What's He Up To: Jordan Lyles

Let's talk about the fastest moving former G-Stro. Jordan Lyles appeared in Greeneville in 2008 as a 17 year old kid. He had been the 38th pick in the 2008 Draft and had spurned Spurrier and the Gamecocks football scholarship offer in order to start his pro baseball career. His draft created a bit of a stir in baseball circles. He was called "a reach" by more than one draft expert. Stats don't mean a great deal in Rookie Ball but the one number that jumped out from his 2008 season was 64 K in 50 IP. His performance got noticed.

This is what Baseball America said about him after the season.

Lyles was considered an overdraft when the Astros took him 38th overall, but he sure didn't pitch like it. Athleticism and a clean, easy delivery were among his strongest traits as an amateur, and Appy League observers concurred. His fastball sat at 88-92 mph, and though it doesn't feature much life, Lyles commands it well for a young hurler. His 6-foot-4, 185-pound frame leaves plenty of room to project more velocity.

In 2009, Jordan spent his whole season in Lexington. Despite a losing record, his pitching performance continued to shake the overdraft status. Now, the Astros were looking brilliant for drafting him. As a result of his 2009 performance, Lyles was listed on several top 100 prospect list at the end of the year.

This year, Jordan started the season at AA Corpus Christi, skipping High A Lancaster. Initially, this was viewed by some as a move to keep him out of the hitter friendly California League. Again, Jordan's performance put all questions aside. He proved he not only belonged in the Texas League as a teen, he showed he could be one of the best pitchers in the league. He is listed in the top 10 in best ERA, Strikeouts and WHIP.

Last week, Jordan was promoted to AAA Round Rock. He pitched well in his first start but suffered the loss. He will make his second start tonight. There has been some buzz about him possibly getting a September call up to the Astros. Keep in mind that he he won't turn 20 until October. IF (and that is a big if in my mind) he is called up to Houston for the last month of the season, he will be the first teenager to pitch in the National League since Dwight Gooden way back in 1984 or six years before Lyles was born.