Kole Strayhorn

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Mets #14 prospect in 2004
  Strayhorn caught scouts' eyes when he touched 96 mph at the Area Code Games as a rising high school senior. Despite his top-notch fastball, he dropped to the fourth round of the 2001 draft because of concerns with his maximum-effort delivery. As a minor leaguer, Strayhorn has retained the big fastball, a thick body that seems to signal he can be a horse, and the delivery that makes him more of a thrower than a polished pitcher. Strayhorn's fastball sits at 95 mph and touches 97, but it lacks the movement to make it a true strikeout pitch. As a closer, he has backed up his fastball with a get-over curveball. At times, he'll show a lively two-seam fastball and a decent splitter that serves as a changeup. Strayhorn and Joselo Diaz project to fill similar roles as late-inning relievers, with Strayhorn the more polished of the two. He likely will start 2004 in Binghamton.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #20 prospect in 2002
  Few pitchers have the arm speed and the overall velocity Strayhorn possesses. His fastball sat on 93-94 mph during his pro debut and overpowered many Gulf Coast League hitters. Some scouts had worried about the health of Strayhorn's arm prior to the draft. He touched 96 mph during the 2000 Area Code Games but threw in the low 90s for most of last spring. The Dodgers were impressed with the strides he made in the GCL. He also showed a plus breaking ball and outstanding makeup. He's very aggressive and isn't afraid to use both sides of the plate. He doesn't have a very projectable body, and it's possible his maximum-effort delivery could lead to injuries down the road. Los Angeles will continue to monitor him closely this year in low Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #13 prospect in 2001
  What Strayhorn lacks in size, he makes up for in ability. He throws everything hard, including his offspeed stuff as well as a fastball that tops out at 93-94 mph. Albert thought he was the best pitcher in the Eastern Division. "He's got a great arm, great breaking ball and great makeup," Albert said. "And he's very aggressive." Dangler liked Strayhorn's arm but was worried about his maximum-effort delivery and fear he'll get hurt down the road.

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  What Strayhorn lacks in size, he makes up for in ability. He throws everything hard, including his offspeed stuff as well as a fastball that tops out at 93-94 mph. Albert thought he was the best pitcher in the Eastern Division. "He's got a great arm, great breaking ball and great makeup," Albert said. "And he's very aggressive." Dangler liked Strayhorn's arm but was worried about his maximum-effort delivery and fear he'll get hurt down the road.