Uncommitted Spotlight - Brian Baker
March 26, 2019
Buddy Gouldsmith
Nevada Scouting Director
In this week's PBR Nevada uncommitted player spotlight, we feature '19 Brian Baker (Galena). In Baker's last two outings he has struck out 25 hitters in 13 innings, including a complete game. Baker has yielded just 6 hits and 2 earned runs. Below we take a closer look at Brian Baker.
Scouting Report
10/10/18 - 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame. Baker came over to the Arizona Unsigned Senior Showcase from Nevada. He worked out at third base for the defensive portion, throwing 81 mph across the diamond. Feet may profile best to first base moving forward where he would provide a large target and his hands should work well. Ran 8.03 second 60-yard dash where an increase in flexibility will help cut significant time. Baker is an imposing figure at the plate consistently looking to do damage and lift the ball from the right side with loose hands and a quiet load.
12/21/18 -6-foot-3, 210, Baker is a physical body. He has recently revisited pitching and dedicated himself to a possible future on the mound. He displays a deliberate, slightly cross body delivery. He relies heavily on his strength over arm speed with a compact arm swing and loose finish out front. His fastball was up to 84, consistently 82-83. He maintains some natural cut to his fastball to his glove side. His curveball ranged 72-74 with mostly cut action and occasional depth. He threw a firm changeup 76-77. Baker’s physicality accompanied by his velocity improvement since October reveals a higher ceiling. Expect him to be a solid mid 80s, three pitch mix type, topping out upper 80s this spring.