- Full name Kyle O. Edens
- Born 01/25/1980 in San Antonio, TX
- Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Baylor
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Drafted in the 3rd round (75th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2002 (signed for $300,000).
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Edens is a short closer in the mold of Crain, though he's not as big or athletic (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) and doesn't throw quite as hard. While he's not projectable, Edens doesn't have to be because he has the best fastball in the Big 12 at 94-97 mph and a hard slider that destroys righthanders. He keeps lefthanders at bay with a changeup that sinks, and he'll show hitters a plus curve at times. Edens does have effort to his delivery, but not as much as might be expected given his size and velocity, and it doesn't prevent him from throwing strikes.
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Edens played with Mark Schramek at San Antonio's James Madison High, and like Schramek was one of the more attractive college seniors in the 2002 draft. He didn't sign until November so the Reds could fit his $300,000 bonus--the lowest in the third round-- into their 2003 budget. Undrafted in 2001, he turned heads when he was clocked at 96-97 mph in Baylor's season opener at Minute Maid Park last February. Edens didn't maintain that velocity throughout the college season, but he sat at 93 mph and flirted with the mid- 90s while tying for the Big 12 Conference lead with 14 saves. He's similar to Scott Williamson (another Big 12 product) in stature, stuff, aggressive mentality and the effort in his delivery. Edens is a two-pitch guy with a slider that breaks 15 inches. He occasionally mixes in a decent changeup, giving the Reds hope he can handle a starting assignment, if for no other reason than to accumulate innings. He'll make his pro debut in Class A this year.
