Rookie Review: 2020 3B/RHP Blake Van Woert (Corning)

PBR DEBUT
Campus Series- St. Bonaventure (July 11, 2017)

SCOUTING REPORT
Van Woert stands in at 6-foot-1, 180-pounds with a lean athletic frame. Ran a 4.76 home to first. Offensively- - Righty sets up square to the pitcher with his feet just outside his shoulders. Shows a slight knee bend with an upright torso holding the bat above his back shoulder using little pre-pitch bat movement. On pitch, his trigger is a toe tap to stride forward while his hands move back into his hitting position. Quick hands to the hitting zone with a slight upward lift barrel action throughout into a high two-handed finish. Good lower body rotation getting whole frame involved in the swing. Demonstrated good plate coverage and the ability to hit line drives to all fields during batting practice rounds. Recorded an exit velocity of 82 MPH. Defensively- Good approach and footwork to baseball. Shows good fielding mechanics and is smooth with the funnel to the chest into the throwing position. Was accurate on throws and fields well left/right and on the run. Recorded a positional arm velocity of 72 MPH. Pitching- Sets up in the middle of the rubber with a simple side step into a high leg kick above his hip crease. Good drive down with appropriate separation getting into a good throwing position with a high ¾ release point. Utilizes whole body when throwing and repeats delivery on different pitches. Fastball sat 76-78 MPH and peaked at 79 MPH with good arm side run. Curveball shows tight spin and is 62-64 MPH.

THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE
"Van Woert is a 2020 grad with a solid skill set both positionally and on the mound. His 6-foot-1 180 pound frame looks like it can hold more. Repeats his efforts at the plate with a spread approach, minimal movement and some natural lift to his swing that will allow him to drive the ball. If he chooses to add more pre-pitch momentum to his approach he could handle it. Adequate left side arm that should have more in the tank based on his ability to run his FB up to 80 on the mound already. Cleaning up some action with his approach on groundballs; allowing his hands to get more out in front will only help him maintain his movement through the play. Showed big, over-the-top curveball with good tile to his FB and a feel for his change. Definite dual player to follow. Agility and foot speed work will only help him to continue to develop.