Casey Kelly

From SoSH

Casey Kelly (born October 4, 1989 in Sarasota, FL), was drafted by the Red Sox in the 1st Round, 30th overall of the 2008 Amateur Draft out of Sarasota High School, in Florida. Kelly received a $3,000,000 bonus for signing with the Red Sox, on July 17, 2008.

Contents 1 Scouting Report 2 Amateur Career 2.1 Amateur Awards 3 Minor League Career 4 Trivia 5 External Links

Scouting Report

• Athletic frame with smooth agility. Strong present power, very high power potential. Good looking swing, a little on the long side, but the ball comes off his bat well. Average speed. May project as a 3B down the line, but also played OF and pitched in high school. Strong, accurate arm. Also a highly-touted quarterback recruit for Tennessee. While Kelly has focused on his shortstop skills in high school, the organization thinks that he may end up as a pitcher over the long term - but will give him a chance in the infield initially. As a pitcher, Kelly's skills are actually quite advanced for his age, mixing in a low 90s fastball, a hard curve, and a nice change, all with good command. ~ SoxProspects.com

• A tremendous athlete with professional bloodlines, Kelly is committed to play quarterback and shortstop at Tennessee. He is the son of Pat Kelly, who played briefly in the big leagues in 1980 and is a longtime minor league manager, and he is fundamentally sound on the baseball field. His defensive actions are advanced and he has the hands and arm strength to stay at shortstop now. However, as he develops, Kelly may outgrow the position, leading to a move to third base. At the plate, Kelly is somewhat raw and his production is still a projection for scouts. He has raw power due to his size and will need to improve his ability to make consistent contact. While he prefers playing shortstop, many scouts like his repertoire on the mound as much, if not better, than his skills as a position player. With a fastball that sits in the low to mid-90s and one of the nation's best hammer curveballs, Kelly is a safe pick in that if he doesn't pan out in the field, he could be successful on the mound. However, with his commitment to Tennessee and his desire to play shortstop, signability could become an issue. ~ Baseball America

• One of the better athletes in the class, whoever drafts Kelly will have to lure him from being a two-sport star at the University of Tennessee, where he is a quarterback recruit. Big and athletic, he has all the tools to play shortstop. The main question is whether he'll swing the bat well enough and that could determine his Draft status as a hitter. As a pitcher, he's a bit raw, but has the makings of three outstanding pitches and could be more intriguing to scouts on the mound. ~ MLB.com

• Casey Kelly is a 2008 SS/OF with a 6'3", 190 lb. frame from Sarasota FL, who attends Sarasota HS. Named to Top Prospect Team. Excellent athletic build. Easy swing, big power potential, ball jumps, athletic balance, swing a bit long. 6.91 runner, good arm strength, hands and feet work, probable 3B future. ~ PerfectGame.org

Amateur Career

• Kelly hit 0.473 in his senior year at Sarasota, adding in 14 doubles, one triple, five homers, 31 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he went 8-1 with a 1.16 ERA and two saves in 12 appearances. In 66 innings, he walked 12 and struck out 66.

Amateur Awards

• 2008 Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School First Team All-American
• 2008 Mr. Baseball Florida
• 2008 Florida 6A Player of the Year

Minor League Career

• Update

Trivia

• Kelly was rated by Baseball America as the #19 prospect for the 2008 Amateur Draft.
• Kelly has indicated he would fulfill his football commitment to Tennessee, if drafted as a pitcher.
• The son of former big-leaguer Pat Kelly.

External Links

• Casey Kelly - Minor League Information Courtesy of Sox Prospects

• Casey Kelly - 2008 Draft Report Courtesy of MLB.com