James
McCracken

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Vol commit was just downright filthy in his pool play spot start.  Tall, lean frame w/ mega projection.  Took command of the game and dominated from start to finish.  FB worked 90-92 early, settling 87-91 w/ ASR from low 3/4 slot.  Utilized three-pitch mix with 2/8 action SL at 73-76 w/ good bite and fading CH at 80-82.  Great tempo and aggressiveness to attack hitters while managing the lineup.  Even mixed deliveries to disrupt hitters timing (double leg pump, long hold, etc.) 

McCracken proved to be one of the top 2-way prospects this summer.  A rare skill set as a left-handed pitcher (Up to 89) and right-handed hitting outfielder, but was outstanding in both roles this summer with 615 Baseball Club.  Knack for barrel, racking up extra base hits in bunches and sweeping slider at 72-75 on the mound.  The Tennessee commit is certainly one to watch.  

2021 LHP/OF James McCracken (615 Baseball Club / Middle Tennessee Christian HS, TN), an athletically built 6-foot-3, 190-pound Tennessee recruit, has been barreling up baseballs all weekend. But on Friday, he showed why he is ranked No. 298 nationally in the 2019 class. Battled through a rough first inning against Game On Stealth and progressively got stronger as the game wore on. An athlete on the mound, he mixes up his delivery at times, getting Clayton Kershaw with it. Arm is loose, athletic and long in the back. Fastball topped at 89, working predominately 84-87, with arm-side life. Slider had erratic effectiveness, mostly one plate with lateral sweep. … Offensively, a right-handed hitter, has an open set up with a pronounced leg lift. Has quick, athletic hands and looks to get his swing off at all times. Makes consistent hard contact. Had an opposite-field double, singled walked and squared one up to the centerfielder.

6/12/18 - Max FB: 84, FB: 79-83, Avg FB: 81.46, CB: 61-65, CH: 66-70, SL: 66-69
6-foot-2, 165-pound, LHP shows ability to fill the zone w/ his 4-pitch mix, allow his FB to play up.  Tall, athletic frame w/ lean strength, super projectable.  Has just scratched the surface of his frame potential.  Pitches from a full wind-up from the first base side of the rubber into H ¾ release.  Quick arm w/ slight pause as he comes down from his balance point and through the zone.  Repeats w/ ability to get to the same slot.  FB shows short-arm side run.  Big downer CB w/ proper shape, rotation.  Flashes tight rotation.  Can get a little big and loopy at times.  Short ¾ tilt SL.  CH w/ fade and sink, slows arm down.  Around the zone w/ his 4-pitch mix, projects to command.  Sum of his parts lefty, relies on sequencing and any pitch in any count to generate swing and misses.  Generated 6 swing and misses on 13 swings, including 5 of 10 on the FB.

6/12/18 - Home-1^st: 4.69, Position Velocity:  OF-80, Exit Velocity: 87
6-foot-2, 165-pound, RHH shows intriguing all-around tools in super projectable frame.  Tall, athletic frame w/ lean strength, super projectable.  Has just scratched the surface of his frame potential.  Offensively, hits w/ an open, upright stance w/ short hand rhythm into a big leg kick to slightly open and proper load.  Generates above average bat speed through the zone.  Learning how to stay balanced and keep weight back against quality pitching.  Shows ability to use all fields when on balance, tendency to get on his front side and be a little more pull oriented.  Advanced body control for someone of his frame.  Showed power in BP and has show in game power in previous looks.  Projectable pull power.  Has a chance to really hit as the frame matures.  Projectable average runner.  Defensively, profiles best in RF, moves solidly w/ easy arm strength, carry through target.

1/15/18 - Max FB: 80, FB: 79-80, CB: 64-65, CH: 68-70, SL: 65-66

6-foot-2, 165-pound, LHP shows projectable arm strength/frame.  Tall, athletic frame w/ projection, a little present strength.  Very projectable, prototypical pitchers build.  Pitches from a full wind-up, begins hunched over.  Comes to a normal straight up start w/ a short 45-degree rocker step into foot set up on an angle to the rubber to aid w/ back leg drive on first base side of rubber.  Chest high leg kick w/ hands going over his head into leg drive and H ¾ release.  Lands slightly off-timing, causing pitches to run to his arm-side and create some repeatability issues.  Glove side can be stronger, will give him more velocity as he refines it.  Quick arm projects.  FB shows a little arm side run w/ extension.  Jumps on hitters.  Medium downer CB w/ proper rotation.  Short ¾ tilt SL was hard to get a feel for on this day, struggled to finish the pitch.  CH w/ arm-speed, occasional fade.  Projects to pitch w/ control as he improves his timing w/ repetitions.  Projectable left-handed pitcher just scratching the surface of what he can become.

1/15/18 - 60 Time: 7.85, Position Velocity:  OF-78, Exit Velocity: 86
6-foot-2, 165-pound, RHH shows projectable frame w/ bat speed.  Tall, athletic frame w/ projection, a little present strength.  Very projectable.  Offensively, hits from an open, upright stance w/ hands even with the back of his head.  Short bat waggle.  Big leg kick w/ hip turn and proper load.  Generates bat speed through the zone.  Controls lower half well w/ some balance and still head, knack for barrel.  Shows potential for pull power.  Can get too rotational at times.  Projects as a very interesting hitter as he adds muscle to his frame.  Defensively, projects in a corner w/ projectable arm strength.  Interesting bat to follow.