58 innings, allowing 66 hits. His velocity picked up into the low 90s and he threw strikes, but his secondary pitches were unreliable, making him too hittable. Grade C with higher potential would be an appropriate grade.

Silva split '98 between Martinsville and Batavia in the New York-Penn League, pitching poorly at both levels, wi