Shawn Kelley as an SP?!
Shannon Drayer, whose entries this spring have been Baker-like in their attention to the crucial, broaches the subject of Shawn Kelley as a starting pitcher.
Needless to say, SSI is thrilled even with the discussion of such a thing. In the above article, Kelley says that he'd "be up for anything" and talks about starting in college. After the Aumont fiasco, what we wouldn't give to see a gifted pitcher moved in the right direction, towards more impact...
Shawn Kelley is a whale of a talented pitcher, one of the few in all the majors who can throw a 94 fastball with plus-plus command.
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=== Postgame April 3, 2009 ===
After Kelley's first appearance, here was our assessment. "Probably the M's 2nd- or 3rd-best reliever right now."
Kelley showed amazing command of a hot fastball, but what was weirder -- his body language stated that such command was typical for him. This turned out to be the case.
As noted in the article, if there were such a thing as a pitcher who could locate 93-94 every pitch, literally on the black, he would throw shutouts with 100% fastballs.
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=== POTD Dec 2009 ===
We were pleased to note that Ron Shandler is more excited about Kelley than we are. He sees Kelley as one of the game's top closers-in-waiting, projecting an UP of 20 saves even in 2010.
Archetype for Kelley: Jon Papelbon. 70% fastballs, 94, painted. One fairly good offspeed pitch to keep hitters from cheating too much.
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=== Linkage ===
Here is Jon Shields' phat writeup on Kelley. :daps:
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=== Two Pitches? ===
Kelley doesn't have a changeup. He throws two pitches -- and doesn't throw his fastball enough. When you can throw a ball two inches outside, where the ump calls it, why give the batter a break by throwing anything else?
Oh, I know what yer thinkin. In the rotation you need three pitches....
Siigggggh. Okay, here's this year's assortment of good ML starters who use only two pitches:
- Edwin Jackson: 65% FB, 28% sliders (1 in 14 pitches not a FB/SL)
- Josh Johnson: 68% FB, 25% sliders (1 in 14 different)
- AJ Burnett: 66% FB, 31% curves (1 in 30 a different pitch)
- Brad Penny: 71% FB, 18% curves (1 in 9 a different pitch)
- Johnny Cueto: 72% FB, 30% curves (1 in 12 a different pitch)
- Wandy Rodriguez: 57% FB, 37% curve balls (1 in 16 a different pitch)
- Erikkkk Bedard 100% FB-CV (Randy Johnson, Aaron Sele etc)
- Roy Halladay: 72% FB or cutter, 22% curve (1 in 16 other)
- There are others
You might reply, the above guys have special fastballs. Edwin Jackson is 96 mph; Josh Johnson is a groundballer, etc.
I might then reply, Shawn Kelley has a special fastball.
You might reply, the above guys at least show you their minus 3rd pitches once an inning.
I might then reply, Shawn Kelley can show you his changeup once an inning.
...............
If it's me, I put Kelley in there and find out whether he's a star in the major leagues. Even if I didn't have issues at the BOR.
Cheers,
Dr D