Saturday, November 30, 2013

Down on the Farm: AFL Wrap- Kyle Crick

Kyle Crick is the undisputed top prospect in the Giants organization.  He had a tremendously successful High A campaign for San Jose compiling a record of 3-1, 1.57, 68.2 IP, 39 BB, 95 K's.  The only negatives being some shaky control and an early season oblique injury that caused him to miss 6 weeks of the season.  He was sent to the AFL to make up for some of that lost time.  While he started off a bit shaky(he gave up 3 ER in 2 IP in his first appearance), he finished with a flourish, 4 consecutive scoreless IP with a composite line of 0-0, 0.00, 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 12 K's.  He reportedly consistently hit 96-98 MPH with a changeup in the high 80's.

The logical place for him to begin 2014 is AA Richmond.  He still needs better consistency in his control and how to pitch his way out of trouble, but the stuff is there.  Although it might be better for him to spend the entire year in the minors, if he's pitching well and the need arises, I could see him being available for MLB duty as early as midseason.

7 comments:

  1. Yeah but can he play LF???!! j/k

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  2. Johnny Monell goes to the O's for cash considerations. Their GM says he will compete for backup catcher and DH roles. I'll be rooting for him.

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    1. There perfect role for him. Good luck Johnny! Knock a few bombs into that short porch at Yankee Stadium...

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  3. He could be their next left handed hitting catcher in the mold of Elrod Hendricks. Similar type of hitters with some pop from the left side, can play some 1B and DH and ok defensively. I think he will do ok

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  4. If he's healthy and throwing strikes, mark my words, Crick will torch the Eastern League next year. Another full season in the minors would certainly serve him well, but you're right DrB, he may push the envelope. I really think it depends how the Giants season is going. The only way I see him in a big league uniform in 2014 is if the Giants are competing for a playoff spot down the stretch and he's pitching well, like what they did with Bumgarner in 2009.

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  5. About the fact that he gets frustrated when in a jam, to me, that's energy waiting to be harnessed...sort of like Luke Skywalker learning to trust himself. So, that' s a positive, if he can master himself.

    In fact, whether a player tightens up, gets nervous, gets mad or frustrated, it is all a form of energy waiting to be corralled. A master teacher sees that as an opportunity.

    So, great things could be in store for our young Kyle...just needs lots of practice blindfolded, trust me. Or rather trust himself.

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