Shooter's Standouts: FL Preseason All-State
January 27, 2022
The new year officially kicked off, for On the Hunt’s coast-to-coast coverage of the country’s best talent, with a trip to the Sunshine State for PBR Florida’s Preseason All-State. Routinely churning out some of the nation’s best baseball players, Florida did not disappoint in this look, and though a cold front kept temperatures down in Orlando, the talent level was high.
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Alex Walsh LHP / OF / Oxbridge Academy, FL / 2022Walsh was lights out in his two-inning stint on short notice, and came out pumping the zone with three pitches for strikes. Working 85-88 with a fastball that featured some late life from a ¾ slot, the wiry-athletic 6-foot-4, 180-pound southpaw presented a tough look for hitters with a quick arm and near drop-and-drive delivery. Pounding the zone from the first pitch, the changeup stood out as the better of his two secondary offerings in this look, showing similar late life to the fastball at 74-76. Cool and windy the curveball (71-73) took a more gradual, 2/8 shape with future average potential. However, it played well off the fastball, and left-handed hitters took uncomfortable swings. There is quickness to the hand through the ball, and being that this look was so early in the preseason, a high likelihood that the velocity continues to creep up throughout the spring. Beyond the pure stuff, Walsh’s mound presence stood out. There was a plan for each pitch and an aura of impending success to the way he received signs high atop the rubber. The loose left-hander shows strong signs of being able to make adjustments and advancements thanks to his aptitude on the mound, and is a strong follow this spring, and beyond.
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