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Jun 04, 2012 - Jun 06, 2012     
TBD - ,
Matt Koch
RHP 6-3 185   L/R
FB
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
CB
SL
CH
Split
Knuckle
4/13/12: Iowa’s top prospect for the 2009 draft, Koch turned down an opportunity to sign at the time with the Boston Red Sox as a 37th-round pick. For two years at Louisville, he worked mostly as a starter but never really his stride in going a combined 8-5, 3.41 with 77 strikeouts in 111 innings. But Koch’s superior talent became readily evident last summer in the Cape Cod League when he was installed in a closing role for Chatham and quickly became one of the elite power arms in a league dominated by hard-throwing, end-of-game specialists. He didn’t allow a run over his final 15 innings while assembling a tidy 5-0, 1.19 record overall with five saves for the league’s weakest team. In 23 innings, he fanned 22 while allowing 15 hits and just three walks. Koch’s fastball was a customary 90-92 mph as a starter, but he suddenly ramped up his velocity to a steady 94-96 when used in short bursts. Not only that, but he maintained his above-average command at the higher speed and still managed to get good running action on the pitch, and broke his share of bats. With his propensity to throw everything hard, he lacks a true off-speed pitch to complement his fastball, but typically works in a high-70s slider as his second offering. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Koch is strong, durable and athletic, and was practically born to be a closer with his loose, live arm and two-pitch mix, along with a mindset that is well-suited for pitching with a game on the line. His coaches at Louisville have long recognized that he has all the qualities inherent in a closer, but never found the right opportunity to move Koch to a set closer role until his junior season. Through 12 relief appearances this spring, he is 0-1, 2.45 with four saves. In 15 innings, he has four walks and 21 strikeouts. His fastball has been consistently in the 94-96 mph range, peaking at 97. But on a Cardinals staff that is deep in hurlers capable of throwing in the low- to mid-90s, Koch has been forced to share the closer job with senior righthander Derek Self (0-1, 1.35, 7 SV), himself a candidate to be drafted in the first 10 rounds in June. Of the two, Koch has drawn much greater attention from scouts as he has the better pure arm and more projectable frame, and should be a prime target for clubs looking for a potential closer before the second round unfolds.




May 18, 2009 - May 18, 2009   Navy  30
Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium - Cedar Rapids, IA
Matt Koch
RHP 6-3 185   L/R
FB
90
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
87-90
CB
76
SL
80
CH
77
Split
Knuckle
Matt Koch is a 2009 RHP with a 6'3'', 185 lb. frame from Cherokee, IA who attends Cherokee Washington. Koch is a RHP who already can reach the low 90's and really projects. He shows a very good slider at times and also a solid change. He is a multi-sport star and high school and it will very interesting to see what he can do as he focuses solely on baseball in the future. He has signed with Louisville.
PG Grade 10.0




Baseball Web TV Video | See this player's personally updated Skillshow ACT profile & videos ACT Profile
Matt Koch P 2009 Pre-Draft Showcase
Apr 18, 2009 - Apr 19, 2009   White  20
Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium - Cedar Rapids, IA
Matt Koch
RHP 6-3 185   L/R
FB
88
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
86-88
CB
76
SL
82
CH
76
Split
Knuckle
Matt Koch is a 2009 RHP with a 6'3'', 185 lb. frame from Cherokee, IA who attends Cherokee Washington HS. Projectable pitcher's frame, loose actions. Back turn/leg raise delivery, keeps it simple, good direction, 3/4's release with some effort. FB tails arm side, consistent 87-88 mph, CB shows hard spin, sharp 2 plane, occ very big and sweeping. SL was late/sharp at times. Developing change up. Tends to get on side of FB but stays over top of two quality breaking balls. Will see more velo as it warms up. Good student, signed with Louisville.
PG Grade 9.5




Baseball Web TV Video | See this player's personally updated Skillshow ACT profile & videos ACT Profile
Matt Koch P 2009 Spring Top Prospect Showcase
Feb 07, 2009 - Feb 08, 2009   Columbia Blue  11
Perfect Game Indoor Facility - Cedar Rapids, IA
Matt Koch
RHP 6-3 185   L/R
FB
89
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
87-89
CB
SL
80
CH
77
Split
Knuckle
Matt Koch is a 2009 RHP/SS/OF with a 6'3'', 185 lb. frame from Cherokee, IA who attends Cherokee Washington HS. Loose athletic build, very projectable. Mid 3/4's release, lands open, whippy loose arm action, good extension out front. Big run on upper 80's fastball, consistent + FB life. Sharp SL, gets under LHH's hands, change sinks like FB, good pitch. Tough to hit when down in zone. Coming off hip flexor problem, no issues today. Easy low 90's arm later this spring. Good student, committed to Louisville.
PG Grade 10.0




Baseball Web TV Video | See this player's personally updated Skillshow ACT profile & videos ACT Profile
Matt Koch P 2009 Pitcher/Catcher Indoor Showcase
Jun 13, 2008 - Jun 15, 2008   Columbia Blue  30
Metrodome - Minneapolis, MN
Matt Koch
RHP 6-3 185   L/R
FB
91
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
88-91
CB
73
SL
78
CH
73
Split
Knuckle
Matt Koch is a 2009 RHP with a 6'3'', 185 lb. frame from Cherokee, IA who attends Cherokee Washington HS. Koch was very good in the Metrodome with a great pitchers build and a fastball that easily sat 88-91. His fastball had life and it looked pretty effortless for him to pitch in the 90's. He works fast and threw both a slider and curveball which both worked pretty well for him. He also mixed in a change up. His mechanics were a bit raw, which means he projects for even more as he continues to develop. His arm works great! He can also hit and could be a 2-way college guy. Koch is a very interesting follow for the 2009 draft.
PG Grade 9.5




Baseball Web TV Video | See this player's personally updated Skillshow ACT profile & videos ACT Profile
Matt Koch P 2008 National Showcase
Mar 15, 2008 - Apr 27, 2008   Gold  19
Various Ballparks- Iowa - -, IA
Matt Koch
RHP 6-3 185   L/R
FB
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
CB
SL
CH
Split
Knuckle