Height: 6-3
Weight: 218 lbs.
Throws: Right
Bats: Right
Positions: Relief Pitcher
Born: December 14, 1974, Rockville Center , New York

Scouting Report

1999 Season
The fourth overall pick in the 1996 draft, Billy Koch blew out his elbow three starts into his pro career a year later, requiring Tommy John surgery. He came back stronger than ever in 1998. When the Blue Jays decided last May that they didn't have a suitable closer, they turned to Koch, who never had relieved as a pro. He was equal to the task, establishing an American League rookie record with 31 saves in 35 tries.

Pitching
Koch may have the hardest fastball in the major leagues, reaching 101 MPH at times and averaging in the upper 90s. It's apparent that he didn't lose anything after having his elbow reconstructed. Along with his heat, he throws an occasional slider or changeup. There are some holes in Koch's game, such as periodic wildness, limited command and a lack of movement on his fastball. Despite the heat Koch generates, he doesn't strike out as many hitters as might be expected. He was especially tough on lefthanders, limiting them to a .209 average.

Defense
Koch is extremely agile coming off the mound, covering first base or charging a bunt as quickly as anyone. Despite his hard stuff, basestealers were more daring against him than most other closers, swiping seven bases in nine tries. Koch has a high leg kick and his delivery is not always smooth, which allows experienced runners to get sizable jumps.

2000 Outlook
The Blue Jays were pleasantly surprised to find out how poised Koch was despite being an inexperienced closer in his first season in the majors. He'll need to refine his control and recognize that hitters are sitting on his fastball. After the All-Star break, his ERA zoomed from 1.34 to 5.70. If he can make some refinements, he'll be able to thrive in his new role.

Taken from ESPN