- Full name Steve Kelly
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
When Kelly was a high school senior in 1998, a sudden leap in fastball velocity to the 90-92 mph range made his draft stock soar. Many scouts considered his curveball one of the best in the draft, and the White Sox selected him in the fifth round. He didn't sign, though, instead heading to Georgia Tech. After an injury-plagued freshman year, Kelly went 15-7, 4.63 his last two seasons. He has had his greatest success since moving up to Double-A, tying for the Southern League lead in wins, innings and starts last year. Kelly's curveball is no longer considered a plus pitch, but it's solid-average, as are his changeup and a slider he has added since turning pro. He commands his fastball well, but it usually has below-average velocity at 86-88 mph. He does the little things well, such as holding runners and fielding his position. His overall package resembles that of Jeff Suppan, though Kelly's fastball and curve are a notch below Suppan's. Kelly will head to Triple-A for the first time in 2005.