Justin Kaye
| IP | 3 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 12 |
| WHIP | 2.333 |
| BB/9 | 3 |
| SO/9 | 9 |
- Full name Justin Malcolm Kaye
- Born 06/09/1976 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Bishop Gorman
- Debut 05/09/2002
- Drafted in the 19th round (510th overall) by the Seattle Mariners in 1995.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Mariners were able to include Jose Paniagua and Brian Fuentes in the Jeff Cirillo trade with the Rockies because they have several relief prospects knocking on the door of the majors. Kaye is in that group after leading Triple-A Pacific Coast League relievers in hits (6.0) and strikeouts (12.5) per nine innings in 2001. He made little progress in his first four years in the system, which included an ill-fated stint as a starter, before breaking through in Double-A in 2000. His hard slider is an out pitch that he easily throws for strikes. He has less control of his average fastball, which has some sink. He occasionally mixes in a changeup to keep hitters off balance. If Kaye can command his fastball in big league camp, he could open the season in Seattle. -
Kaye has teased the Mariners with his stuff for six seasons, all but one out of the bullpen. A move to the rotation proved disastrous in 1997. He finally put everything together for a full season last year, striking out 11.7 hitters per nine innings and keeping his walks in check. He went 2-1, 6.57 in the Arizona Fall League, but his secondary numbers were solid. Kaye throws a sinking fastball and has gained command of his hard slider. The combination should be enough for him to succeed in relief. Kaye was added to the 40-man roster and likely is ticketed for Tacoma to open the season. It has taken him a while, but he should get to Seattle soon.
