Monday, January 30, 2012

2012 Top Prospects #20: Kevin Comer

Name: Kevin Comer
Position: Right-handed Pitcher
Acquired: 1st round (2011)
Opening Day age: 19
Height/weight: 6’3”/205 lbs
Best/worst tool: Fastball/changeup
Risk factor: High
ETA: 2016

Scouting Report

Kevin Comer is raw. Very raw. As a New Jersey high school pitcher, his competition level was well below that of California, Florida, Texas, and the other southern states that produce baseball players. As such, his arsenal is very projectible, but lacks refinement. Comer’s go-to pitch is a four seam fastball. The pitch regularly clocks in the low 90’s, and touches 94-95 mph. He has good fastball command, giving the pitch plus potential. Comer also throws a two-seamer, which is a few miles per hour slower, but has good movement in on right handed batters. His primary breaking pitch is a power curveball, also with plus potential. The curve has tight rotation, increasing its velocity and giving it more bite than loop. His third pitch is a changeup, but as a high school pitcher he rarely had a need to throw it. Its potential is debatable, but it’s presently a below average pitch. Projectibility is a big plus with Comer, as despite already having a strong frame (6’3”, 205 lbs), it’s possible he could add velocity by building arm strength through repetitions. Comer is very athletic, as in addition to baseball he played basketball for his high school. That athleticism is visible on the mound, as he has a smooth and repeatable delivery. Comer lost some fastball velocity late in his high school career, which is something that should be monitored once he gets underway in 2012.

2011 Statistics and Analysis

N/A

Comer didn’t agreed to terms with Toronto until signing deadline day, and was therefore unable to get into any games with Blue Jays affiliates. For Seneca High School in New Jersey, Comer dominated his competition over the past two seasons. While maintaining a low walk rate, he blew hitters away with his fastball and racked up some absurd strikeout totals thanks to an outstanding curveball. Obviously the talent he faces in the minor leagues will be much better than what he faced in high school, but expect the strikeout trend to continue.

Expected 2012 Assignment: Gulf Coast League

Future Outlook

Out of Toronto’s entire top 30 prospects, Comer is probably the furthest away from the major leagues. Not only was he a high school draftee, but he was drafted out of the North East. Due to weather limitations, Northeastern pitchers usually only manage 40-50 innings per season. In 2012, Comer will be targeting a similar inning total, which will be a sufficient increase in workload when considering extended spring training. With increases of roughly 30-40 innings per season, Comer should be ready to throw 180 innings in 2016, barring injuries or a stall in development. Obviously, a lot can happen in five years, which is why the risk with Comer is so high.

Perfect World Projection: Front of the rotation starter

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