2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team: RHP Kevin Eichhorn

The Detroit Tigers Minor League affiliates seasons are now officially in the books. With another season completed, the time has come for me to announce the 2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team.

In an effort to reward less talked about prospects, only players that did not receive a call-up to Detroit this season were eligible. While you may recognize some of the names, remember these awards aren’t a pronouncement of the Tigers top prospects. The awards were based heavily upon the best overall statistical season per position.

Similar to previous years, the breakdown of the roster will consist of one player per position, a designated hitter, five starting pitchers and five relievers.

2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team: RHP Kevin Eichhorn

TEAM: Class-A West Michigan

STATS: 152 IP  11-5   3.61 ERA  1.19 WHIP  8.8 H/9   2.0 BB/9   6.5 K/9   0.6 HR/9

BACKGROUND:

Kevin Eichhorn was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 3rd round of the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Aptos High School in California. Eichhorn stands 6 feet tall and weighs 175 pounds. As a senior, the right-handed starter went 10-1 with a 0.78 ERA, recording 120 strikeouts and 16 walks in 67-plus innings. Pitching also runs in Eichhorn family, as his father Mark pitched for 11 seasons at the major league level with Toronto, Atlanta, California and Baltimore.

Eichhorn was acquired by the Detroit Tigers with left-hander Ryan Robowski from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Armando Galarraga on Jan. 24, 2011. Prior to the trade, Eichhorn compiled a 5-8 record, 4.80 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 105 innings. Now 21-years-old, Eichhorn began his first season as a Tiger in Class-A West Michigan.

THE STUFF:

Eichhorn throws with a moderate effort delivery and a high 3/4 release point. He has a good feel for his pitches and relies heavily on his 88-92 mph fastball. His strikeout pitch appears to be his 75 mph power curve. He also features a serviceable slider and change-up. Like all young pitchers, he must continue to polish secondary stuff though.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS:

Eichhorn logged 152 innings for the ‘Caps last season. He also pitched complete games in two of his 25 starts. On the negative side, Eichhorn surrendered nearly a hit per inning. Unfortunately this is becoming a trend with him too. He avoids the free pass though, allowing just 33 in 152 innings. His walk ratios have also become a trend which is encouraging. He’s not really a big strikeout guy but he did rack up 109 last season too.

FUTURE:

Eichhorn is still only 21-years-old so he has plenty of time to polish his game. At this point he reminds me a lot of fellow Tigers pitcher Adam Wilk. Eichhorn continues to post solid walk and strikeout numbers. However, surrendering nearly a hit per inning doesn’t project well as the talent increases down the road. Scouts continue to rave over Eichhorns raw ability though so he’s worth keeping an eye on in my opinion. Statistically 2011 was definitely a step in the right direction for Eichhorn.

After a solid campaign in the Mid-West League, Eichhorn should begin the 2012 season in Advanced-A Lakeland. Congratulations to Kevin Eichhorn for an outstanding season.

2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Stars

C Rob Brantly

3B Nick Castellanos  

SS Gustavo Nunez

2B Brandon Douglas

1B Jordan Lennerton

OF Danry Vasquez 

OF Avisail Garcia 

OF Jamie Johnson 

DH Tony Plagman

SP Drew Smyly

SP Alex Burgos 

Next Up: SP

––

Like what you see here and want to stay informed on the happenings at MCB? Make sure to follow me on twitter @ JAYRC_MCB and grab our RSS feed.