Class of 2024 Inside the Rankings: Helium Watch
January 11, 2022
Each week leading up to our Preseason slate, we'll be rolling out Inside the Rankings articles to further highlight the movement around the ‘24 classes in NY and PA. This week’s focus shifts the scope to “Helium Watch,” prospects with a chance to rise up the rankings.
2024 RHP/SS JACOB PIRRONE-SALISBURY (NISKAYUNA)
The Spin: Another sleeper arm with above-average athleticism and strike-throwing efficiency on the mound, the 5-foot-11, 177lb right-hander projects to be a high-floor candidate with a chance to pursue an innings-eater role at the next level. Readily polished with multiple strong PBRT performances to back it up over the summer, Pirrone-Salisbury attacks the zone early-and-often with poise (81-83 mph), creating weak contact using an advanced spin profile on the FB/SL combo (2200+rpms, 2600+rpms). A hard-thrown 73-76 mph slider has always been the out-pitch with good command (60% zone rate) and flashes true wipeout shape at times (21.9 in. HM) while keeping hitters in between speeds with similar, deceptive intent. We’ve been equally impressed too with the consistent downward plane on all three offerings out of the hand (FB, SL, CH), generating a higher-than-usual ground-ball-rate from opposing hitters. Additional velocity will continue to be welcomed by cleaning up an early, lateral move at release, which could eventually lead to another significant jump up the rankings.
The Performance: 10/24/21, Northeast Pride Scout Day | Threw plenty of strikes on a brisk, cold day, landing an impressive 72-76 mph SL repeatedly at 2550+rpms. Loaded up for a T83 mph FB on his best bullet, tying for his hardest pitch thrown at a PBR event.
‘24 Jacob Pirrone - Salisbury (Niskayuna)
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) March 7, 2021
Deceptive move down the mound. Ball is hidden until release due to elbow position. FB sat in the low 80s, topping 83MPH. High 3/4 to OTT release point. @NEPridebaseball pic.twitter.com/qo68DcITpT
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/06 | The MAX - McCook, Ill. |
2022 Preseason All-State - Southwest (Afternoon Session) - SOLD OUT | PA | 02/12 | All American Field House |
2022 Preseason All-State - Southwest (Evening Session) - SOLD OUT | PA | 02/12 | All American Field House |
2022 Preseason All-State - Southwest (Morning Session) - SOLD OUT | PA | 02/12 | All American Field House |
2022 Preseason All-State - Northwest - 50% Full | PA | 02/13 | Erie Premier Sports |
2022 Preseason All-State - Central (AM Session) - 40% Full | PA | 02/19 | Liberty Sports Arena |
2022 Preseason All-State - Central (PM Session) - 45% Full | PA | 02/19 | Liberty Sports Arena |
2022 Northeast ProCase | PA | 02/20 | Liberty Sports Arena |
2022 Preseason All-State - East - SOLD OUT | PA | 02/27 | In The Net |
2022 Northeast Rising Stars - 55% Full | PA | 03/12 | Liberty Sports Arena |
PREVIOUS RANKINGS ARTICLES
- Class of 2022 Inside the Rankings: Helium Watch Dec 21, 2021
- Class of 2022 Inside the Rankings: Diamonds in the Rough Dec 28, 2021
- Class of 2023 Inside the Rankings: Top Dogs Dec. 14, 2021