Posted by Zach Sanders on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 12:10 pm

This past offseason, the Padres made a great under the radar acquisition when they traded a PTBNL/Cash to the Cleveland Indians for reliever Edward Mujica. Since then, Mujica has been money for the Padres, pitching 81 innings in 64 appearances (including a start) for San Diego.

What makes Mujica great, is his ability to keep the ball in the zone and keep hitters from getting a free pass to first. In 175.2 minor league innings, he walked only 40 while striking out 182. It may be the minor leagues, but it sure has translated over to the bigs. In 151 career innings in the majors, he has walked only 28 batters while striking out 109. Those numbers are truly insane, especially for a reliever. This year, he has struck out 7 batters per nine, while walking less than two. Amazing.

Mujica throws a fastball around 93 mph, to go along with a splitter in the high 80’s and a slider in the low 80’s. His best pitch has been the slider, good for 1.71 runs for every 100 he throws. However, all of his pitches have been positive this year, a sign of great overall stuff and control.

Mujica’s start last Friday was the first in his minor and major league career, and I think it shouldn’t be his last. He has done great work out of the bullpen, but I believe he has the makings of a great #3 starter. The Padres should focus on stretching his arm out this winter, allowing him to join the starting rotation next year. Mujica would need to work on keeping the ball down in the zone, using his control to get ground balls.

Mujica has been great in a setup role this year, so keeping him there is not a bad idea. However, I believe placing Eddy in the starting rotation would maximize his control and potential for the Padres.