Joe Kennedy Stats & Scouting Report

Top Rankings

Kennedy has had nothing but success in three years with the Devil Rays. He uses both sides of the plate and has outstanding control of a low-90s fastball. He also does a good job of mixing in a decent curveball and changeup. He has shown a willingness to use all three pitches at any time in the count, which enabled him to stay ahead of most South Atlantic League hitters. Never has his magic worked better than when he set an organization record last July with 17 strikeouts in a 16-0 victory over Capital City. Kennedy has impressive size for a lefty, but needs to improve his stamina in order to become a consistent innings eater. While Kennedy has been penciled in to start the 2000 season at Bakersfield, a jump to Double-A wouldn't be far-fetched.

Kennedy shocked the Devil Rays with his development during the 2001 season. Tampa Bay officials knew he was making steady if unspectacular progress, yet no one expected the lefty to be pitching in the majors in June. Working off his 91-94 mph fastball with excellent movement, Kennedy's success came from moving his heater in and out while changing speeds. He also tied up Southern League hitters with his sharp curveball and a decent changeup that he used only sparingly. Prior to his departure, several managers said he had nothing left to prove at the Double-A level. "He was definitely one of the top guys in the league," Huntsville manager Ed Romero said. "He throws in the low 90s with excellent movement on the ball. He also throws strikes with a good breaking ball and good command of all his pitches. He's a pitcher who really knows what he's doing."