- Full name Kyle Kane
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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This guy is an example of better late than never. Kane, whose strong arm prompted the White Sox to select him ahead of Jim Parque and Rocky Biddle in the 1997 draft, entered last season as a candidate to be released and finished it as one of the more upwardly mobile pitchers in the organization. He handled every challenge thrown his way, compiling a 2.15 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 59 innings over 40 appearances as he rose from high Class A to Triple-A. He followed up on that by winning the ERA title (1.80) and a spot on the manager's all-prospect team in the Arizona Fall League. It's hard to believe this was the same guy who had been overweight and seemingly indifferent in his first three pro seasons. Knee injuries and a lack of experience on the mound contributed to Kane's early difficulties but his talent is obvious. He throws 95 mph with a slider that longtime major leaguer Bob Stanley says might be the hardest he's ever seen. Kane was added to the 40-man roster and has a chance to open eyes in spring training. His advancement depends on him getting a little more command on his fastball and doing a better job slowing runners. If his head is right, he's got a chance.