Predict the future -- Kam Mickolio
As several readers mentioned in yesterday’s discussion, they think minor league infielder Greg Miclat could become the long-term replacement for Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts. Other people believe the team should keep Miclat at shortstop for as long as possible, and hope that he’s able to develop into a starter at the position in the majors.
While I agree it’s possible for Miclat to replace Roberts eventually, I wasn’t suggesting with my predictions that is ultimately what should happen. It’s a great idea, in my opinion, to continue using Miclat as a shortstop as he progresses through the minor leagues. It is always possible that he can be switched to second base in the major leagues if he struggles defensively at shortstop, similar to what the Orioles did with Roberts.
Some people discussed Miclat’s shoulder injury that limited him during the 2008 season, but it’s believed that the 5-foot-9, 175-pound infielder is fully recovered and ready to go in 2009.
I wasn’t sure which player to talk about during today’s debate, so I asked my friend Dave, a lifelong Orioles fan, if he had any suggestions. He wants to know what everyone thinks about relief pitcher Kam Mickolio.
The Orioles acquired the 6-foot-9, 255-pound reliever from the Seattle Mariners in the February 2008 trade for left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard. In three minor league seasons, Mickolio is 9-5 with a 3.12 ERA and 10 saves in 98 appearances. So far, he has only allowed six home runs in 144 innings in the minors.
Mickolio made his major league debut for the Orioles on Aug. 20, 2008 against the Boston Red Sox. He allowed one run and three hits in one inning during the game, but he also collected two strikeouts. Overall, Mickolio was 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA in nine games for the Orioles. He had eight strikeouts and four walks in 7 2/3 innings.
Prior to his promotion, Mickolio split the 2008 season between the Double-A Bowie Baysox and the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.
The 24-year-old right-hander was 2-1 with a 4.70 ERA and one save in 28 games for the Baysox. He struck out 40 hitters and issued 22 walks in 38 1/3 innings.
Mickolio pitched much better during his stint with the Tides. He was 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA and two saves in 17 games. The Mariners’ 18th-round selection in the 2006 MLB draft had 23 strikeouts and nine walks in 20 innings for Norfolk.
It’s probably best for Mickolio to begin the upcoming season at Norfolk, in my opinion, because he needs to work on his command. Still, there’s a possibility that Mickolio could make the Opening Day roster if he is able to dominate in spring training.
I think Mickolio will play for the Tides to start the season and be available as one of the first relievers to be promoted when the Orioles need someone. With his size, Mickolio might pitch his way into the closer role for the Orioles in the future. Let’s take it one step at a time, however, and hope he excels in middle relief during the 2009 season.
What are your predictions for Mickolio in 2009? Will he spend most of the season in the minor leagues, or do you think he’s going to have a role for the Orioles? Do you think Mickolio will be a closer in the future, or is he just another middle reliever?
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Check out previous installments of "Predict the future" by clicking on the links below:
• Jake Arrieta
• Brad Bergesen
• Jason Berken
• Brandon Erbe
• David Hernandez
• Brian Matusz
• Greg Miclat
• Lou Montanez
• Troy Patton
• Hayden Penn
• Bill Rowell
• Brandon Snyder
• Chris Tillman
• Justin Turner
• Matt Wieters
• Rick Zagone
Comments
Kam has a "leaning" type of delivery which causes the ball to seem to approach the plate at an unusual angle. Add to that his 6'9" frame and 95-98 mph fastball and you have what could be a devastating approach against right-handed batters.
Once he gains the ability to control his pitches, I think he should be used as a specialist against righties.
Posted by: Bear the Birdfan | February 13, 2009 9:44 AM
i was at the Yards last Aug. or Sept. and saw Kam pitch a perfect 9th inning of a meaningless game. But wow, i was impressed. He mowed 'em down with heat.....something about his size being imposing, but he struck me as a future closer candidate.
Posted by: John from Kensington | February 13, 2009 11:28 AM
I agree. He seems to have all the skills needed to excel in the majors. However, I did see him pitch several times at Bowie, and yes he has the power and the delivery to be very successful. However, each time I saw him pitch, he had major control problems. He is no where near as erratic as Cabrera, but he couldn't keep a lead in a least three games that I saw. He needs more innings in the minors. Give him a bit of experience and he can go far.
Posted by: Justin | February 13, 2009 4:28 PM
I think 2009 and the future for Mickolio all depends on his control. If gets the ball over, hard to tell what his ceiling is? The O's almost seem to rush him from AA to AAA to the majors.
Posted by: Steve H | February 13, 2009 9:33 PM
Best case he'd trun out to be another Tim Stoddard.However I don't see him as a great prospect unless he gets his control under control. The O's need to be putting a priority on promoting people based on throwing strikes.This is what bugs me about not inviting Jason Berken to camp. The guy throws strikes. Yet with all the vets packing the rotation at Norfolk guys like Berken will be held back.The O's aren't going to get any better until the pitchers start moving up the ladder to see what they have.3 or 4 guys have nothing left to prove at Bowie but that's where they'll be stuck again.It's pretty bad when someone has to depend on an injury to move up rather than earn it outright by performance.Chamberlain and Liticum didn't need 5 years to develop in the minors.
Posted by: John | February 14, 2009 5:31 AM
He had triple A experience before he came to the O's and that is where he should be the whole year. He needs to get command of the stuff he has and learn a new pitch. If he does then he could be a very good closer one day.
Posted by: cb coach | February 14, 2009 8:24 AM
I like him alot. Besides his size and plus fastball, I've heard him interviewed and was struck by his confidence and composure.
As for his command he can improve, but he's really not that bad right now: In his three minor league seasons he has 144 Ks and only 60 Ws in 144 innings.
I project him ultimately as either closer or set-up man and expect him to have a good major league career. Howevr, if he could come up with a third good pitch I don't see why he could get a shot at starter.
As for 2009 I tend to agree with you, Dean. Since Kam only turns 25 in May, I don't think the Orioles want to rush him. Unless he wows them in Spring Training, he'll likely get some more seasoning in Norfolk.
All in all, a very bright future. I really look forward to seeing him on the O's staff.
Posted by: Ken Francis | February 14, 2009 6:27 PM