Tyler Kehrer
| IP | 257 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.728 |
| WHIP | 1.572 |
| BB/9 | 5.813 |
| SO/9 | 9 |
- Full name Tyler J. Kehrer
- Born 03/23/1988 in New Baden, IL
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Eastern Illinois
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Drafted in the C-A round (48th overall) by the Los Angeles Angels in 2009 (signed for $728,100).
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Kehrer went just 1-5, 5.02 as a sophomore in 2008, but he hinted at his potential by battling Eastern Kentucky's Christian Friedrich (who became the Rockies' first-round pick) and Jacksonville State's Ben Tootle, the Ohio Valley Conference's two best arms, to draws. While he's still somewhat of a work in progress, Kehrer's fastball has sat at 90-93 mph for most of his starts this spring, and he carries that velocity into the late innings. He has improved his slider to the point where it's an average pitch. He helped his cause by delivering a 14-strikeout one-hitter against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville in front of several scouts. How much progress Kehrer can make with the consistency of his changeup and command will determine whether he remains a starter in pro ball. He's a strong 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, and his fastball would play up in shorter relief stints. If Kehrer goes in the third round, he'd be Eastern Illinois' highest draft pick since the Athletics took Stan Royer 16th overall in 1988.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Amarista hit .319 last season to become the first Cedar Rapids player to win the Midwest League batting title since Howie Kendrick hit .367 in 2004. He signed in January 2007 and hit .340 in his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League. Amarista showed more power than expected for a player listed at 5-foot-8--and he may be a full three inches shorter than that--ranking second in the MWL with 39 doubles and 10 triples. He makes a lot of hard contact and knows the strike zone, wearing down pitchers for walks if he gets nothing to hit. Amarista is an average runner who stole 38 bases in 2009 but was too aggressive, getting thrown out 20 times. He sports a poor 66 percent success rate in three pro seasons. MWL managers recognized Amarista as the league's best defensive second baseman, though his range and arm are just average and prevent him from playing on the left side of the infield. He played center field in 2008 and ultimately might fit best as a utility player. The high Class A California League awaits.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Drafted 48th overall in June, Kehrer resembles fellow Angels premium picks Garrett Richards and Pat Corbin in that he possesses size, fluid mechanics and arm strength. His tailing, four-seam fastball sits in the low 90s and touches 96 mph, and the Orem staff also encouraged him to develop his two-seam fastball. Unlike many college pitchers, Kehrer relies on his fastball at the expense of his breaking stuff. In his first start, Orem manager Tom Kotchman said Kehrer threw 24 straight heaters to begin the game. Kehrer's secondary offerings are less refined, though his slider flashes plus potential with its occasional sharp, three-quarters break. It's an impressive pitch when on because it dives toward the ankles of righthanders, but when it's not, it backs up over the heart of the plate. He lacks feel for a changeup but has flashed a quality one in brief glimpses. More thrower than pitcher now, Kehrer has erratic command. He sometimes flies open in his delivery, which leaves his pitches up in the zone.
