Pedro "Peter" Cervantes was drafted out high school and after his first year at E.L.A.J.C. (East Los Angeles Junior College), but he declined the offers and went back for a second season. But when his hometown Dodgers tabbed him in the 25th round in 1995, he signed on. Perhaps enticed by the possibility of a free trip to Yakima?
Pedro went on to have a good year starting for the Savannah Sand Gnats in 1997, but a poor one for the San Bernadino Shadows in '98. So it's surprising that the AI tabbed him for a bullpen spot with the big club.
It's easy to see what's enticing about Pete, though. He doesn't walk very many, he rarely throws a gopher ball (never more than 9 HR allowed) and his K/9 is pretty good. A classic "three true outcomes" arm; his FIP- is consistently strong.
There's just one problem; he gets hit like a bass drum. The
lowest BABIP he's held opposing hitters to is .305, and he's been over .350 more than once.
I'm guessing if you have nothing but sinkers, batters are going to learn to tee off on them. And so IRL, Pedro put in another mediocre season in San Berdu, got his release and put in a few years in the Mexican League before hanging them up. Cervantes's quest for the Show had proven nothing but Quixotic.
My Destiny calls and I go! Onward to Glory I go!!!!