Top Prospects #19: Kelvin Herrera

#19 Kelvin Herrera

Age: 20
Pos: RHP
HT/WT: 5-10/165
Signed: International Free Agent in 2006
Birthplace: Tenares, Dominican Republic
ETA: 2013

Kelvin Herrera was one of the first international free agents signed by General Manager Dayton Moore when he took over in 2006. It didn't take long for Herrera to get into the swing of things. As a seventeen year old in 2007 he pitched in 42.2 innings with an era of 0.84 in the Dominican Summer League. Then in 2008 the Royals gave him 50 innings in the Appalachian League, and when Burlington needed a starter for a playoff run Herrera was the man who got the call. In 12 innings of full season ball Herrera struck out 7, walked 2 and gave up just 3 earned runs. Going into 2009 many expected big things from Herrera. Baseball America even selecting him as their breakout prospect for the Royals organization for 2009. Unfortunately Herrera's season was derailed by injuries and he was only able to pitch in 5 innings (didn't give up a run).

Honestly, Herrera is one of my favorite prospects in the organization and I fully expect him to breakout in 2010. But because of his injury in '09 I am going to have to hold him at #19 until he can pitch more innings in full season ball. Herrera possesses a 90-92 mph fastball that at times he has been able to dial up into the mid 90's. In addition to a lively fastball Herrera also has very impressive command of a slurvy curveball and change-up for a pitcher of his age. If Herrera can handle the workload of a starting pitcher than the sky is the limit for this prospect. Herrera should begin 2010 in the Burlington, Iowa rotation but after he dominates Midwest League hitters for the first month or two he will get a midseason promotion to Wilmington where he will post a sub 3.00 era for the 2010 season.