- Full name Ryan Kibler
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After leading the organization with 14 wins and a 2.15 ERA in 2001, Kibler ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the organization. Last year, his victories were cut in half while his ERA more than doubled, and he has tumbled down the list of pitchers in Colorado's plans. This year will be a major challenge for him to reaffirm his prospect status. He's such a competitor that the Rockies believe he may have pushed himself too hard when teammates Aaron Cook and Jason Young started so well at Carolina last year. Kibler isn't the same type of pitcher they are. He's more of a finesse guy, relying on a sinker that tops out at 90 mph and a circle changeup. A slider serves as his third pitch. Kibler's command fell off last year and he didn't fool many Double-A hitters. He has a tendency to drag his arm in his delivery, which flattens his pitches and puts strain on his shoulder. Despite his struggles, he may move to Triple-A at the start of this season. -
After returning to low Class A Asheville to open last season, Kibler forced his way into the Rockies' plans, moving up and dominating at both Salem and Carolina. He led the organization with 14 wins and a 2.15 ERA, and went a combined 11-1 in 19 starts at the two higher classifications. One American League scout describes Kibler as a Brad Radke type with better stuff. Kibler has a lively sinker, and he can vary its velocity from 87-92 mph during a single at-bat. He also has a quality changeup, but most of all he has a determination to succeed. He watches hitters, even when he's not pitching, and develops a game plan. He likes to pitch inside. Kibler needs to develop more consistent location with his slider. He drops his elbow at times, causing his pitches to go flat. The safe move would be for Kibler to open the season in Double-A, but he pitched so well there last year he could force himself into the Triple-A Colorado Springs rotation with a strong spring. If that happens, he could surface in the majors after midseason. -
Kibler was part of an impressive rotation at Asheville last year in which all five starters threw 90 mph or harder. He has a lively fastball with sinking action that's considered vital for success at Coors Field. An excellent competitor, he has confidence in a changeup that's a solid No. 2 pitch. More than anything, Kibler needs to physically mature and get stronger so he can handle the demands of starting every fifth day. He also needs to develop an effective breaking pitch. Kibler was jumped from Rookie ball to full-season Class A in 2000, and because of a growing pitching depth in the system he could return to Asheville so he can maintain steady work.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Keeping the ball down in the strike zone is essential to winning in Coors Field. That's why Kibler's fastball, which has plus velocity and natural sink, is so appealing to the Rockies. Winston-Salem manager Wally Backman said Kibler's sinker was the best in the league by far. Kibler complements it with a quality changeup and an unflappable demeanor. He also works effectively on both sides of the plate. Put that package together, and it's easy to see why Kibler reached Double-A before he turned 21. He's still developing a consistent breaking pitch. -
Kibler is similar to Peavy in both talent and performance. "Kibler throws a nice sinking fastball in the 88-91 range, plus he has a great feel for his curveball and changeup," Rockies manager P.J. Carey said. "Plus he's a real loose, projectable kid."