Progress Report: RHP Matthew Cruise
April 28, 2020
As we dig through the players and numbers from this past winter, we are taking a look at a "Progress Report" feature that highlights players that have shown significant improvement in their game; whether it's on the mechanical end, performance wise, physicality or in the measurable statistic department. The "Progress Report" can be a minor improvement in recent months or a substantial transformation over time. Today we take a look at:
Stay tuned over the next couple of months as we will continue to check-in on prospects throughout the state of Illinois who have made noticeable improvements to their games.
Scouting Report
Most Recent Event:
Aurora Preseason ID (2.22.20)
Previous Event:
Central Illinois Open (8.7.19)
Crunching The Numbers:
FB Velocity (Peak): 84 mph (Previous 78 mph)
FB Velocity (Range): 81-83 mph (Previous 75-77 mph)
What Did We See?
Since Cruise's last event, in August of 2019, he grew two inches and added about 15 pounds of muscle onto his frame. As a result Cruise has seen his velocity jump six mph, his delivery has cleaned up and his arm speed has increased as well. Cruise has also seen his curveball improve as well. The curveball has tightened up with sharper action and he now throws it at 71-73 mph. Thanks to his increase in overall stuff, Cruise has emerged as a 2022 arm to follow moving forward.