Tyler
Kennedy

It was my first look at Kennedy and he impressed with a dominant performance, pitching 6.0 innings with 11 Ks and attacked hitters with a healthy dosage of good pitch mix. Kennedy stands at 6-0 and has a lean athletic frame on the mound. He has very simple mechanics working downhill and attacks hitters with a FB/SL/CH/CB mix. Dublin put up some hits early and he had some HBP, however, as the game went on he settled in nicely and had his pitches working. His FB played well on all parts of the zone, and his offspeed works nicely on the outer half. What makes Kennedy tough to hit is his ability to tunnel his pitches leaving batters guessing, especially with his consistency hitting the outside corner. His tempo was quick and he was smart throughout the game. He got ahead 80% of the game and overall really slowed the bats down. There is definitely more room to grow for Kennedy and he has all the tools to really make an impact at the next level as he looks/plays the part well.

This was my first look at Kennedy on the mound this season, getting the start for Granada. Kennedy was on the winning end of a pitchers’ duel, tossing a 3-hit shutout in the 1-0 win over Foothill. Pitching efficiently across the outing (64 strikes on 92 pitches), Kennedy would finish with a final line of 7 IP, 3 H, 9K, 0 BB, and 0 R. The senior relied heavily on his FB early in counts, consistently getting ahead of hitters, then would lean on a trio of secondary offerings (CB/CH/SL) to put them away. Showcasing a strong lower half and creating good extension, Kennedy’s FB played well both at the top of the zone and on the edges. Kennedy was able to locate all three secondary offerings in the zone and for chase late in counts. Kennedy was comfortable throwing the CB against both sides, showcasing a good 12-6 action and getting several swings over the top. The SL, primarily used against RHH, showed sharp, late break, while the CH had good arm-side fade against LHH. Pitching with a high ¾ slot, the Ohlone commit demonstrates poise on the mound and doesn’t let the moment get too big. Kennedy also had a productive day at the plate out of the 5-hole, putting together multiple QAB on the day. After a high pop up in his first trip, Kennedy grinded out a tough eight-pitch AB, fouling off three straight 2-strike pitches before barreling up a FB on the outer half to deep RCF for a hard hit fly out. Kenney’s day would end by smoking a 1-2 FB up for a leadoff single in the bottom of the 6th, leading to the only run of the game after he was PR for. With little swing-and-miss in his game (0 whiffs across 9 swings), Kennedy’s strong lower half can be felt at the plate as well, allowing him to consistently find the barrel. Able to make an impact both on the mound and in the box, I’m curious to see how Kennedy is used at the next level.

Bay Area World Series Underclass (6/4/21-6/6/21)

Offensive notes: High hands, high back elbow with hands lifting on a smaller kick. Downhill hitter, compact swing and ability to lift when getting barrel out front. Wokred to the pullside in game for some hits and hard contact. 60-yard - 7.97 / EV mph - 90

Defensive notes: Wide hips funneling to middle and staying inline on throws to the bags. Makes plays in his range and frame strength shows up. 3B mph - 72

Pitching notes: Slow and controlled early with high front leg and kick before using frame for extension. Hands stayed at chest before breaking with glove to catcher and compact 3/4. Constantly ahead and attacking the zone. FB to glove side flashing cut and sink. CB looked like SLD bend but more overhand actions and depth. FB 67-72 / CB 58-60

Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-11, 210-pounds. Broad frame, thick body type.
Hit: RHH. Deep in box, tall, medium width feet, starts w/head high hands, slight pinch of knees, smooth medium long stride, hands drop into slot off lower chest. Sweeps barrel into swing plane, Swing tailored to create fly balls, projects to have power, upward through contact, strong top hand usage, two hand finish; 13.8 max rotational acceleration, 69% on plane efficiency, 63.7% LDs/fly balls.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity in live BP via TrackMan. 20.4 max hand speed, 65.8 max bat speed.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Compact circular backside, loose easy arm, gets underway quickly.
Defense: Fairly light feet, plays w/rhythm though a bit high, confident in his hands, understands angles to his left and right.
Run: 8.41 runner in the 60.

Delivery: Methodical over the rubber, gathers at balance point before starting down slope, in line stride to close landing, spins back leg around to 1B side at finish. Controlled stuff well in slide step stretch.
Arm Action: RH. Long backside getting to full extension, high-3/4 slot, easy arm, smooth arm action, full finish.
FB: T72, 68-71 mph. Mostly straight, has control of zone at early age, max spin of 2030 projects well with more arm speed and more aggressive release.
CB: 56-58 mph. Has control, wider break, has feel for throwing it.
CH: 59-61 mph. Pounded zone with CHG, similar movement to FB, will play well of his FB look as the spin reduction will create late fade.