Official 2019 Draft thread

[rockycola]

Strengths

Kirby is a power pitcher whose fastball tops out at 98 MPH, consistently throwing 90+ MPH without sacrificing command. Additionally, Kirby has struck out 96 batters while only allowing six walks this season. He demonstrated similar control while in the Cape Cop League last summer. In 13 innings of work there, he fanned 24 batters issuing only one free pass.

Kirby also earned the reputation as being a durable pitcher. In the current age of managing by analytics and deploying multiple specialists to finish a game, Kirby is an exception. This season he has tossed three complete games with one being a shutout.

Weaknesses

As with most small college players, the initial reaction is to question the level of competition that Kirby has faced. This is a fair question and the CAA does not boast the same level of strength as other conferences.

After taking a closer look at Elon’s schedule, it shows that they have faced some strong competition. The Phoenix have faced off with seven teams that are projected to make the NCAA Tournament. Kirby pitched in one of those contests against Bryant University. He tossed a complete game, one-hitter, striking out 11 batters.

Another knock on Kirby has been that he has not adequately developed a pitch other than his fastball. Scouting reports agree that he has the makings of a four-pitch pitcher, but to this point, he hasn’t been forced to fully develop other pitches. The development of other pitches will likely determine how successful he is as a pro.

MLB Comparison

Jordan Zimmerman is a good comparison for George Kirby. Kirby’s abilities project him as a long term big league player. Admittedly, he does not project be an ace, but he can solidify the middle of the rotation for years. He has excellent control, but he is not afraid to pitch to contact but can also register big strikeouts. If he can develop additional pitches, he has the ability to exceed expectations for whichever team selects him.

https://lastwordonbaseball.com/2019/05/ ... t-profile/

[Sexymarinersfan]

The fact that he has "Elite Feel" for ALL 4 pitches, misses bats and walks literally NO ONE, is INSANE!!!!!!!!

[Juliooooo]

Looks like a guy that has some projection as far as velocity goes. Get him to the gas camp next offseason. Love the command.

Bauer thinks he can kick it up a notch to mid 90s pretty easily. Hope so.

He's pretty skinny. Add a few lbs and I think he can get there.

[Sexymarinersfan]

Tell that to Blake Snell and Tim Lincecum

[Coeurd’Alene J]

Looks like a guy that has some projection as far as velocity goes. Get him to the gas camp next offseason. Love the command.

Bauer thinks he can kick it up a notch to mid 90s pretty easily. Hope so.

He's pretty skinny. Add a few lbs and I think he can get there.

That’s a bit of a reach. We shall see if he gets it up mid 90’s...wouldn’t count on it

[rockycola]

https://www.mlb.com/video/2019-draft-ge ... 2520546183

[Sexymarinersfan]

The Mariners have selected Kirby with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2019 first-year player draft.

Kirby hails from Elon, a small university in North Carolina, but his stuff would have played just fine against SEC hitters. He has a prototypical 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame and a picturesque right-handed delivery that should lead to plus command in pro ball. One of his most impressive achievements was a dominant 13-inning stint as a reliever in the Cape Cod League last summer, where his fastball was a mid-90s monster. As a starter this spring, however, he has been sitting in the low-90s with his fastball. It still works as a plus offering in that range, thanks to his advanced command. He is one of those pitching prospects where it is unclear which of his three offspeed pitches will emerge as go-to weapons, and a lot of that will probably be dictated by which of those pitches the Mariners see the most potential in. As of now, his curveball, slider and changeup all flash plus potential. In a weak pitching class, Kirby is a dark horse to emerge as this draft's best big-league starter.



https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbsspo ... -pick/amp/

[Oso Dorado]

George Kirby Highlights

[Sexymarinersfan]

Had a feeling Espino wasn't gonna get by Cleveland! Ugh!!! I really like this kid!

[Sexymarinersfan]

George Kirby Highlights

You dick!! Lmao!! That was funny.