2017 Prospect Review: #4 Connor Noland
December 28, 2017
As the calendar turns to December, I want to review the top prospects from the 2017. These players have separated themselves as top prospect, with the potential at some point in their career to become professional prospects, if they are not already.
#4 Connor Noland RHP/3B Greenwood HS
Noland has been a high level contributor at Greenwood High School as a freshman. In 2017 he led the Bulldogs to the state semi-finals, as they lost a heart-breaker 2-1 to eventual state champions, Sheridan Yellow Jackets.
Noland has been a versatile player as he anchors Greenwood in the middle of the order and has been dominant on the mound with advanced pitch ability. Noland’s versatility doesn’t just end on the baseball field as he is a dynamic two sport athlete. He is also committed to Arkansas to compete as a Quarterback.
As far as the MLB draft is concerned Noland is a legitimate prospect with above average athleticism and a feel to pitch at a high level. His commitment to Arkansas as a football player muddies up the situation somewhat as it’s hard to say where his heart is, or if he is ready to give up one of the sports, as at Arkansas he will be able to compete at both football and baseball.
Scouting Report
5.23.17 All-State Game
Noland is a 6-foot-2 180-pound right-hander with an athletic frame and build. He showed an advanced feel for the strike zone locating 4 pitches for strike. His fastball worked 86-89 mph with late life through the strike zone. He located a slider with 10/4 shape and a late break thrown 78-81 mph. His curveball was thrown 71-73 mph with 11.5 shape and early break. He flashed a changeup thrown 74-75 mph with arm side run, the two times he threw it. Noland pitches from an H ¾ arm slot, with quick arm speed, a short arm action, good balance and regular effort, with a simple tilt and topple delivery. He repeats his smooth rhyme, his shoulders stay level as he stays in line with home plate. He finishes upright and square to home plate. Overall Noland has a quick arm and an advanced feel to pitch with 4 pitches.