Most Viewed Profiles of 2021: No. 3 Matt Manley

Entered Game 2 in the 7th inning with the Mustangs leading 6-3 and looking to end the series in two games. Manley made sure the Mustangs advanced as he worked a quick 7th inning, establishing an overpowering fastball. He did allow one baserunner, which was on a catcher’s interference on a late swing from a hitter. Other than that, the sophomore right hander simply attacked the zone with the fastball that showed late action, mainly to the glove side (cut) and a few pitches that moved late to the arm side. We have seen Manley up to 86 mph but this night saw the velocity increase as he was 87-89 mph, bumping 90 mph twice. The fastball was dominant so he was not forced to use the breaking ball except for once as it took nice shape at 75 mph with late down action. 

6-foot-1, 175-pound athletic frame. At the plate, Manley had a max exit velocity of 93 mph. Setup was comprised of open balanced stance and a toe tap. Bat speed was quick, and had uphill swing plane. Barreled up lots of balls throughout the round. Gap to gap approach. In the infield, his best throw was recorded at 82 mph; showed fluid feet, and consistent hands. Laterally, his movements were quick. Had a ¾ slot and a quick arm action with decent accuracy to the bag. Clocked a time of 7.25 in the 60-yard dash. On the mound, showed a ¾ arm angle and a quick arm action. Shows some effort in his delivery. Has consistent balance point. an athletic finish. Fastball Sat with his fastball at 83-85 mph. has control in the zone. Threw a 11/5 curveball (65-69) with command low in the zone and tight action. His changeup (73-74) showed arm side command and sinking action.

6-foot, 160-pound athletic frame. In the 60-yard dash, his time was 7.47. Began in an open stance with a smooth load, then used a small leg kick just before his swing. Bat speed is efficient, has level swing plane and good extension on his finish. He found multiple barrels with a lot of loud contact. Gap to gap approach. the right-handed hitter's best exit velocity was 87 mph. In the infield, his position velocity was registered at 81 mph; has consistent hands and developing feet. Showed consistent accuracy to the bag with a loose arm action and a high ¾ slot. On the mound, showing above average arm speed he had a ¾ arm angle and a long arm action. Shows easy effort in his delivery. Threw his fastball 82-84 mph with a max of 85 mph; showed running action and very consistent control. Had sweeping action and consistent command on his 11/5 curveball (65-66). Has fading action and command low in the zone on his changeup (73-74).

Showed a very solid delivery and repeated solid mechanics pitch after pitch. The fastball showed some late cutting action and was up to 80 mph. The curveball showed late depth and he also threw a slider that showed nice, tight spin and late movement away from RH hitters. Also showed nice command of a change up that tumbled late. A ‘23 arm to watch. Has become much more physical in the batter’s box and the ball came off the barrel much louder than before with an 85 mph exit velocity off the tee. Tall stance and even feet with a nice load which allowed him to consistently be on time with the barrel. There is some tilt in the swing path with a middle to pull approach. Kees the barrel through the zone very well. The feet and glove presentation are solid on the infield and he does a nice job working through his throws to 1B.

 Clean arm action from this young ‘23 grad showing a ¾ arm slot. The potential is there as his FB showed some late life at 76-77 mph and bumped 78 mph a few times. The breaking ball was 67-68 mph and showed some nice downward tilt. No wasted movement in the athletic delivery. Offensively, the ‘23 grad did a nice job of staying through contact with the barrel and showed a level swing path. The feet started even and he showed a middle of the field approach during BP. Very simple, compact approach with no wasted action at the plate. In the field, the glove work is smooth with solid presentation. The feet work well and he did a nice job gathering himself from catch to throw. A lot to like in this ‘23 grad.

1.20.19-  A very nice 2023 prospect that should continue to progress as strength and physicality continues. Already had solid fundamentals and skills. Low to the ground player on the infield with nice body control and glove presentation. Very slight open stance with a toe tap approach at the plate. Does a nice job loading the hands and keeping them inside the ball on the swing.  This makes for a short compact approach resulting in a middle of the field offensive game. Has some tilt in the swing. On the mound, he pounded the zone with all of his pitches and showed a plus change up with some tumble. The FB had nice down action and he located very well.