On the Hunt: Summer Follow Spotlight
April 27, 2017
By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker
This week, On the Hunt, spices things up a bit with a eclectic mix of players from the 2018-2020 classes. The physically developed, 2018 players are starting to blossom, and should be highlighted by recruiters as players to see immediately. The young ‘19 and ‘20’s are filled with promise and athleticism, and are ready to make a name for themselves this summer. There are five pitchers in the mix (one left-hander who recently committed), three of which are also infielders, along with an outfielder and a shortstop. Rhode Island, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Louisiana are all represented.
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Nico Salvaggio RHP / Bishop Hendricken, RI / 2018Rankings State Rank:28 POS:13
Salvaggio has seen his stock soar coming off a strong showing at PBR New England’s Massachusetts Pitcher Analysis. With fewer months of playable weather, New England pitchers can, sometimes, be a few ticks of velocity below their peers to the south. However, their abilities can be just as impressive when given the time to develop. Salvaggio is one such player. A physically gifted right-hander, Salvaggio stands an athleticly long 6-foot-4, 215-pounds, and possesses a quick arm. He smoothly repeats a crisp motion that effortlessly releases out of a high ¾ slot after a medium-sized arm swing. Salvaggio steps slightly across his body while striding out long, and appearing to (almost) touch the catcher’s mitt. His fastball sat 82-84 during his early March bullpen session on a downhill plane, and the effortlessness that he showcases promises much more velocity in the future. He features two different breaking balls including a slower curveball (71-72) as a “get-me-over” type pitch, for strikes, early in counts, as well as a swing and miss slider (76-77) that will be an issue for hitters to deal with at the next level. Salvaggio’s changeup (76-77) is thrown with fastball hand speed, and he shows some feel for it, and it should develop into an adequate pitch for him at the next level. Salvaggio, with his strong repertoire of secondary offerings, will have a chance to be a starter in college, and when the jump in velocity comes, could be an impact pitcher for some program.
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