Kickham, Stomp 'Em, Whip 'Em

[sharksrog]

What do we know about Mike Kickham?

. Kickham was hot at a similar time last season, posting a 1.55 ERA for Richmond over five starts. (Kevin Goldstein 6/15/12)

. Throws in the strike zone with low 90's fastball and passable change up. (Goldstein pre-2012 season)

. Plus velocity and a solid slider who projects as a #4 starter. (Goldstein 8/27/12)

. Plus fastball with feel and utility for a deep secondary arsenal. Whether reliever or starter, is a major-league arm who should see action in 2013. (Jason Parks 3/1/13)

. Struck out a batter per inning and shaved his walk rate from 4.5 to 3.7 in posting a 4.33 ERA for Fresno in 10 starts. Athletic rank #3 in the majors in OPS against southpaws (.785). (Daniel Rathman 5/27/13)

. A breakout prospect for 2012, Kickham is a physical 6-4, 220 pound lefty with a low 90's fastball, slider, curveball and change up. The slider is the best of his secondary offerings. Needs some refinement, but has breakout potential as either a back-of-the-rotation starter or in the bullpen. (John Sickels 3/9/12)

. Fastball well in to the mid-90's, as well as a slider rated the best in the Giants' system. Ranked (by some) as the Giants' #5 prospect. (Bryan Rosa 5/27/13)

. Kickham has thrown a lot of ground balls in his minor league career (1.77 ground out to air out at Fresno this season), as well as a nice strikeout rate and so-so control. Batters hit .261 against him at Low A Augusta in 2011, .219 at AA Richmond in 2012, and .271 this year at Fresno. Modest lefty/righty splits at Fresno this season.

[allenreed]

Not too good. Clearly not ready to pitch at this level, but there were some good things too. Of course it wouldn't hurt if we actually scored once in awhile.

[Islandboagie]

Low three quarters release, which could explain why he had some success at the minor league level. He wasn't horrible for his first major league experience, he'll probably get another start.

[sharksrog]

The Giants have few valid options beyond Kickham, so I doubt they'll kick 'im aside.

There were some very nice things last night, and some very concerning ones. To hard to make a judgment based on one start, but Mike didn't appear to be good at pitching from behind.

Kickham's minor league numbers would seem to indicate he's not especially hard to hit.

[Islandboagie]

You can hit him, just don't kickham. Ok I got one in before we stop talking about him..He was sent down, Ramon Ramirez called up.

[sharksrog]

Boagie -- You can hit him, just don't kickham.

Rog -- DARN, Boagie. That was easily the best post on this thread.