The Book on Ian Kennedy

Graduated Prospect Info

Now that he's no longer rookie-eligible, The Book is closed on Ian Kennedy as a prospect. This page remains as a historical record of his time in our prospect list.

Last bio and ranking update: 11/1/2007.

NYYIan Kennedy
Born 6/19/1984
RHP, NYY

A late first round pick from the 2006 amateur draft, Kennedy is not an overpowering strikeout artist, but a polished, intelligent player who excels with his guile and determination. In his first full season in professional ball, Kennedy went 12-3 with a 1.91 ERA with stops in Tampa, Trenton, and Scranton.

Kennedy has a full selection of pitches, with a capable fastball, deceptive curve, developing changeup and functional slider. While his arm tops out at about 92mph, power is not his strength. Instead, he uses pinpoint control to infuriate batters, falling back on his changeup to put away batters who finally see what appears to be a hittable ball.

He's not Hughes, and he's not Joba, but that just means he doesn't get as much attention. As long as he keeps nibbling at the corners the way he's done in the minors, he's got a solid career ahead of him. That said, he's the most likely of the three youngsters to spend time in the minors in 2008, since it's unlikely the Yankees will enter the season as desperate for starters as they were in 2007. But don't let this scare you: because of the all the young pitching New York has to juggle, it's quite likely that each of their three youngsters will be handled with kid gloves. Starting one or two in the minors, or in the bullpen, might just be an inning-saving tactic. Long-term, Kennedy's combination of skills and smarts is viable and attractive. Don't be shy.

Player Updates and Notes

Ian Kennedy is likely to get a second chance in the rotation later this week, according to the back pages.

5/14/2008 by KDaddy

As the Yanks keep pushing Ian Kennedy as part of a package of players available in trade, it's becoming clear he's considered the most expendable of their young arms.

11/30/2007 by BallGrrrl

 

 

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