09.07: Kennedy Demoted After A Dominant ST

[agrudez]

After an impressive spring training in which the 23 year old right-hander Allen Kennedy went 12 IP giving up only 5 H, 3 BB and 1 ER while striking out 5 (good for the best WHIP and ERA on the team in ST) many wondered where the Barnstormers’ top prospect would start the ’09 campaign, despite GM Stever’s offseason comments inferring that Kennedy would start in AAA no matter what. At the time Kennedy expressed appreciation for the candor, especially after he was jerked around a bit last season (Kennedy was demoted/promoted from AAA to the majors 3 times last season between two clubs – Carolina and Omaha), but no doubt the eventual pink slip in his locker was still a disappointment for the MBBA’s #24 prospect.

The young man they call “Ghost Runner”; however, did not let the minor ‘setback’ deter him as he picked up the ball and went down to AAA without a sound. In 2 starts thus far, Kennedy is 2-0 going 16.1 IP in the process (including a CG win in his first start). Over that span he has allowed only 14 hits and 4 walks (good for a 1.1 WHIP) while allowing 7 ER (good for a 3.86 ERA) and striking out 8 (including a 7 K performance in his last outing).
As of now, scouts say that Kennedy’s approach to the plate is very well balanced and ML ready. His stuff can miss bats at a respectable rate, his ball isn’t as flat as a normal AAA arm and his control is respectable (and indeed better than many current Barnstormers); however, where he still needs work is in rounding out his repertoire.

Currently, a deadly 95 MPH fastball and splitter combination is supplemented by, most accounts, a pedestrian slider and a subpar curve and change… giving Kennedy no breaking ball ‘out-pitch’ to fool MLers. As his 24th birthday approaches; however, none would venture to say that the young bright star is anywhere but ‘on track’ in his development – especially not the AAA batters he is facing.

[felipe]

looks like he might be ready come september

[agrudez]

looks like he might be ready come september

I see what you did there.