Shawn Kelley

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #14 prospect in 2009
  In the tradition of since-traded scouting find Kam Mickolio (18th round, 2006), Kelley moved quickly from obscurity to the cusp of the big leagues in his first full pro season, reaching Double-A after just 35 pro innings. He had Tommy John surgery as a freshman at Austin Peay State in 2003 but rebounded to pitch four more seasons for the Governors, winning Ohio Valley Conference pitcher of the year honors in 2007, the same year the Mariners drafted him in the 13th round. Kelley pounds the strike zone with a 90-94 mph sinker, while his power slider is his strikeout pitch. He sets them up by mixing in an occasional changeup. With a bulldog mentality and a willingness to throw strikes, Kelley profiles as a setup man. His delivery is a bit unorthodox with a high back elbow, and while it makes his command spotty it does have the benefit of providing natural deception. He's a good athlete who also played third base and the outfield in college. Kelley could see big league time in 2009, especially after spending the winter with Lara of the Venezuelan League.