2016 MLB Draft: Anthony Kay, LHP, University of Connecticut

More college pitching for the 2016 MLB Draft: let's take a look at University of Connecticut southpaw Anthony Kay.

Anthony Kay was a cold-weather high school pitcher growing up in East Setauket, New York. Scouts were aware of him but he was committed to the University of Connecticut and wasn't advanced enough at the time to buy him away from school. He was drafted by the New York Mets in the 29th round but not surprisingly he did not sign.

As a freshman, Kay served as a swingman for the Huskies, making eight starts and 10 relief outings with decent results: 3.49 ERA, 56/40 K/BB in 67 innings. He needed tighter command and showed that in 2015, moving into the rotation full-time and posting an excellent 2.07 ERA in 100 innings with a 96/25 K/BB. He's been the rotation anchor again this spring, posting a 9-2 record in 16 starts with a 2.46 ERA with a 100/35 K/BB in 113 innings.

Kay has also been impressive in summer ball, showing off to scouts in the Cape Cod League and for Team USA. It is safe to say they are quite familiar with him at this point and he's considered one of the best understood players in the draft.

Although officially listed at 6-0, 187, he may be closer to 5-11 in reality. No one cares about his height, as he's proven durable and there's not shortage of arm quickness or strength. His fastball can top at 95 and he holds his velocity in the low-90s without trouble.

Kay works with a change-up as his main secondary pitch. It is above-average; all scouting reports mention that he will telegraph it on occasion, though it moves so well that hitters still can't seem to pick it up even if they know it is coming. That may not hold true at the highest levels but he likely has the aptitude to make necessary adjustments. His third pitch is a slurvy breaking ball that needs additional sharpening but has shown progress this spring. His overall sense of command is solid and he projects well as a three-pitch workhorse.

Strike-throwing college lefties are a yearly draft staple and despite the need for some additional polish on his secondary pitches, Kay fits the mold this season. He projects as a compensation or second round pick.

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