Kendry Flores, RHP. 6'2", 175 lbs. DOB: 11/24/1991
Low A: 10-6, 2.73, 141.2 IP, 17 BB, 137 K, GO/AO= 0.90
Perhaps no Giants prospect made a bigger move last year than Kendry Flores. After moving slowly through the short season leagues since his signing in 2009, 2013 was a breakout year for him in his first taste of full season ball. The year was punctuated on August 21 with a 15 K, 0 BB performance against the Lexington Legends that gained national notice. Over the second half of the season, he struck out 79 batters in 72.2 IP, while walking a ridiculous 4 batters.
Flores reportedly throws a FB in the low-mid 90's. I have seen reports of him reaching 95 late in the 2013 season. He also throws a cutter, curve and change up all of them with plus command allowing him to throw them for strikes at any time. I found one video showing his final strikeout in the 15 K game. He got the K by painting the outside corner for a called 3'rd strike. There seems to be some concern that his success in Augusta was based more on command than on stuff and that his stuff will get exposed at higher levels. That remains to be seen, but it seems to me that kind of velocity with superior command of multiple pitches should play at any level.
Since this was his 5'th professional season, the Giants felt compelled to add him to the 40 man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. This re-sets his clock to 3 more years in the system before the Giants have to keep him in the majors or expose him to waivers. He is expected to be part of the starting rotation in San Jose for 2014 which should give an indication of whether he has the stuff to succeed at higher levels.
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You and I feel very similarly about Flores. He's actually #12 in my ranking as well, behind Mella and Panik, but importantly ahead of Agosta and Gregorio. I've seen quite a few knocks on Flores this winter, about "so-so" stuff, just as you mentioned. But I don't think the importance of him staying healthy all year, and actually getting stronger down the stretch. Those reports of 95 on the gun, with a potential plus change up (in the words of David Lee), and amazing control... that's nothing to sneeze at. Time will tell all, but Flores is a serious prospect in the organization now, and I think he could have another big year ahead of him.
ReplyDeleteCorrection: The sentence should have read, "...actually getting stronger down the stretch CAN BE OVERSTATED."
DeleteFlores had the 6th most IP in the entire org (Cain/Bum/Timmy plus Gloor/Westcott). I think he's got to be first in line for Richmond if the Giants do send Escobar to the PCL.
ReplyDeleteGreat command control of 4 pitches, uptick in velocity and an avoidance of hits. 216 BAA and 7.18 H/9. I guess he has to prove out every level like most prospects, but I'm pretty excited about the combo of change/curve/cutter to go with a uptick fastball.
Like we've discussed, I'd put Flores ahead of Mella until the lad played full season ball, 2nd best fastball in the org taking a back seat to innings on the bump. Great to have both of these guys.
Wow! That's a surprising stat, Shank. 140+ IP for an A ball youngster. I think you're right. They put him on the 40 man, might as well be aggressive with him. Send him to Richmond, it's not like he has control issues. Let's see what he's got. And besides, getting racked in the Cal League could set him back. Might as well set him up for continued success, then SELL HIGH !!
DeleteI am not sure if anyone picked him to break out in 2013...and that would be great, as it would imply that, (well, I am looking at it half full), we will see more pleasantly surprises in the future....players not on the radar now.
ReplyDeleteCan't say I picked him to break out, but I've always like his K and BB numbers so it really wasn't that much of a surprise either.
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