Uncommitted Spotlight: 2022 RHP Maxwell McGrady (Central Bucks East)

Physical: Extremely strong and durable 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame with projectability throughout / imposing presence on the mound. 

Pitching: RHP - Slow and deliberate rocker step with controlled pace throughout the delivery, medium-high leg lift with hip coil at the top of the stack and races down the mound with advanced lower half drive off of a bent backside, landed directional towards the plate while getting good extension over the front side out of a power high ¾ arm-slot. FB had downhill plane and heaviness to it at 85-88 mph (2343 rpms of spin per Trackman Baseball), paired a quality 69-71 mph CB featuring 11/5 shape and late depth to it out of the same slot. High strikeout potential with the ability to season a third pitch as he moves forward. 

Physical: Physical, imposing 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame with advanced strength in the lower half and feel for his body; mound presence stands out.

Pitching: RHP - Utilized a slow tempo in the delivery and the ball jumps out of his hand through a quick high ¾ arm-slot with slight hip pull away from the plate. Fastball worked 84-87 mph with good life and with extra juice above the belt. Mixed a quality 68-71 mph breaking ball that featured 11/5 and 12/6 shape depending on how he spun it which has the makings of an out pitch. Dropped in a 75-76 mph CH as well with occasional arm-side fade.

6-foot-1, 195-pound primary pitcher sat 88-90 from a high 3/4 arm slot with a quick arm and command of three pitches. Fastball has riding life late in the zone. Maintains arm speed on curveball at 70-74 with 11/5 spin and consistent two-plane action. Slider at 73-74 showed later, shorter break. The left-handed hitter starts from an open stance and initiates his swing with a knee-to-knee stride. Hands work very well through contact creating backspin and present power. Registered a bat exit velocity of 91 mph and ran a 7.28 60-yard dash. Moves well in the outfield and showcased straight line throws of 88 mph to home plate.

6-foot-1, 195-pound two-way prospect continues to showcase development on the mound. Sat 85-87 on this date from a high 3/4 arm slot. Some front hip leak limits his current velocity, but additional work to be more directional should lead to additional velocity spikes in the next three years. Curveball at 72-74 showed tight 11/5 rotation with late break that is occasionally two plane. Slider is a pitch in development with slightly shorter break at similar velocity to his curveball. The left-handed hitter starts from an open stance and initiates his swing with a toe-tap stride. Displayed big power potential with significant lift in his swing and repeatedly stays behind the baseball. Registered a bat exit velocity of 91 mph and ran a 7.25 60-yard dash. Capable outfielder plays through the baseball routinely and flashed straight line carry on throws of 89 mph.

6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed hitter creates above average barrel whip with a solid lower half and a flat barrel path through the zone. He gets to extension regularly and made consistent hard contact all weekend. A 6-for-10 tournament included a double and five RBI and was capped with a long two-run home run to right field in his final game. Definitely one of the top left-handed bats in this class.

Definite two-way prospect will be discussed at length in a coming article as a hitter. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound righty sat 80-83 out of an over-the-top arm slot. Creates some angle with the arm slot and some cut on the fastball led to soft contact. Curveball at 69-71 morphs between a true curveball and a cutter/slider with the arm slot and depending if he stays on top of the pitch or gets around it.

6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed hitter starts from a slightly-closed stance and initiates his swing using a toe-tap stride. Showcased an athletic lower half while finding repetitive barrels during batting practice notching a bat exit velocity of 89 mph. Recorded a 7.59 60-yard dash. Demonstrated athletic actions in the outfield while using a long arm-action to register throws of 79 mph from his position. Right-handed pitcher delivers from a high 3/4 arm-slot and gets  downhill on batters. Fastballs were commanded at 82-84 mph, while he touched 86 mph with heavy, downhill action. 67-70 mph curveballs were thrown down in the zone with 11/5 tilt. Sliders appeared to have adequate sell at 69-71 mph.