Marius
Balandis

4.1.17 - Iowa Western CC recruit. 6-foot-2, 191-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame with room for continued physical development. Currently ranked No. 7 in Illinois’ 2017 class, No. 100 overall. The Lithuanian national was making his second high school start in the United States, first in Illinois. Dominated an overmatched Maine South team during St. Laurence’s 9-0 victory. Pitched five no-hit innings while striking out 11 and walking five. Other than a sac bunt, the first 14 batters either struck out or walked. Sat 87-90 through three innings, touching 91 once on a strikeout. Pitched at 86-88 in the fourth and fifth. Ball comes out of hand with ease - certainly a lot less effort when he dialed it up to 93-94 at the Super 60 in early February. Consistently missed gloveside with fastball; when delivery was on time, fastball flashed arm-side life. Also wrinkled in a handful of 68-70 mph curveballs, early break with occasional depth; and a few 80-mph changeups, two of which had late splitter-like tumble action. Quick, athletic arm, calm overall demeanor on the mound.

2.13.17 - Committed to Iowa Western CC.

Super 60 2017 - Currently uncommitted. 6-foot-2, 191-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame with room for continued physical development. Known as the Lithuanian Lightning, Balandis moved to Chicago around a year ago, and therefore is unknown among the national scouting community. Popping a 94 with a few 93s and bunch of 92s will certainly help elevate his name. Balandis, who pitched for the Lithuanian national team, features an electric quick arm from a high-3/4 slot, longer uninterrupted arm action with inconsistent release point. Throws changeup aggressively, 81-82 mph, around the zone with slight sink. Curveball flashed erratic shape, 71-73 mph, early break at times. With a more refined delivery, he could continue to see gains while sharpening his secondary stuff. But his performance at the Super 60, at the barest minimum, made Balandis a highly interesting draft prospect. 

6.21.16 - Uncommitted prospect; from Lithuania currently living in the states. Pitches for the Lithuania National Team. 6-foot-2, 191-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic, wiry-strong frame. Works out a high-¾ slot, quick, athletic arm, high front side creates some down angle. Fastball sat 88-90; has been up to 93 in the past. Breaking ball showed erratic shape and command, inconsistent release point, 68-69 mph. Changeup ranged between 77-78.

2/14/16 - 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, average frame. Well above average balance and feel in his delivery, tall and fall type, athletic with good direction, squared landing. Arm action is quick, high ¾ slot, loose arm with projection. Fastball showed feel for the zone, sat 87-88 touching 89 mph twice. Curveball has good action, sharp at times with feel, ability to drop for strikes, 66-69 mph. Deceptive changeup, thrown with fastball arm speed, excellent arm action, plays with sink, and feel for the zone, 78-80 mph. Cutter is more lateral, gets occasional depth, ranged 69-75 mph.  Currently resides in Chicagoland area, taking online courses to finish Lithuanian high school diploma.