Photo credit: Reading Phillies
Acquired in the trade the sent Jim Thome to Baltimore in 2012, Phillies pitching prospect Kyle Simon has shown some great signs of potential, even though he took somewhat of a step back in 2013.
Drafted by the Orioles in the fourth round of the 2011, Simon appeared in 14 games for Short-Season Aberdeen and Low 'A' Delmarva in his first season and posted a 2.16ERA in relief. He then moved on to Advanced 'A' Frederick and converted to starting, where he seemed to take a step back. Tabbed as the opening day starter for the Frederick Keys in 2012, Simon went just 2-8 as a starter in 14 starts and posted a 3.96 ERA. Despite the issues in the rotation with Frederick, Simon's track record as a starter was good. As a starter during the 2011 college season, Simon was the ace of the Arizona pitching staff, posting an 11-3 record and a 2.72 ERA.
After coming over to the Phillies, Simon went back to relief and showed that it was where he was meant to stay. He began his Phillies career in Advaned 'A' Clearwater, where he went 3-0 with a 1.26ERA in seven games (14.1 IP). He was later promoted to Double-A Reading, where his success continued. In 13 games with the Fightin' Phils, Simon went 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA. Combined in the Phils system during 2012, Simon held batters to a .165 average.
2013 was a bit of a different year for Simon, who battled elbow soreness for part of the season, landing him on the disabled list for a few weeks. The injury did not seem to be a reason for the problems Simon was having. His overall walk and strikeout ratios were down to the level at which they were when he was a starter in the O's system. Simon seemed to be less effective in 2013, posting a 2-6 record and a 4.45ERA while saving 11 games for Reading.
After the 2013 season concluded, Simon played in the Arizona Fall League as a member of the Peoria Javelinas. In nine games for them, he posted a 3.14ERA with one save over 14.1 innings.
At a height of 6'6'', Simon holds a similar stature to that of Phillippe Aumont, who stands at 6-foot-7. Now 23 years old, Simon needs an impressive year in 2014 before he falls into the mediocre relief pool where Aumont seems to be heading.
This season, Simon will likely be in the bullpen with the Ironpigs, but with his struggles in 2013, he could start in Reading. If the elbow injury was indeed the reason for his issues last year, a bounce back season could give us a peek at a future back of the bullpen arm for the Phillies.
Brandon Apter is a contributor to Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock
