Scouting Report: Dan Klein – Baltimore Orioles Third Round Pick

Scouting Report (via MLB.com):

Fastball: Klein has a solid-average fastball that he runs up to 93 mph, sitting comfortably at 91 mph.

Fastball movement: He’s got good sink and cutdown in the zone.

Slider: It’s a hard, short slider with late bite and tilt, thrown 82-85 mph.

Curve: Has an average curve with a downward roller movement; throws it 77-78 mph.

Changeup: Has a very good feel for his change, which has a splitter-type action to it, around 83 mph.

Control: He throws plenty of strikes and generally hits his spots well.

Poise: Shows good composure on the mound and competes well.

Physical Description: Klein is tall with a good pitcher’s body. He’s got a strong and lean lower half and has room to add strength.

Medical Update: Klein red-shirted his true sophomore season in 2009 because of shoulder surgery, but he appears fully healthy now.

Strengths: The chance to have three, maybe even four, usable pitches with good command. Good pitcher’s body, with excellent makeup. Very competitive on the mound. Has excelled as a closer and could be quick to the big leagues as a reliever, but also might have the repertoire to start.

Weaknesses: Injury history will concern some; he might be limited to a middle relief role when all is said and done.

Summary: After missing all of 2009 because of shoulder surgery, Klein wasn’t really on radar screens. That changed in a hurry as he emerged as one of the better college closers in the country. He can throw four pitches for strikes, leading some to think he should get a chance to start at the next level. Even if that doesn’t pan out, teams know they will have a competitive pitcher who can excel in a relief role and move quickly through a system. If teams feel he’s fully healthy — and he appears to be — that’s the type of arm that usually gets drafted fairly early.

Vitals & School:

• UCLA
• DOB: 7/27/1988
• RHP
• 6′ 3″
• 190 lbs.
• Throws: R
• Bats: R

College Statistics:

Did not play, shoulder soreness. But did not have any surgery.

More info:

UCLA Player Bio

Klein was MLB Bonus Baby’s 44th ranked overall draft prospect.

Orioles also selected Dan Klein in the twenty-fourth round of the 2007 draft.

Andy Seiler of MLB Bonus Baby doesn’t think Klein will become a starter, but he will get the chance.

Video:

MLB.com video.

Overall Thoughts:

After making just 2 starts throughout his entire college career, he will get the chance to start at the next level. I like Klein, but would have preferred A.J. Cole, who was still available at the time. There’s still a chance that he goes back to college because he’s a draft eligible sophomore.

2010 Orioles Draft Tracker