- Full name Aaron Kirkland
- Born
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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It's hard not to notice a pitcher who begins his pro career with 62 strikeouts and zero unintentional walks. That's what the lanky Kirkland did in the Rookie-level Arizona League after signing with the Sox as an undrafted college senior. This strike-throwing machine had dropped only a few hints of his potential at Troy State, where he went 5-5, 5.70 as a senior. He used an unusually funky splitter to come into his own when the Sox tried him as a closer. He led the AZL in ERA, saves and opponent batting average (.158). Kirkland throws a darting slider and a two-seam fastball that hits 91 mph with movement. The Sox believe he'll gain velocity from their weight-training program. He was old for Rookie ball at 22, so the Sox will hold off on hyperbole until he passes the tests they plan for him at higher levels in 2002.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Undrafted after going 5-5, 5.70 as a senior at Troy State, Kirkland led the league in ERA, saves and opponent's batting average (.158). His most eye-popping stat, however, was his zero unintentional walks in 62 innings. He was one of the league's older players at 22, but his numbers made an impression. Kirkland throws a darting slider and a 90-91 mph fastball. "He's a strike-throwing machine," Hairston said. "He doesn't throw that hard now, but he has a good frame and should throw harder as he adds weight. I can see him maybe throwing 92-93 one day. He's a sleeper, a great find."