Interview With Sox #1 Prospect Casey Kelly

When you're a young, multi-skilled athlete like #1 Sox prospect Casey Kelly, you never know how information will come to you. When Kelly's name was being bandied about as the centerpiece of various off-season trades, he had no clue. "My best friend from high-school called me and said I was in a few trade proposals", said Kelly, appeared recently at the Jimmy Fund's "New Stars For Young Stars V" at Jillian's. BoSox Club Board Member Ernie Paicopolos had a chance to chat with Kelly briefly during a break in the festivities.

Kelly couldn't be bothered by the Hot Stove trade chatter. He was too focused on figuring out his best route to the major leagues--as a shortstop or a pitcher. In December, he and the Red Sox made the decision that the mound was going to be his ticket to the Bigs. The word is that he could be an elite starter--with a plus 12-6 curveball, a low-to-mid 90s fastball, and a decent change-up. So far, the results have been impressive and he is likely to be in the AA Sea Dogs starting rotation in 2010.

Does he have any regrets about laying down the lumber for the rosin bag? "Not really. This is the best chance I have at a good long career in the major leagues."

Kelly was recruited as a QB by Tennessee (he threw for 4,212 yards and 37 touchdowns in High School), and is a prime example of the kind of athleticism the Red Sox are looking for in their player development process.

Look for Kelly to be on the hill at Fenway in a few short years.