Casey Kelly is one of the more unique players in the Red Sox farm system. He was a highly touted high school quarterback, one who could have played football at Tennessee before choosing baseball.
Now, he juggles positions on the diamond as a pitcher and shortstop. Kelly is aiming to pitch near 100 innings this season, while also spending time turning double-plays.
High school
As a pitcher in his junior year, Kelly went 11-0 with an astonishing 0.24 ERA. In his senior year, Kelly kept up the great work, earning Florida's Mr. Baseball Award. That season Kelly went 8-1, with a 1.16 ERA and 77 strikeouts as a pitcher. He also established himself as on offensive threat, hitting .473, with five home runs and 31 RBI.
Kelly won Florida 6A player of the year in 2008, as well as being named a First-Team All American.
However, baseball wasn't Kelly's only sport. He finished his high school with 4,212 yards and 32 touchdowns, winning two regional football player of the year honors.
Kelly ultimately, however, chose to play for the Red Sox, continuing his family's baseball legacy. His father, Pat, played for nine seasons in the MLB and his uncle Mike played six. Interestingly enough, his brother Chris is currently a pitcher in division-rival Tampa Bay's farm system.
Also, his cousin Dustin played in the Minors for the Red Sox from 2004-2006.
Professional baseball
Casey Kelly was a first-round pick in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft and already ranks as the sixth-highest prospect on soxprospects.com.
Kelly was drafted by the Sox last June out of Sarasota High School in Florida. The 19-year-old stands 6'3", weighing 190—a good, athletic frame.
Kelly was mostly a shortstop through high school, but doubled as a pitcher. The Red Sox are in the process of developing him into a pitcher, but are open to giving him a shot in the infield.
For a 19-year-old, he shows some pretty advanced pitching talents, so it's not hard to imagine why the Red Sox want him to keep at it.
His main pitch is a fastball with sinking action, which currently tops out in the low 90s. He also mixes in a hard curve-ball, which utilizes great 12-6 drop. His third pitch is a nice change-up, and he throws all three pitches with excellent command and control.
Another plus—his smooth, fluid delivery.
Reports say that Kelly's fastball, currently averaging 88-92 MPH, could hit 94 if he reached back in his delivery. However, he could also gain those two miles per hour with some physical maturation.
Kelly is an average strikeout pitcher, currently with 19 K's in 20 innings in the Minor Leagues. His real strength is pounding hitters low in the zone. He's developed an established mound presence from doing so.
Even though he's playing as a rookie in the Minors, his stats don't really show a lack of experience. For the Class A Greenville Drive this year, Kelly is 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA, 2 earned runs, 19 K, and a .247 average against in four starts.
The right-hander has kept opposing lefties to a .188 average.
As a fielder, Kelly loves to play shortstop and has great range. He boasts a strong, accurate arm. A scouting report of Kelly says he can become an elite defender at the Major League level.
His average speed and large frame for a shortstop make a move to third base a good possibility if he plays as a shortstop rather than pitcher.
Offense is by far the weakest facet of Kelly's game. He has great skills defensively and as a pitcher, but is still very raw at the plate. He strikes out a ton, but overall has a nice swing and high power potential.
Much like Dustin Pedroia, Kelly has a big, long swing, but can still hit the ball well. Although the Red Sox see his future on the mound, he would make off a very interesting double play tandem with Pedroia.
Kelly isn't projected to arrive in the Show until 2013, but has been compared to MLB players JJ Hardy (SS) and Kevin Brown (SP).
Links:
http://soxprospects.com/players/kelly-casey.htm
http://news.soxprospects.com/2009/03/2009-prospect-previews-michael-almanzar.html
http://firebrandal.com/2008/09/08/interview-soxs-no-1-pick-casey-kelly/
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