After moving from the infield to the pitcher's mound at the start of his collegiate career, Kyle Nicholson has proven to be a quick study at the professional level.

Nicholson received the MiLBY for Best Short-Season Starter after going 6-1 with a 1.15 ERA in 11 appearances for the Rookie-level Giants of the Arizona League.

The 23-year-old right-hander cemented the honor by not allowing an earned run over his last four starts and yielding only one run over his final seven outings. During that span, he went 6-0 with an 0.19 ERA, yielding 19 hits while striking out 45.

Nicholson wrapped up his season with a three-hit shutout against the AZL Padres on Aug. 29. He struck out six in his only complete-game effort of the campaign.

"I was consistent the whole season and did the same things in all my starts," said the Texas A&M product. "My arm strength improved throughout the summer and my breaking pitch got better every start. For the most part, I was throwing a fastball and changeup early. Once I developed my slider, it helped big time."

In 62 1/3 innings over the summer, Nicholson struck out 54 while walking only three.

"Just like any other pitcher, the strikeout-to-walk ratio is very important to your success," he said. "I try to make every hitter earn [his] way on base. The defense behind me was phenomenal and gave me the confidence to go out and throw strikes."

Nicholson led the circuit in ERA and ranked second in innings, helping the team win its second AZL crown in four years. Despite his dominance, he considered the season a learning experience.

"I got a lot more comfortable during the year and had conversations with my pitching coach, Brian Cooper," Nicholson said. "He has helped me out tremendously. I don't have to be perfect with every pitch. Instead of getting frustrated and speeding things up at times, I slow things down. Instead of trying to throw the ball a little further off the plate, I'll take a little off and pitch down in the zone."

Nicholson was primarily an infielder when he arrived at College Station, Texas in 2004. But it didn't take long to find out where his future was. In 21 relief outings as a freshman, Nicholson went 3-0 with a 5.11 ERA over 37 innings. He was 3-1 with a 3.35 ERA over 40 1/3 frames as a sophomore.

"My first two years there I didn't really learn how to pitch," he said. "I just got on the bump and threw. Rob Childress became our head coach in 2006, and he taught me everything and got me to where I am today. He put so much pressure on you in practice that when it came time for the game it was easy. He stressed first-pitch strikes and throwing off-speed pitches in hitters' counts. I'm reaping the benefits of a lot of hard work by other people."

Nicholson pitched in 42 games, including 22 starts, over his final two collegiate campaigns. He went 11-3 with a 2.25 ERA during his senior year, leading the Aggies to a berth in the NCAA Super Regionals.

"I was looking to contribute any way I could as a reliever my first two years," Nicholson said. "I really enjoyed coming out of the bullpen and getting into the fire of the game. The transition to starting was tough mentally as far as preparation and knowing that you can't go out in the first inning and show them your best stuff."

Childress discussed Nicholson's competitive nature in May of 2007.

"He comes right at you, and he doesn't like to lose," Childress said. "For a senior to tell you before the season starts, 'Coach, I don't care where you pitch me, whether it's closing, setting up or starting, I'll do whatever it takes to help this team win.' That's amazing."

Nicholson was nothing short of amazing in his first professional season, and is aiming for a repeat performance in 2009.

"I plan on getting in great shape for my first full Minor League season," he said. "I'd like to win another championship within the Giants organization, no matter where it is. I was fortunate enough to dog pile my first year and I want to make that a habit."