Turning the page to 2011, the recently turned 20-year old appears to have sorted out his issues and is back on the fast track. In AA for a second full season, he’s working to a 2.74 ERA in 23 innings, allowing 18 hits, striking out 24 (10 BB) and pounding the bottom of the zone (2.00 GO/AO).

Perez pitched a rain-shortened, five inning perfect game in his third start of the year.

From a “stuff” perspective, his low-90’s fastball (can reach mid-90’s) has natural run away from right-handed hitters, his change has great sinking action and his curve has potential to be a plus PLUS pitch.

Few scouts doubt his ace potential, but can his small build handle the rigors of a full season? He’s drawn comparisons to Johan Santana with his stature, live fastball and change, but Santana never had a wipe-out breaking pitch.

While the Rangers rotation seems set right now, if Perez continues his dominance come summer time he may force the organization’s hand. He’s still a baby though and likely a year away from contributing.

Gibson has been ultra-consistent since a rocky 2011 debut, posting a 27:4 K:BB ratio and 3.46 ERA, while holding right-handed hitters to a .188 batting average.

His two-seam fastball is a ground ball inducing machine, notching 1.83 ground outs per air out in the early going, this after finishing with a 2.38 split last season. His slider and change are major league ready offerings.

The reasons for optimism are plenty, but there are reasons for hesitation as well: 1. His delivery is mechanical, often landing on a stiff front leg.

2. Gibson’s fastball velocity has seen dramatic fluctuations, working in the high 80’s at times (compared to low-mid 90’s).

3. He suffered a stress fracture in his forearm during his senior season at Mizzou, and there are elbow worries.

The Twins are hesitant to start his service clock, but a June promotion seems like a strong possibility if he continues to cruise.

Montgomery, who will turn 22 in July, has ideal size at 6’4 and a projectable pitcher’s frame. The hitter friendly PCL has not impressed him through five starts: 27 IP, 20 hits, 23 strikeouts and 2.67 ERA. Command issues, which are not consistent with his past history, have been a bugaboo to begin the new campaign.

After issuing 31 free passes in 93 innings last season, he’s already walked 15 in 2011 (five per 9 innings). Nevertheless, Montgomery has fought the adversity with aplomb, displaying the mound IQ and calm demeanor that make him a future front of the rotation arm. Oh yeah, he’s tough to hit too.

He’s capable of reaching back for 97 on his heater, but sits comfortably at 91-92, and his curveball and change-up are high quality. Montgomery used to throw a palmball, but ditched it as his comfort level with the change augmented.

Given their small market standing, the Royals are definitely not anxious to start his clock, but they may need him to remain competitive. They have no fixtures in their starting five, specifically Jeff Francis throwing 83 MPH meatballs and Kyle Davis working to an eight ERA.

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