On Deck Preview: Pre Season All State - Central (Pitching)

What to expect: Ryan is a solid right handed pitcher coming out of the 2022 class. He displays a fastball anywhere from 81-84 mph with a 2100+ spin rate. To accompany that fastball he throws a curveball that comes in around 70-71 mph with a 2285 spin rate. He showed the ability to throw his fastball and breaking ball at any time and land them all for a strike. Though he is not going to blow many people away yet, his body and mechanics project that there is more in the tank.  

What we’d like to see: Power pitchers are not the only guys out there who deserve attention and praise. Guys who can spot up their pitchers and keep hitters off balance are sometimes the better option. In Ryan's case he is not going to buzz a fastball by college hitters very often, but we believe if he can mix in a second off speed pitch that compliments his fastball and curve, that will help him have sustained success. Showing a change up or splitter can be just enough to get hitters out of whack and also allow the fastball to play faster than it may be. Look for Ryan to continue to grow his game in my different ways over the next 6-9 months.

What to expect: Zachary is a very intriguing prospect coming out of Trinity Pawling High School. Standing at 6’2 and weighing 200 lbs he has a great frame to build off of for the future. His fastball has been tracked at 85-86 mph from a high ¾ arm slot. We look forward to getting more readings on him with Trackman to pick up how impressive his stuff really is. As far as the eye test goes, he passes that with flying colors. By the looks of his arm action and the way he uses his body, he could be a pitching coach's dream at the next level.

What we’d like to see: With such a great frame and a good fastball, the next step for Zachary is to get the data on what he's got in his arsenal. From the look of it, his fast velocity has a chance to get up into the upper 80’s and with an average to above average spin rate. In order to do this we would like to see him become more intentional with his delivery. If he can show some more aggression and power throughout his body, the numbers will rise and grab the attention of those watching. He is definitely a player to watch over the next 6-9 months to see who picks him up along the way.

What to expect: Owen is a good sized kid who shows the ability to pitch at a high level. He is not prototypical with his mechanics and delivery but that is part of what makes him so good. Standing at 6’2 and weighing about 180 lbs he uses a gumby-like arm swing to create some serious spin on the ball. With a fastball velocity anywhere from 82-86, he was flirting with a 2300 spin rate and adding in 20 inches of induced vertical break which are some eye catching numbers for such a young athlete. His breaking ball seemed to back up on him quite a bit, but from his arm slot and with his arm action it is able to freeze hitters as it starts behind them and falls in over the inside corner.

What we’d like to see: With such a unique delivery, Owen has been able to fool hitters in the past. As you get older, the hitters become more mature and disciplined. The next step we would like to see him take would be to compliment an above average fastball with a few off speed pitches that work well together. He has the ability to make the ball move in a lot of different directions, but knowing when and how to make the ball do what he wants could be a huge step forward.