On Deck Preview: Northwest (2 of 3)

What to expect: Bulldog mentality with hard nosed actions on both sides of the ball. A full, on plane swing with some pop to the opposite side of the field and present pull side power potential. Quick feet behind the dish with a strong defensive presence. 

What we’d like to see: Improvements in the swing to the pull side with more power being displayed through the long swing. Increased arm strength behind the plate, aiding in a lower pop time. With the block ability already there, the arm strength could be the deciding factor for Zahorchak. 

What to expect: Present strength in the lower half with a long swing that produces hard line drives up the middle and to the opposite field. Possesses the ability to go pull side on inner half pitches. Clean defensive actions with soft hands that work naturally without restrictions. Repeatable mechanics with above average feel for the strike zone.

What we’d like to see: Improvements in upper/lower body connection and feel. More athleticism in the movements in the box and in the field. A jump in fastball velocity could propel Stevens in the '25 rankings. More intent behind the actions on the mound, pitching with conviction. 

What to expect: Explosive swings out of a compact, strong frame. Average to above average exit velo numbers with high fly ball percentages. Gets uphill easily and induces a lot of fly balls to the pull side. Fundamental defensive actions behind the plate with a firm glove upon receiving the pitch. 

What we’d like to see: Added strength that translates to improved measurables across the board. Some time shaved off the 60 yard dash, at or around a 7 second flat time. Improved glove skills behind the plate, added the ability to steal the bottom zone strikes. 

What to expect: Long limbed actions that thrive at the plate when the hands are extended and able to reach the outer half. Exceptional movement laterally to both sides at third base. Extreme downhill release on extension down the mound with some violence in the delivery. 

What we’d like to see: Added weight to the large frame with quicker, more powerful movements in the box and off the mound. Increased fastball velocity with improved command and feel for the strike zone. A jump in velocity would be ideal for Boland as he possesses a lean, lanky frame, ideal for a starting RHP.

What to expect: Twitchy actions throughout his game. Easy bat to ball skills with an abundance of barrels and lingering pop. Above average arm strength behind the plate with accuracy in all throws. 

What we’d like to see: More translation from the strength into the swing, more potential for power within the fundamentals of the swing. Quicker catch and throw time, the feet are exceptionally able and quick, but the hiccup in the exchange can shave off some tenths of a second on the pop time.