Michael Kohn: Angels Top Prospect Performance #10

by rghan on Nov 5, 2009 1:21 AM PST in Minor Leagues Comment 10 comments

10) Michael Kohn, 22 - RH RP, A-Ball and High A

6 Wins, 1 Loss, 9 Saves. 65.2 IP, 1.64 ERA, 103 SO/26 BB. +22 runs saved.

Kohn's numbers were even more ridiculously good after a promotion to High A. I saw both the Cedar Rapids and Rancho Cucamonga clubs play last year, yet still missed seeing him pitch, so I'll just rehash what we know from BA, John Sickles, and the Cedar Rapids Gazette: he pitches with deceptively short arm action, helping his mid 90's fastball to jump on hitters, and he's been working to establish consistency with a hard breaking ball. Everything looks good, though if we see him in the bigs before September of next year, something's likely gone very wrong in our pen.

I'll continue posting the top performances through next week. Again, remember that this list is based entirely on statistical performance in 2009, and is not a traditional "best prospects" ranking.

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Ryan,

Do you have video of some of these prospects?

Nick would be proud.

by halofan4life on Nov 5, 2009 10:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully at some point after spring training we can add some footage.

In the meantime, I’d check the video gallery at futureangels.com if you’re curious about some of these guys. I know Kohn isn’t there, sadly, but some of the other guys are.

by rghan on Nov 5, 2009 10:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I go to futureangels.com A LOT.

Nick would be proud.

by halofan4life on Nov 5, 2009 9:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting prospect

Where do you think he’ll start 2010 and when do you see him making an impact at the major league level. Also, who else works effectively with deceptive short arm action in the majors (comparable).

by stereoscopic on Nov 5, 2009 12:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I think he's on his way to AA Arkansas

I’m not comfortable tossing out a comp until I actually see Kohn’s delivery in action. One obvious short arm-action reliever is Fuentes, though that’s also a side-arm delivery, so I am NOT saying Kohn’s is similar. BA has this to say:

“Kohn has an extremely short arm stroke in the back, which should limit him to a bullpen role but also adds deception…”

The report goes on to quote his ’08 manager:

’"He’s not your classic full-arm-action guy, but it’s a sneaky 94," Kotchman said. “There’s a lot of bad swings off that.”’

Can’t ell you how many hours of pure reading bliss BA has provided, by the way.

by rghan on Nov 5, 2009 12:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

short-arm action

Billy Wagner comes to mind. Also a lefty. I doubt Kohn’s that good, but it sure would be nice. Heck, if he’s even as good as Fuentes, that’s a very useful pitcher to have especially in the pre-free agency years.

by jjackflash on Nov 5, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sneaky 94

94’s not too shabby anyway and to add deception, sounds great. I was also thinking of Fuentes, but was wary because of the sidearm deliver as a comp too. I follow the minor league teams through stats a bit and always find your knowledge very insightful. thanks.

by stereoscopic on Nov 5, 2009 2:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs