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November 14, 2012

Prospect Profile

Kyle Kaminska

by Kristy Robinson

Kristy Robinson attended Kent State University for Broadcasting and the Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising for Fashion Design and Communications. Robinson has covered the Pittsburgh Pirates for the past two seasons as a beat reporter. Robinson grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Despite pitching in a hitter-friendly league, right-hander Kyle Kaminska has looked very good in the Arizona Fall League. He quietly put together solid numbers after coming over to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization (along with Gaby Sanchez for Gorkys Hernandez and a draft compensation pick) at the trade deadline in 2012, and while his name may not have topped the list of prospects when the AFL kicked off on October 9, he’s beginning to make quite a name for himself.

“We’ve liked Kyle for a couple of years as a projectable pitcher based on his body, arm, and pitch package,” Pittsburgh’s General Manager Neal Huntington said. “As we looked for a fit in our trade with Miami this summer, we felt like he offered us some upside to go along with Gabby to balance out the deal.”

Kaminska, who turned 24 last month, was on the road in Mobile, Alabama when he received a phone call from Miami’s Farm Director Brian Chattin that his six-year minor league career with the Marlins organization was now over. While initially shocked by the news, the 25th round pick out of Naperville (Illinois) Central High School has gotten a fresh start in a new farm system.

“I was sitting in my hotel room when I found out,” Kaminska recalled of being traded. “It was pretty shocking, but it’s a business, so you kind of have to go where people tell you to go. It’s part of the job. I was really excited, and it’s a great opportunity. I’ve enjoyed it so far. It’s been a good thing.”

His numbers with Triple-A Jacksonville and Double-A New Orleans before becoming a Pirate weren’t eye catching. After a combined 2.70 ERA across 13 relief appearances in May and June, his ERA ballooned with a rough July (9.49). Kaminska made his Pittsburgh debut at Double-A Altoona in August, where he went on to make three relief appearances before being sent down to High-A Bradenton to be converted back into a starter.