Commitment Spotlight: 18' Avery Stevens, RHP, Sleepy Eye
December 5, 2017
Today's commitment spotlight is focused on Avery Stevens, a tall, lanky RHP for Sleey Eye, MN. Avery is a tall stalk in terms of the crop you normally see on the ball fields in the smaller towns in south-central Minnesota. At 6'3, 185lbs Stevens brings the ball downhill with authority with an over the top delivery. Over the years Stevens has simplified and refined his delivery to be mechanically very sound. A high hip line combined with broad shoulders scream room to grow and add to an already mid-80's fastball which can creep even higher. Watching Stevens compete on a brisk night during the Siebert Fall League at the University of Minnesota put his mental toughness on display as he battled temperatures and not having his best stuff. After watching Avery grow through the years there is little doubt that St. Cloud State is getting a gem. We wish the best of luck to Avery this spring and in his future in St. Cloud!
PBR: Why did you choose St. Cloud State?
I chose St. Cloud State because I felt like it was the best fit for me and
I wanted to come in and try and play right away. The Education part was a
big factor also they have some really good programs.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
I was considering St. Cloud State, Winona State, Minnesota Crookston, Wayne State, Augustana, University of Sioux Falls
PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship
develop with him (Phone calls, on-campus visits, etc.)?
I went to one of their Husky baseball camps and Dolan contacted me immediately after. My relationship developed pretty strong through texting, phone calls, on-campus visits.
PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
Yes, the deciding factor was the coaching staff and the career I would like to pursue after my baseball career is over.
PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
My Parents, My High School Coaches, Coaches At Starters Sports Training, and John Gaub.
PBR: What plans do you have in store for you in your freshman season at
your new school?
I plan on coming in and trying to get a starting spot in the rotation and make an immediate impact. Also try continuing my goals I set for myself at St. Cloud State University.
PBR: What advice would you give to others that are currently or will soon
be going through the recruiting process?
I would have to say just trust the process and work as hard as you can to make to the next level.
PBR: Are you competing in any fall or winter sports?
Basketball
PBR: In a few sentences, tell us about your high school team in terms of
goals for the season and strengths your team possesses that will be pivotal
in helping to get there (pitching, defense, offense, chemistry, etc.).
Our main goal is to make it to State and I believe that we will make a big impact this season due to our players that are coming back. Our pitching should be pretty strong and our team is going to be a brotherhood, we all have each other's backs.
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Scouting Report
6/20/17- 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed hitting pitcher. Has made a strong jump with overall stuff and pitchability. Stevens worked downhill running his fastball in the 84-87 mph range for quality strikes. His 71-72 mph breaking ball has also improved; showing above avg. depth and he threw with more conviction. The changeup is usable at 68-69 mph but will need to continue to develop feel for pitch.
3/20/17- 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. #32 ranked player in MN 2018 class. Short turn into balance point, shows solid athleticism and body control in delivery, good direction to plate, with finish and some extension. Fastball was 81-83 mph, delivered downhill, with straight action and projects to continue to add velocity. Sharp break on varying 11/5-12/6 curveball thrown with good hand speed. Above avg. fade on changeup thrown with good arm action and speed.
7/6/16- 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Bigger projectable build. Good body control, has direction to plate, and lands closed to target with front foot. Some effort on release; drives baseball downhill well. Fastball was 82-84 mph with slight running action. Curveball was 63-66 mph with small shape and short break in zone. Tends to slow arm on changeup; flat action at 66-68 mph. Strong follow in MN 2018 class. Should continue to make improvements and gain velocity with physical maturity.
10/25/15- 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed hitting 2-way player. 7.44 runner. Controlled high leg kick delivery with good balance and body control. Long arm action and ball comes out of hand clean. Heavy run and sink on fastball at 80-83 mph. Sharp break on 12/6 curveball with inconsistent command. Solid fade and run on changeup for strikes. Pounds bottom of zone consistently. Strong Follow on mound for 2018 class. Body load. Pre-set flat bat with line drive swing plane. Limited use of lower half through contact. Length to contact with middle/pull approach. 81 mph exit velocity off tee. Solid fielder at first base. Moves well and receives above avg. around bag. Accurate arm on throws at 75 mph.
MN UNDERCLASS PROSPECT GAMES: 7/1/15
6-foot-2, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Surprise pop-up pitcher at event. Tuck and turn delivery. Arm is clean with solid hand speed. Long stride- loses lower half power at foot strike. Fastball has life at 79-82 mph with solid command. 11/5 breaking ball with above average depth. Changeup has hard sink at finish at 74-76 mph. Body projects to get stronger- fastball should continue to improve- and has feel for 2 secondary pitches.