By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker

In a new segment at the state level called, In the Weeds, PBR National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, takes a look at uncommitted players regardless of class whose skills and intangibles sometimes get missed in a showcase setting, but whose value to a good team at the next level is immeasurable. Some of the players included in this segment are under the radar, others have been overlooked, and some are late bloomers and fast-rising. Whatever the reason, our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff has identified many uncommitted prospects who can thrive with the right fit at some collegiate level. This week, In the Weeds, takes a look at a group of players in the 2018 class out of Florida who showed off some interesting tools at the Preseason All State event that. Given the right situation, each of these players has a chance to compete, and possibly thrive, at some level in college.

 

Tony Becker, RHP, Creekside HS, FL, 2018
Becker has a long arm that scouts are (usually) not immediately drawn to especially since it has some effort in it. However, I was a fan of what I saw from Becker at PBR Florida’s Preseason All State event. A lot of the time, baseball people can fall in love with “how easy it comes out” while ignoring how uncomfortable the batter is at the plate. Becker’s effort out front, and ¾ arm slot make him difficult to stand in against for right-handed hitters. His fastball was 84-86, but he has been up to 88 mph before, and will likely be pushing 90 mph this summer. Becker repeats a simple motion with ease before seeming to rip the ball out of his mitt to create arm speed. His fastball jumps at the plate, and he also flashed a developing slider with late break in the 74-76 range. Becker looks like a pitcher who is going to continue getting better the more innings that he logs. With his deceptive ¾ arm angle, I expect Becker to discover how to sink his fastball more, and to be a quality arm for some school at the next level.