Scouting Report Pitchers on 40 man Roster- Eddie Kunz

Eddie Kunz - #40

23 years old (24 in April)
4th Professional Season (4 games pitched in 2008)
6'6" 265 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

The Good: Was the Mets top draft pick (#42) in 2007 after being a part of two College World Series Championships as the closer of the Beavers of Oregon State. It's not his fault he symbolizes everything that has been wrong with the Mets' drafts since Omar Minaya took control of the organization (not taking high upside talent; instead take a boring, essentially middle reliever). He was drafted to be a ground-ball machine, but gave up a HR during his brief cup of coffee with the Mets in 2008 and has struggled with his command/confidence ever since. Works with a 91-93 MPH fastball (had touched 97 back in 2008), and a slurve (used to be a hard slider) from his low 3/4s delivery. Still had a 71% GB/FB ratio last year.

The Bad: His stock his plummeted so much that he has not gotten a call up to the big leagues in September in either of the past 2 years. Needs to work on his conditioning/watch his ballooning weight. He has been noted to open up his front side too quickly and thus has trouble staying up top of the ball (limiting the effectiveness of his sinker). Doesn't miss bats and walked too many batters last year (31 walks in 61 innings). Sinker is his only above-average pitch, needs to continue to develop a change-up and/or slider.

Role: AAA pitcher until he harnesses his control and weight. Still has a projectable body (6'6") and can be effective if utilized correctly and if he can develop a 2nd pitch. Could he be the next Heath Bell?