On the flip side there are many players that develop late. Some pitchers because they started late (were first position players) and some just because they physically matured later.

Just a guess but I think we see more Latin players blossom earlier in the minors, Americans at the norm, and Canadians and other cold weather countries blossoming later. All due to how much ball they have played. Of course there are exceptions.

OK, now on to your question.

With regards to this player one thing I noticed and I notice very often. Typically guys with very high K's and high BB's in the lower levels is indicative of good stuff. Guys with high K's and very low BB's (like McKae) are indicitive of very good pitchability with several pitches they can throw for strikes.

Guys with serious break on their breaking pitches almost never have great control at the lower levels - it's just harder to throw good stuff for strikes.

While the talent is there in AA they are just not ready to face a guy that can throw four different pitches in any count and can work both up and down as well as in and out.

So based on numbers I'd say he isn't for real. BUT that is just numbers and the big thing would be to read game logs (try http://www.milb.com) to see what they say about him.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2007/6/3/18487/51581

most of it is not about mckae, though, because i'd never heard of him before that day.

subjectively, i wasn't real impressed with his fastball but he was locating his curveball well and getting most of his K's because of it. you might say that a high-80s FB and a good curve aren't enough to succeed in the majors if you're a right-handed pitcher, but there's justin duchscherrer, who's carved out a fine career as a relief pitcher based on his ability to spot his fastball and curve, so i wouldn't put it past him. as DrB pointed out in that previous thread, though, the real test for him will be in the PCL.