Tuesday, February 9, 2010

GiantsTop 50 Prospects #35: Kyle Nicholson

#35 Kyle Nicholson. RHP. BD: 07-31-1985. 6'0", 205 lbs.

2009 Stats: Low A- 7-8, 2.80, 122.1 IP, 22 BB, 83 K's, GO/AO- 2.29. High A- 4-0, 2.93, 40 IP, 11 BB, 30 K's, GO/AO= 1.96.

We interrupt the run of polished LHP's to bring you a polished RHP. Kyle Nicholson was an ace pitcher for Texas A&M who underwent TJ surgery late in his college career. The Giants drafted him in round 7 in 2007. He didn't start his pro career until the following June in what was essentially a rehab assignment in Arizona Rookie League. He went 6-1 with a 1.15 ERA. Last year he continued to get excellent results with excellent control and an extreme ability to induce ground balls. I see him starting 2010 in San Jose but could probably be pushed to AA. He will go as far as his sinker will take him. Best case comp, Derek Lowe.

2 comments:

  1. Dr. B,

    Nicholson is one of my faves and one I have been waiting for you to identify, along with guys like Surkamp, King and Ronick...I know once you get past around 15-20, it's almost like throwing all the names in a bag and just pulling one out..You just never know with kids...But I think guys like Nicholson, King, And Surkamp could really climb up anybody's prospect ladder this year....

    One other name/pitcher who I think has alot of value and who I am really looking forward to see what he can do in the Giants organization after a strong year at A and AA ball, is Rule V draftee Steve JOHNSON..I hope we find a way to keep him.....

    Keep up the good work.

    SteveVA

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  2. Thank you. I hope folks don't get too hung up on exact order here. All the pitchers in the current run have about the same probability of making it to the majors. It will be very interesting to see how it sorts out.

    Steve Johnson is intriguing, but I have a hard time seeing how he sticks on the 25 man roster, which means we would probably have to work out a trade to keep him. Then you wonder if the player we give up is worth it.

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