Author Topic: Follow the Prospects: Nathan Karns, RHP  (Read 12058 times)

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Offline tomterp

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Re: Follow the Prospects: Nathan Karns, RHP
« Reply #75: May 02, 2013, 02:56:00 PM »
BP:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=20009

Quote
5. Nate Karns
Position: RHP
DOB: 11/25/1987
Height/Weight: 6’5’’ 230 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 12th round, 2009 draft, Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)
2012 Stats: 2.03 ERA (44.1 IP, 23 H, 61 K, 21 BB) at Low-A Hagerstown; 2.26 ERA
 (71.2 IP, 47 H, 87 K, 26 BB) at High-A Potomac
The Tools: 6+ FB; 6+ CB;
 
What Happened in 2012: Injuries had sapped Karns’ progress leading up to the 2012 season, but a lucky bout with health propelled the big righty up prospect lists with a very strong two-level performance.
 
Strengths: Tall, physical pitcher; creates good angle to the plate and throws downhill; fastball works in the 92-95 range; touches higher; good weight; can pound low zone; curveball is true plus pitch; might project even higher; heavy vertical action; true bat-missing weapon; hard to adjust the bat to the plane; attacks and competes.
 
Weaknesses: He’s 25 years old; behind developmental curve; can repeat, but delivery has some effort; mostly a two-pitch type; changeup gets over, but is below average at present; can throw strikes, but overall command is loose.
 
Overall Future Potential: High 5; no. 3 starter
 
Explanation of Risk: High risk; has yet to pitch in Double-A; shoulder injury on resume.
 
Fantasy Future: Mature body and two plus (to plus-plus) pitches in arsenal; if he can stay healthy, should be able to chew innings and miss bats; could end up in relief if changeup plays down or command regresses.
 
The Year Ahead: Health will be the biggest factor for Karns, but if he can stay on the mound, he be able to perform at a high level in Double-A. The fastball/curve combo is very legit, with several sources putting high sixes on the offerings. The delivery works, although he does show some effort and the injury history to the shoulder will keep red flags flying for a long time. If the changeup can play as an average pitch and he can continue to miss bats with the power fastball/curve, he won’t be long for the minors. Good arm.