Kyle Lobstein6'3" 200 lbs DOB: 8/12/1989
Left-Handed Pitcher
Bats: Left | Throws: Left
2009: Hudson Valley Renegades
Acquired: 2008 Draft, 2nd Round, 47th Overall
The Rays 2nd round pick in 2008, Lobstein received a $1,500,000 signing bonus, but didn't pitch any games for the Rays that summer. He debuted in the New York-Penn League, where he got off to a somewhat slow start before dominating in his last six starts.
The numbers from those starts: 37 ip 22 h 7 er 7 bb 48 so. For the season, he posted a 2.58 ERA over 73.1 innings, striking out 74 and walking 23. He got a healthy number of groundballs with a 1.23 GO/AO and only four home runs allowed. His fielding-independent pitching was a very good 2.95.
Lobstein was one of the hottest names in the country after his junior year of high school, but his stuff hasn't been the same since. His fastball dipped down to the mid-to-high 80's as a senior, and was in the 88-91 range with the Renegades, occasionally dipping lower. It has decent movement though, so it's at least an average offering. His curveball and change-up are both decent pitches, and he controls his entire arsenal well, making all his pitches play up.
Lobstein works very easily on the mound, with smooth mechanics and a nice delivery that makes his fastball look harder. Those mechanics, his solid frame, and his athleticism(he also played basketball in high school) offer plenty of projection, with the possibility that his fastball gets back up into the low-90s consistently.
He's no soft-tosser, but his stuff isn't as dominating as that of rotation-mate Alex Colome(coming soon to a prospect list near you!). He's able to make the most of his stuff, pitching with smarts and the ability to control his pitches to both sides of the plate. The possibility that his stuff blossoms is enough to place him this high up the list. Even without dominant stuff, he was as good at it gets down the stretch in 2009. He'll try to carry that momentum into 2010 where he'll be a part of a strong Bowling Green rotation.
So if his fastball gets in the low 90's, he could have a high ceiling?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, he has good control and knows how to pitch, and he was dominant at the end of the year with slightly above-average stuff. If his stuff makes the leap to "good" or even "great"(and it has the potential to do so), then watch out.
ReplyDeleteHe pitched against the orioles in summer rookie league,that I photographed in Port Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI'm confused- summer rookie league in Port Charlotte? Maybe it was extended spring training or instructs? Kyle was part of NY Penn League and we didn't play there during the season.
ReplyDeleteI think he means extended spring training too. Kyle never played in the GCL last year, and obviously not the year before since we didn't have a team.
ReplyDeleteNot really the place ask this, but has anyone heard anything about Will Kline lately? Was just thinking about him and wondered.