Kameron Loe

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #18 prospect in 2005
  The Rangers' 2002 draft, the first under Grady Fuson's leadership, has produced a mixed bag. Just three of the first seven players Fuson picked are still in the system. But after wasting $550,000 on 11th-rounder Kiki Bengochea, Texas found three pitchers with value. Loe (20th round) and Erik Thompson (12th) are on this list, and Sam Narron (15th) reached the big leagues in 2004 before being lost on waivers to the Brewers. Loe arrived in Texas shortly after Narron, finishing the year in the bullpen. While he's been a solid starter, the angular Loe figures to be a reliever in the majors. The Rangers have experimented with raising his arm angle, but Loe's strength is his command of a high-80s sinker. He has a deceptive delivery and the ability to throw his plus slider in any count. Righthanders have trouble elevating the ball against him (six homers in 354 at-bats in the minors last year), but lefties have had more success. The Rangers haven't given up on Loe as a starter, but he fits the profile of a right-on-right middle reliever perfectly and could fill that role in Texas as soon as 2005.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #17 prospect in 2004
  Six-foot-8 pitchers with a track record of success pitching at a high-profile NCAA Division I program usually aren't overlooked in the draft, but Loe's below-average velocity was hardly enough for area scouts to give him a second look in the spring of 2002. His low three-quarters arm slot didn't help him attract attention, either. His knack for pitching is tailor-made for the Rangers, however, and they were able to wait until the 20th round for him. His 1.67 ERA in his first full season ranked second in the minors behind only Detroit's Jon Connolly (1.41) in 2003. Loe, who hit 90 mph more consistently in high school, dropped his arm slot at Cal State Northridge and traded velocity for movement. He works with a deceptive delivery that makes his 85-90 mph sinker appear harder than it is. He pounds the ball down in the strike zone and induces lots of groundballs. Loe has an effective changeup with good late action. He's working to tighten the spin on his big, sweeping breaking ball. He consistently repeats his delivery and his arm works tension-free, leading the Rangers to believe there's more velocity in his future. Power never will be his forte, so he'll be challenged by more advanced hitters as he moves up the ladder. Loe's makeup is outstanding, which along with his plus command and movement will aid him as he tries to make the move to Double-A.