Kevin Eichhorn Stats & Scouting Report

IP	460
ERA	3.737
WHIP	1.248
BB/9	2.23
SO/9	6.633

Full name Kevin A. Eichhorn
Born 02/06/1990 in Watsonville, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Aptos
Drafted in the 3rd round (104th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008 (signed for $500,000).

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Eichhorn's father Mark spent parts of 11 seasons in the big leagues as a reliever, using a submarine delivery to pitch nearly 300 innings in 1986-87 for the Blue Jays. His son probably won't be a second-round pick, as Mark was back in 1979, but it might take second-round money to keep Kevin from his Santa Clara commitment. Mark helped coach Kevin's team to the 2002 Little League World Series. While the elder Eichhorn was 6-foot-3, 210 pounds during his playing days, the son now checks in at 6-feet, 170 pounds and would benefit from a late growth spurt, which some scouts expect. However, he's athletic and switch-hits, and would probably play shortstop and pitch at Santa Clara. If he's drafted high, it's expected to be for his work on the mound, as he has touched 94 mph with his fastball and shows excellent fastball command. Eichhorn spins a breaking ball as well, a curveball that lacks the power to be a true plus pitch now. His body has some scouts doubting he's ready for pro ball, with a fastball that sits 88-90 mph more often than it touches 94. But his arm works well, and with his athleticism and bloodlines, he's the best prep prospect in Northern California.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Eichhorn's father Mark pitched 11 seasons in the big leagues using a submarine delivery before coaching his son's team to the 2002 Little League World Series. The Diamondbacks drafted Kevin out of high school in the third round in 2008 and signed him for $500,000, and he spent most of his first three seasons as a pro in Rookie ball. In January 2011, Arizona traded him and lefthander Ryan Robowski to get Armando Galarraga from the Tigers. Eichhorn's pitches get varying reviews from scouts, though his stuff mostly grades out around average. He throws from a high three-quarters arm slot and is a good athlete with a sound delivery, which is why he has walked just 2.1 batters per nine innings in his career. Eichhorn throws two- and four-seam fastballs anywhere from 86-92 mph. He has heavy sink on his two-seamer, which helps him get plenty of grounders. He has good feel for his average changeup, which has sink and fade and could become a plus pitch down the road. He throws a big curveball with good depth, but it gets loopy and easier for hitters to pick up. If he can create more power for his curveball, it could jump ahead of his changeup. Eichhorn has little margin for error and gets too careful with his stuff at times. Ticketed for high Class A in 2012, he has the potential to be a back-of-the-rotation starter.
Eichhorn went to the Little League World Series in 2002 with the Aptos, Calif., team that was coached by his father Mark, who pitched 11 seasons in the major leagues. A third-round pick in 2008, Kevin has pitched just 19 innings since signing late that summer for $500,000. He had an elbow hiccup in his first spring training, and minor surgery kept him from reporting to Missoula before late July. Eichhorn sits at 87-91 mph with his fastball, has a good three-quarters breaking ball and shows feel for a changeup. It's already a solid three-pitch mix, and he can add velocity once he fills out his lean body with more muscle. He's a quality athlete who also would have played shortstop had he attended Santa Clara. His repeatable delivery should allow him to throw strikes. He's mature for his age and shows good aptitude on the mound. Eichhorn is ready for full-season ball and should open 2010 in low Class A.
Eichhorn was the best high school prospect in Northern California for the 2008 draft, but teams weren't sure where to draft him because he's still filling out and had a strong commitment to Santa Clara. Arizona took him in the third round and signed him for an above-slot $500,000. His father Mark pitched 11 seasons in the big leagues and helped coach Kevin's team to the 2002 Little League World Series. It's still not clear what kind of pitcher Eichhorn might grow into, but he has a nice foundation in place. He's a quality athlete who also would have played shortstop had he gone to college, and he has good balance in his delivery. He complements an 87-91 mph fastball with a curveball and changeup, and Arizona thinks his already-solid stuff has lots of room for improvement. He has good makeup and intelligence as well. Arizona gave Eichhorn just a brief taste of pro ball and limited work in instructional league, with improving his changeup the biggest focus. In addition to experience and innings, he needs to get more physical in his lower half and learn how to repeat his delivery. His most advanced skill is his ability to fill the zone, but he needs to learn the difference between strikes and quality strikes. With his background and ability, Eichhorn should be able to hit the ground running, so the Diamondbacks will start him off in low Class A this year.

Minor League Top Prospects

After signing for an above-slot $500,000 in 2008, Eichhorn logged just 19 innings in his first two pro seasons. He had ulnar nerve transposition surgery in his right elbow in March 2009, then eased back into action with 10 relief appearances for Missoula last summer. Eichhorn's father Mark spent parts of 11 seasons in the big leagues. While not overpowering, Eichhorn repeats a simple delivery and ranges from 86-92 mph with his fastball while flashing a hammer curveball. He throws a fringy changeup, and he'll work this fall to add a cut fastball or slider to give him something to throw in on the hands of lefthanders. He has good control and keeps the running game in check. Eichhorn's ERA stood at 4.20 before he got lit up for 11 runs in his final start at Casper. He allowed three home runs in that game and in two earlier starts as well, en route to leading the league with 12 longballs surrendered.