2015 Draft Profile - LHP - Nathan Kirby - University of Virginia

6-3-14 - Mack:  We're now talking about the probable first left handed pitcher that will be drafted and possibly the first player overall in the entire draft. Virginia's 6-3, 190 pound Nathan Kirby comes with all the accolades one is given when you are known as a 'power pitcher'. 

His college career actually got off to a slow start (6.06-ERA as a freshman) but he quickly followed that in the NECBL with an 81-K/54-IP, 2.32 summer season.

He features a 91-94 fastball that is well know for its late movement. His curve ball sets up the heat. He's well known for his command which was especially demonstrated on April 8th when he struck out 18 Pitt Panthers (one shy of the NCAA record), on the way to a no-hitter.

2015 Draft Profile - LHP - Nathan Kirby - University of Virginia

5-20-14  -  Nathan Kirby, LHP, Virginia - Obviously, this would make me very happy. Taking the bias out for a fellow Kirby, however, he has some of the best stuff in his class, and his upside as a power arm from the left side makes him a legitimate candidate for 1.1. The 6’-3”, 190 pound southpaw has a plus curveball, a fastball that sits in the low/mid 90s with late life and movement, as well as a change-up that is rapidly getting better. He has great command of his stuff and can be unhittable at times, as evidenced by his April 4 outing against Pittsburgh in which he struck out 18 in a no-hitter. After posting a 6.06 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 37 K/13 BB over 32.2 innings as a freshman, Kirby dominated the New England Collegiate Baseball League, striking out 81 over 54 innings with a 2.32 ERA. Through 13 starts this season, he is 8-1 with a 1.58 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 91 K/20 BB over 85.1 innings. He is holding opponents to a .180 BAA and has allowed just eight extra-base hits. Kirby was also named to the 2014 Collegiate National Team. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2015-mlb-draft-25-players/42946#KfGGhgC2ZcQbdBfh.99

4-5-14  -  On Friday night, lefty Nathan Kirby of the University of Virginia (no. 3 in the lastest Baseball America rankings) not only twirled a no-hitter against Pitt but also struck out 18 of the 29 batters he faced. Those 18 strikeouts are one shy of the ACC record. The Cavaliers won the game 4-0. Kirby's lone blemishes were a walk and a reached-on-error. His ERA on the season now stands at 1.03, which, you'll note, is good. If the following quote from Kirby is any guide, then he enjoyed a few called strikes on the night (source: VirginiaSports.com): "It was one of those nights where the umpire and I were on the same page."

 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24514539/u-of-virginias-nathan-kirby-no-hits-pitt-strikes-out-18

Draft 15 – Daz Cameron, Justin Hovis, Justin Hooper, Mitchell Hayes, Nathan Kirby

10-4-13 – ScoutingBaseball.com - 50 Names To Watch In The 2015 Prep Class - 1. Daz Cameron   CF   Eagle's Landing (GA)   None  http://sbb.scout.com/2/1332771.html

9-9-13 – Top 10 Far West League Prospects - 10. Justin Hovis, 3b/ss, Redding (So., Michigan State) -  Hovis was the Spartans’ everyday third baseman as a true freshman this spring, and he was stellar defensively at shortstop and third for Redding this summer. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound righthanded hitter finished just .215/.254/.254 in 137 plate appearances for MSU, but he showed improvement this summer, hitting .317 in 20 games before suffering an injury on a play at the plate. Hovis’ glove is far more advanced than his bat, as he showed a plus arm and good instincts defensively. He needs to continue to develop his bat in order to boost his prospect status. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/far-west-league-top-10-prospects/

9-9-13 – BA Top 2015 HS Prospects – Justin Hooper LHP OF 6-6 200 R L De La Salle San Roman CA -   BIG LHP up to 92 mph at Area Code Games

9-21-13 – The West Coast Clippers have several Division I commits on their team, and one of them, 2015 RHP Mitchell Hayes, who is committed to Nevada, started on the mound. A righthanded pitcher, Hayes throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a quick arm and strong lower half. His fastball topped out at 86 mph, and once he starts to use his lower half he should see his velocity jump. He also flashed an 11-to-5 curveball at 68 mph. .  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9017

10-2-13 - NATHAN KIRBY, lhp, Keene Swamp Bats (Virginia/SO in 2014) - In a summer in New England dominated by pitching, it was Nathan Kirby that stood above the rest. And, although this summer now represents his emergence as an elite prospect in the 2015 draft class, it followed what was an up-and-down freshman season for Kirby at Virginia. He compiled a 6.06 ERA in 24 appearances (mostly out of the bullpen) in his first taste of college baseball, but most who saw him still raved about his potential. That potential blossomed into on-field performance this summer. Kirby has true, swing-and-miss type stuff, and he had the numbers to back that up for Keene. Over 43 regular season innings, he fanned 60 batters, compiling a 1.67 ERA and allowing only 28 hits in the process. Kirby lives at 91-94 mph with his fastball, working from an easy, repeatable lefthanded delivery. His go-to secondary offering at the moment is his breaking ball, an 81-85 mph slider that breaks hard and late down and in on righthanded batters. It’s flashes plus potential right now, and should be a full fledged out-pitch for him as he learns to finish it more consistently. At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Kirby has a frame that is still young and projectable, and has the athleticism you want to see out of future big league starter. He will jockey for a weekend rotation spot on a loaded Virginia pitching staff in 2014, and a big sophomore year could firmly position him as a potential first round pick when 2015 rolls around. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9061

Draft 2012: Nathan Kirby, Brian Johnson, Mac Williamson, Kayden Porter, Deven Marrero

Nathan Kirby, James River (Midlothian, Va.)   Kirby’s fastball--breaking ball combination is first-round worthy. And despite the lack of size at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, the southpaw sits in the 88-91 mph range with his heater. The development of a legitimate changeup could be the difference on draft day. Kirby has committed to Virginia. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers  

UT Brian Johnson School: Florida  Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 6-3, Wt.: 235  Hometown.: Cocoa Beach, Fla.  High school: Cocoa Beach  Johnson surely is expected to have an elite 2012 campaign. A talented prospect, Johnson is very talented as both a hitter and pitcher. In 2011, he batted .307 with 11 doubles, five home runs and 29 RBIs. On the mound, he had a 3.62 ERA in 79 2/3 innings.   http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498    

I can’t wait to see if Wake Forest OF Mac Williamson (Round 46) can put it all together in his redshirt junior season. He’s a legit five-tool prospect who has made great strides in his approach to hitting since arriving at Wake Forest. From a pure tools standpoint, I’m not sure there are five better outfielders in all of college baseball. The biggest strike against him for me is the fact he’ll almost be 22 years old by the time next June’s draft rolls around. Williamson, a potential catching conversion candidate at the pro level, has serious power upside and a plus arm, but his swing at everything approach could prevent him from ever getting the chance to put his crazy raw tools to use. He could very well be viewed as a potential late inning relief prospect because of the reported mid-90s heat to go along with a solid sinker/slider mix   http://baseballdraftreport.com/

Kayden Porter is the top 2012 draft prospect from the state of Utah.  The big righthander has power in his arm and his bat.  He has a strong build and looks like a future workhorse on the mound. Porter has an easy delivery with a high 3/4 arm slot.  He has a heavy mid-90′s fastball that gets up to 97.  His curve shows good potential and his change is a solid third offering. While many see Porter’s future on the mound, his bat is not to be overlooked.  In terms of raw power, he sits near the top of the list for 2012. http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State - Overall, he is an above average defensive shortstop with the potential to have an above average bat for the position as well. Historically, he is a lock to be a major leaguer and with the skills he possesses, he should be a very good one. He is a safe pick and could go as early as the 1st overall pick or slide to the lower half of the top 10 but it would take a very poor season to see him slide more than that. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/9/2785340/2012-baseball-draft-college-prospects-1-5

Draft 2012: - Nathan Kirby, Brandon Kuter, Ty Buttery, Lewis Brinson, Lucas Giolito

10-24-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2011/10/marucci-elite-and-rising-prospects-impress-in-jupiter - FIVE 2012 PLAYERS WHO IMPROVED THEIR STATUS - Nathan Kirby, lhp, James River HS, Midlothian, Va.  Virginia southpaw worked 90-91 down in the zone and added a good, hard curveball in the high 70s

10-25-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/10/top-20-pitchers-in-atlantic-collegiate.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Top 20 Pitchers in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League  3.   Brandon Kuter   RHP   Westhampton Aviators--George Mason -  Brandon (6-7/220 pounds) certainly has the body type the scouts love to see. He was simply the most dominant reliever in the league. He went 1-2, had a 0.40 era in 22.1 innings of work and he led the league with 10 saves. He also fanned 36 batters this summer. He was named the leagues Most Outstanding Reliever this summer. Both Perfect Game and Baseball America ranked Brandon as the #1 prospect in the league.

10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Ty Buttery (Matthews NC; Providence HS) – A tall and projectable right handed power pitcher.  Shows an above average curveball with solid depth and tight bite that with time could become plus.  Sits 91-94 mph late into an outing with solid movement, and will show a cut fastball that rides late into the left handed hitter.  Flashes a change up that was late sinking, but was not consistent.  Still very projectable four pitch arsenal.  Little effort from the delivery with solid drive/push off the hill.  Desirable stride and arm action should allow for a very repeatable delivery.

10-28-11: - http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/667/brinson-has-bright-future  - Raw athletic ability: every college coach dreams to mold it and every scout and front-office member prays to write it on his evaluation sheet. It can’t be taught, and even the most awkward swings or lackluster pitching mechanics will be put to the side – or all together ignored – with the simple thought that you can teach a kid to swing a bat, but you can’t teach a kid to run a 3.7 60-time. It’s a practice that often fails – especially at professional level – but the thought process that’s been in place for some time. Lewis Brinson has those athletic abilities, so the fact that he knows what he’s doing with the bat and in the field makes him all the more desirable.

10-28-11: - http://students.hw.com/chronicle/Sports/SportsArticles/tabid/1292/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7668/Pitcher-Giolito-has-shot-at-first-overall-pick.aspx  - Pitcher Lucas Giolito '12 could be the first overall selection in the MLB draft in June 2012, according to ESPN Rise scouting insider Jason A. Churchill. "It's cool to see your name up there with some of the best players in the country," Giolito said. "What I'm really focused on now is putting in work and getting better so I can make those kinds of things a reality. Mock drafts this early can always be inaccurate. If I put in a lot of work now and have a good season, I'll be in the best position for my future."

Draft 2012: - Ryan Mathews, Nathan Kirby, Stephen Piscotty, Rio Ruiz, Kenny Diekroeger

11-3-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-30-position-players-from-coastal.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Top 30 Position Players From the Coastal Plain League  4.   Ryan Mathews   OF   Wilson Tobs---North Carolina State   Ryan (6-4/200) led the league with 15 long balls this summer. He finished the year by hitting .283, having a sluggling % of .617 an driving in 41 runners. Despite his size, he also showed that he can run a bit (11 stolen bases). Baseball America ranked Ryan as the 3rd best prospect in the league, and Perfect Game has him as the 10th best in the league.

10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Nathan Kirby (Midlothian VA; James River HS) – A lot of projection left in the thin framed LHP, with a good deal of room to gain some strength in both the lower and upper body.  Kirby is a smooth left hander with some effort, but is long and loose.  He has an extended 3/4 release and collapses heavily towards the glove side, which could be a reason why he shows trouble commanding his arsenal at times.  The fastball has life and sits 88-90 mph, touching 91 mph.  His curve has some decent bite; flashes a potential slider and change up. Good feel for pitching, but simply needs to tighten up on a consistent basis.  Good deal of potential on the mound.

11-2-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-35-position-players-in-cape-cod.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Top 35 Position Players in the Cape Cod League 2.   Stephen Piscotty   3B   Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox—Stanford  Stephen had a great 2011 for Stanford and this summer was more of the same as he won the leauges batting title by edging out Dane Phillips. Stephen, a 2009 Dodgers draft pick hit .349, scored 20 runs and drove in 21 this summer. He hit 8 doubles and smacked 3 home runs for the Sox this season. He went 2 for 4 in the All-Star Game and he was named to the All-League Team.  Perfect Game ranked him as the 7th best prospect in the league, and Baseball America ranked him as the 12th best prospect in the league.

11-5-11: - http://www.insidesocal.com/tribpreps/2011/11/rio-ruizs-mri-i.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter - Bishop Amat quarterback Rio Ruiz got his MRI results back Thursday and there was good news. It came back negative, leaving Ruiz with just a sprain, not any damage to his ACL or MCL. However, he is still sore, hasn't practiced this week and will sit out Friday's game at Notre Dame in the hope Amat wins and makes the playoffs. Sophomore Koa Haynes will get the start at QB for the Lancers Friday. If Amat wins and gets in, Ruiz will have two weeks off before the playoffs since the Lancers have a bye in week 10. From everything I hear, if healthy, Ruiz will return for the postseason run.

11-4-11: - http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/chicago-cubs-2012-free-agent-and-draft-pick-possibilities/13157/# -  SS Kenny Diekroeger, 6’-2″, 200 lbs, Stanford — Diekroeger made his presence at the 2008 Area Code Games where he posted the highest testing scores at the event, even higher than Mike Trout. The Rays made him their second pick the following year, but he chose to attend Stanford instead. He hit .356 with 41 RBI his freshman year while becoming the first freshman to lead the team in RBI. He has an incredibly high baseball IQ and has remarkable athletic ability. Defensively, he can play anywhere on the field, but shortstop is his natural position. At the plate, he is a solid contact hitter with power to all fields, an advanced approach at the plate and the frame to develop some big time power.