The Golden Sombrero’s Top 50 Prospects: #39 – Casey Kelly | The Golden Sombrero Baseball Blog | MLB, Fantasy, College & High School Baseball News

The Golden Sombrero’s Top 50 Prospects: #39 – Casey Kelly

#39 Casey Kelly – San Diego Padres

RHP

DOB: 10-4-89

ETA: 2012

As the centerpiece of the Adrian Gonzalez trade, Casey Kelly projects as a solid 2 or 3 starter once he comes into his own.  His curveball grades as his only plus pitch, but it is excellent.  His fastball typically works in the low 90’s and his two-seamer has excellent sink with a chance at a 60 grading in the future, but he posted a 5.31 ERA and only 81 K’s in 95 IP in Double-A in 2010.  Granted, Kelly was only 20 and in a very advanced league, and he had only been primarily a pitcher for a short time, but his numbers were awful.

Why were they so bad, and what does it mean going forward?  Scouts seem to agree that Kelly possesses excellent arm action, excellent mechanics, excellent athleticism, and an excellent frame.  He’s a perfect pitching specimen.  Too perfect.  He’s like hitting against BP pitchers.  There is absolutely no deception at all to his delivery, and he gets shelled because of it.  Kelly must do something different to get outs, and when was the last time any coach told a kid, “Stop being so perfect”?  I am very skeptical that Kelly figures it out unless he magically gains three ticks on his fastball.  Considering that he is only 20 and has a projectable body, it might happen.

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