2017 Rankings Breakdown: RHP

February 9, 2017

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

After a busy winter we have released updated 2017 rankings. As the week moves forward we will look at the top players at each position. Today we take a look at the reports on the top right-handed pitchers in the 2017 class.

Austin Kelly RHP, Robinson High School
Kelly is a 6-foot 200-pound RHP with a large frame and physical build. He pitches from an H 3/4 arm slot with a fast arm. He repeats his delivery with an up-tempo rhythm. He commands the strike zone with a fastball that works 90-92 mph with late boring action. He compliments his fastball with slider with 10/4 action and late break thrown 80-82 mph. He also shows the ability to throw a cutter and change up with arm side run in the strike zone on a consistent basis. Overall Kelly is a physical player with a fast arm speed and a sharp slider.

Kelly is the No.3 ranked player in the state and committed to the University of Arkansas.

Jaylen Deshazier RHP, Pine Bluff High School
Deshazier is a 6-foot-1 180-pound RHP/SS with a projectable frame and an athletic build. He uses a loose arm from an H ¾ arm slot. He does a sound job repeating his simple delivery. He maintains balance throughout. His fastball works 84-86 mph with late cut action. He compliments the fastball with an 11/5 curveball thrown 74-76 mph. His changeup has depth and arm side run 70-72 mph. He plays through the baseball defensive with fluid footwork and a clean exchange. Offensively he attacks the baseball with fast bat speed. He shows an advanced feel for the barrel and some pull side power. He runs a 6.8 in the 60. Overall a versatile baseball player that will be a solid collegiate player with some aptitude to play either position moving forward.

Deshazier is the No.7 ranked player in the state and is committed to Arkansas State University. He is a versatile athlete and may get an opportunity to pitch and hit at Arkansas State.

Andrew Roach RHP, Springdale High School
Roach is a 6-foot-1 185-pound right hander with an athletic frame and build. He pitches from multiple arm slots but is most consistent from a low ¾ arm slot where he works 84-86 mph with sink. He commands his slider that has Frisbee action with late break. He is sound mechanically repeating his delivery and rhythm. He gets extension to the plate and uses an athletic finish. Overall Roach has advanced pitch ability with a quick arm.

Roach is the No. 9 ranked player in the state and is committed to Cowley County Community College.

Hayden Arnold, RHP, Watson Chapel High School
Arnold is a 6-foot-2 170-pound right-hander with an athletic frame and an athletic frame. He works from an H ¾ arm slot with a loose quick arm. He has a repeatable delivery with easy effort and an average balance point. He located his fastball with slight run 83-85 mph. His secondary were effective, he located his curveball was throw 70-72 mph with early 11/5 break. His changeup had more deception thrown with near fastball arm speed and 74-76 mph with arm side run. Overall Arnold is a projectable right-hander with a loose arm. He will improve if he will get consistent extension to home plate.

Arnold is the No. 10 ranked player in the state and is committed to the University of Arkansas Little Rock.

Logan Gilbertson, RHP, Cabot High School
Gilbertson is a 6-foot-5 190-pound right-hander with a projectable frame and an athletic build. He pitches from an H ¾ arm slot with a quick clean arm action. He does a sound job repeating his mechanics and rhythm. He uses a distinct balance point to allow him to drive to home plate, remaining balanced throughout. His fastball works 83-85 mph with the ability to touch 88 mph. He has the ability to locate both his curveball (69-72 mph) and change up (72-75 mph). Overall Gilbertson is a projectable right-hander with a feel to pitch, he should throw harder as he continues to add strength.

Gilbertson is the No.11 ranked player in the state and is committed to the University of Central Arkansas.

2017 Rankings Breakdown: RHP

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