17. Kyle Nicholson, rhp, Giants
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 205 Age: 23 Drafted: Giants ‘07 (7)
It’s extremely difficult to rank a 23-year-old college pitcher among the top prospects in a complex-based league, but it’s even harder to ignore Nicholson based on his performance this year and the potential to move quickly through the Giants system. A seventh-round draft pick in 2007, he needed Tommy John surgery shortly after turning pro. He returned 10 1/2 months later to pitch the entire season in the AZL, tossing a complete-game shutout in his final outing to clinch a playoff berth.

Nicholson’s numbers were outstanding as he led the league in ERA (1.15) and K-BB ratio (54-3) while ranking second in wins (six). Despite his dominance, he stayed in the AZL all summer to keep him from overextending himself so soon after surgery.

He has three quality pitches, an 87-89 mph fastball with exceptional late sink, a changeup and a curveball. He could regain velocity as he gets further removed from his surgery. He spots his pitches very well and changes speeds effectively.

G GS W L SV ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO AVG
11 11 6 1 0 1.15 62.2 34 10 8 1 3 54 .159

On the MILB Draft Tracker for 2007 Nicholson was listed as 5’11" but that should not be held against him.

Based on some informal reports I found Nicholson was reported as having a mid 90’s fastball and a devastating slider in college, and was thought to have a closer’s mentality. I don’t think these were reports from actual scouts, but rather fans blogging, although it is possible he did throw that hard pre-TJ.

All things considered, he sounds like a pretty promising prospect, and could make a solid #5 starter or a reliable long reliever/spot starter, especially considering how far he has progressed just coming off TJ surgery.

Pucetas, English, Sosa, Aaron King, Scott Barnes, Mike Loree, and now this guy.

I too follow the Giant’s prospects when I can. I am familiar with many, but this is the first I have heard of Kyle Nicholson. I read the MLB article, and offer three observations on it, for whatever they are worth…

 1) FTA “In 62 1/3 innings over the summer, Nicholson struck out 54 while walking only three. " Good to see a young pitcher that knows how to pitch. I have always remembered something the great Satchel Paige once said, when he was asked for the secret to his success: "Home plate don’t move, man. Throw strikes”.

2) It seems that he needed Tommy John surgery shortly after turning pro (I estimate somewhere early/mid 2007. There was another fellow like that who the Giants took a chance on. He was the second banana to the great arm that everyone noticed on the great LSU team in 2003. His name was Brian WIlson. Wilson threw hard, but was a bit wild. The Giants drafted him anyway (in the 24th round). And, like Nicholson, Wilson had TJ surgery before turning pro as well. It did take WIlson some time to recover, and then develop, but after what he did in 2008, I imagine the Giants are happy that they were more patient with him than they were with Joe Nathan. By the way, the top banana on that 2003 LSU team – Billy Sadler – was was also drafted by the GIants (6th Round).

3) FTA “The 23-year-old right-hander cemented the honor by not allowing an earned run over his last four starts and yielding only one run over his final seven outings. During that span, he went 6-0 with an 0.19 ERA, yielding 19 hits while striking out 45.” I do not know about the caliber of hitters in the AZL, and I realize he is a 23 year old college player in a league that may have quite a few younger players, but those are dominant numbers. If he does this while still recovering form TJ surgery, and his arm strength improves to the point where he again can throw in the low to mis 90’s (as he was rumored to be able to do in college), the Giants may really have something here.