WILFREDO BOSCAN, RHP, TEXAS RANGERS

Say “Texas Rangers pitching prospects” and we’ll hear names like Neftali Feliz and Derek Holland.

But don’t be surprised if Wilfredo Boscan is eventually as well-known as those two elite pitching prospects.

Boscan, who turned 19 after the season, was signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela. He made his United States debut last summer with Spokane of the short-season Northwest League, a league that tends to be college-heavy.

Facing older competition didn’t faze him. He pitched in 15 games (12 starts) and threw 69.1 innings. He allowed 66 hits, but walked just 11 while fanning 70.

It was an impressive debut. The combination of youth, Maddux-like control, and plenty of strikeouts give reason to be excited about his future. He strikes me as being more polished than the typical 18 or 19 year old pitcher, but he’s at least a few years away.

Boscan is sort of buried in the Rangers system, but if he can translate his success over to full-season ball, his profile will rise significantly. Expect him to begin the year with Hickory of the Low-A South Atlantic League.