Tyler Lyons’ Quiet Success in Palm Beach
Posted on August 24th, 2011 by Jeff in Tyler Lyons, tags: tyler lyonsTyler Lyons was drafted by the Yankees in the 10th round of the 2009 draft, but opted not to sign, instead returning to Oklahoma State for his senior season. The Cardinals drafted him one round higher in 2010 and signed him. However, Lyons did not pitch in 2010 and instead made his debut as a 23-year old in Palm Beach, joining the team just over two weeks after the season started.
In Palm Beach for the whole season, Lyons has been overshadowed by Maikel Cleto, Joe Kelly, Shelby Miller, Jordan Swagerty and even Carlos Martinez. But, Lyons has had a quietly very effective season. His profile has been raised a bit over the last week or so as azruavatar has mentioned him here and red baron mentioned him over at Viva el Birdos.
Lyons’ traditional numbers are good as he has gone 8-3 with a 3.76 ERA in the pitcher’s park and league. However, his numbers only get better the further we look. His K/9 isn’t outrageous at 7.3, but he has shown great control with only 2.8 BB/9. That gives us a K/BB ratio of 2.62, which is over the magical 2.0 threshold.
His league and park adjusted numbers come up rosy as well, as his tRA+ is 109 for the season (both as a reliever and starter). His BABIP is a little low at .289, but he is not allowing a lot of hard contact, only allowing 15.3% line drive rate.
The scouting reports all have Lyons sitting in the low 90s and not blowing anyone away with raw velocity, but as you will see below in the “scout at home” portion, he’s got good movement and control. Lyons should be one of those prospects that quietly moves his way through the system and should eventually make an impact in the major leagues, especially because he is left-handed.
Now for the scout at home portion – here’s a video of Tyler Lyons throwing a bullpen session from Cape Cod in the summer of 2009.
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Low 90′s usually is okay for a left handed pitching prospect. Is Lyons on the top of the list for our lefty starting pitching prospects?
I’d put Gast ahead of him right now.
This kid pitching for Johnson City tonight might be a lefty to watch. Kyle Hald. Pretty good K/BB ratio!
He surely wasn’t throwing low 90′s when I saw him in Spring Training…Lyons that is.
What was he throwing?
Surprised there’s no mention of his no hitter. One game can’t turn a guy into an elite prospect, but that was pretty exciting. It’s what put him on the map for me.
1. Never thought I’d see FR touting a 23 old player in high A. :)
2. Lyons so far has no lefty split.
3. who’s the better prospect Lyons or Fornataro? Similar numbers. Fornataro more of GB pitcher. Lyons less experience.
Re #1: It’s been a good year for the farm; anything seems possible.
Hard to tell Fornataro probably has better pure stuff but Lyons is a lefty so he can survive with less of a fastball.
I’m not necessarily touting him :) – but he’s performed well (including the no-hitter, which for some reason I forgot) and I thought he was worth taking a closer look at.
Lyons is an interesting story in what has been an intriguing year. I wonder when we might hear something about Mitch Harris??? Supposedly, a decision on him is to be forthcoming one of these days before too long.
I heard a few months ago that it should be soon because the Navy is essentially trying to get people to leave at this point so it seems like he will be released from his duties.
found a fairly recent story on mitch harris here
http://robrains.com/2011/06/for-mitch-harris-selection-by-cardinals-has-been-followed-by-a-three-year-wait-to-begin-career/
Not exactly true Andrew. The Navy is still paying bonuses to retain people in Harris’ specialty because they can’t keep enough of them in the Navy.
Lyons has been overshadowed by Miller, Martinez, Cleto, Kelly, Swagerty, because they are better prospects is why.
Of course they are, but that doesn’t change the fact that Lyons is a prospect whose performance should be noted.
Despite having average velocity, he’s apparently developed great control with three pitchers: sinking fastball, curve, and change-up, with the change becoming an out pitch. Lyons started the season (and his pro career) as a reliever after missing 2010 because of elbow tendinitis, but has been moved to the rotation and has had 8 starts. This is a guy who has been completely off the radar who has at least earned a bit of attention.
I go back and forth on cleto. How much should we worry about that walk rate?
Not sure…my recollection at the time of the Ryan trade is that Cleto’s control always was an issue, so much so that it was holding him back, but he’s made some surprising progress this year.
I think we should worry a lot. He can’t make it if he doesn’t gain better control. Actually I was amazed at how much progress he made this year particularly early on. I think we didn’t do him any favors pinging him around the system the way we did. I think he’ll need another year at Memphis but it looks like we got a much better prospect than I thought when the trade was made.