Kevin James
| IP | 9 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 7 |
| WHIP | 1.778 |
| BB/9 | 6 |
| SO/9 | 10 |
- Full name Kevin E. James
- Born 10/01/1990 in Milwaukee, WI
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Whitefish Bay
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Drafted in the 9th round (289th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009 (signed for $625,000).
View Draft Report
There's no doubt that lefthander Kevin James is Wisconsin's best prospect, but it's unclear whether he'll get drafted high enough to bypass a Boston College scholarship. He's a projectable 6-foot-4, 187-pounder who drew attention by consistently hitting 90-91 mph while pitching against suspended Illinois high school lefty Ian Krol in a Wisconsin scout league in the spring. James' curveball and command still need a lot of work, and scouts can't figure out why he doesn't dominate weak high school competition. James went 0-8 as a junior, and while he won his first start as a senior, he still issued six walks in five innings.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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When Tampa Bay failed to sign its top two picks in the 2009 draft, James wound up as one of the beneficiaries. The Rays drafted James in the ninth round and became determined to sign him after scouting him over the summer. With unspent money in the draft budget, they found $625,000 to steer him away from attending Boston College. Easily the best draft prospect in Wisconsin last year, James showed flashes of ability but often struggled against weak competition. He has a lightning-quick arm that produces fastballs that sit at 90-91 mph and touch 93. His curveball is an above-average pitch when he stays on line to the plate, while his changeup shows enough promise that he could have three solid offerings. He has outstanding body control, particularly for such a tall pitcher, as well as above-average athleticism. He has wide shoulders with a frame reminiscent of a young Jake McGee, and the chance to fill out. In addition to honing his command and the quality of all his pitches, James needs to mature and control his emotions better on the mound. The Rays believe he has a high ceiling and will be patient with his development. After working just one inning in his pro debut, he'll pitch in Rookie ball in 2010.
