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Age: 20
Born:
October 4, 1989
Sarasota, FL
Height:
6-3
Weight:
200
Bats:
Right
Throws:
Right
Drafted:
1st round, 2008
How Acquired:
Draft
High
School: Sarasota HS (FL)
ETA: late 2011
Photo ©
Dave Letizi
MLB Comparison:
Kevin Brown /
Khalil Greene
Links
Fire Brand - Casey Kelly
2009 Prospect Preview
The Ladder
(4.29.09) |
Scouting Report:
Athletic frame with smooth agility and a tremendous feel for pitching. Kelly was a two-way player
in high school, excelling at both shortstop and as a pitcher. He was
also a
highly-touted quarterback
recruit for Tennessee before signing with the Sox.
While Kelly focused more on his shortstop skills in high school, the
organization thinks that he will end up as a pitcher over the long term -
but they will also give him a chance in the infield. As a pitcher,
Kelly's skills are quite advanced for his age, mixing in a low
90s fastball, a hard 12-6 curveball, and a nice change, all with above
average command and control. Sound, smooth mechanics. Fastball has
excellent downward movement, and generally
sits between 89 and 92 mph. Many scouts project that he'll
sit in the 92-94 mph range after he fills out. Curveball is plus with the potential of
being a plus-plus wipeout pitch. It sits around 76-78 mph, but he
tends to show it a little too much at times. Changeup sits around 84 mph
with a lot of sink. For the most part, he keeps the ball low in the zone, but
he's hittable when he leaves it up. Very good mound
presence. Defensively, Kelly
has excellent range and shows fluid movements in the field. Great
glove and a strong,
accurate arm. Has the potential to be an elite defensive player at the
major league level.
Average speed. Offensively, Kelly has a large frame for a
shortstop, and could project as a 3B down the line if he sticks s a hitter.
At the plate, he is pretty raw. Strikes out too much. Open stance.
Some present power, high power potential. Good looking swing, a little on
the long side, but the ball comes off his bat well. Kelly entered the 2009 season as a pitcher, but
spent the second half of the season at shortstop. |
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