Southpaws Part III
January 2, 2018
In the final part of a three-piece series on left-handed pitchers, In the Weeds, checks out some arms from the middle of the country (and Ontario). Some of the pitchers on the list show promise of making a jump in the near future while others are fresher arms that need a bit more seasoning. All of them show promise and will have a chance to compete at some level in college. Players from Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Ontario, and Oklahoma are included.
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Caleb Case LHP / 1B / Stillwater, OK / 2019Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 2
Physical with proportional strength throughout his 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame, Case may have a chance to be a two-way player at some level in college. On the mound, the left-hander recently touched 87 mph while sitting 85-86 in a PBR Oklahoma bullpen with his fastball. Case methodically works linear down the mound with strong drive from his lower-half with extension out front, and a controlled finish with minimal effort. His fastball features some arm side life coming out of a high ¾ slot. Though he does throw a curveball, it is likely Case’s slider that will help him get outs at the next level. With sharp break and tight spin, Case demonstrates the ability to throw his slider to both left-handed and right-handed hitters. Currently checking in above average, the pitch could develop into a swing and miss 2/8 breaker with late depth and fastball hand speed in the future. His changeup also shows signs of developing into an above average pitch as he throws it with fastball hand speed at 77-78. At the plate, Case showcases a flat barrel through the zone with gap to gap power (92 mph exit velocity off the tee). Overall, should Case make a jump in the near future, he could become a key piece to some school’s recruiting class.
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PLUS 5 MORE SOUTHPAWS: