JUCO Wire Prospect Spotlight: Tommy Henninger
October 28, 2021
JUCO PROSPECT BREAKDOWN
What the data analytics show by Zach Day
Tommy Henninger (John A. Logan, IL) not only creates elite spin, but he uses that elite spin effectively from his lower release slot. If you’re looking for uniqueness from a right-handed pitcher with potential for growth, the Ole Miss commit crosses off many boxes. Let’s take a look at some of his data highlights.
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Release Height: Release height below 5ft. Average is around 6ft.
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Sinker: Kills movement by imparting gyro spin on his sinker. If his spin efficiency was higher, we’d expect to see more than 10 inches of horizontal break and 5 inches of induced vertical break from his high spin.
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Four-seam Hop: Can keep hitter honest up in the zone with an above MLB average Hop+ of 103 from his lower release and high spin (2520 RPM Average). There’s potential to make a jump here with any added velo.
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Sweeping Curveball: Uses elite spin (2859 RPM Average) effectively to create a curveball with more horizontal than vertical movement. Has the potential to be an out pitch at the highest level.
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Slider: Average 83 MPH with plus spin (2795 RPM Average) with bite and plays well off the sinker.
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Change Up: Firm with low spin relative to his other pitches (1972 RPM Average) with almost no induced vertical break.
Tommy is a great example of how to use #spintowin. I know I’ll be looking forward to following his development!
A traditional scouting view by David Seifert
Having seen Henninger for the first time last fall at the John A Logan Scout Day, I was curious to see the progress that the Ole Miss commit has made since that time. On September 24, 2020 the 6-foot-4, 215-pound right-hander sat 88-89, touched 90 with a max FB spin of 2396 rpm. His best pitch was a 84-85 mph cutter and he also threw a below average 81-83 changeup and fringe-quality 77-80 slider.
Fast forward to the Volunteers’ recent game against Purdue on October 16, 2021. With a smooth delivery and loose arm stroke Henninger pumped 88-93 mph fastballs from a three-quarter slot. His two-seamer (88-90) had late arm side sink and was especially effective against left-handed hitters. He rode his four-seamer (90-93) up in the zone for some additional swing/miss. Throughout his three innings pitched the right-hander showed an above average slider and cutter. His much improved slider tilted through the zone in the low-80s (81-84) with tight rotation and sharp finish, while his cutter slanted to the plate at 88. His change of pace was firm, fairly straight at 86 mph and was his fourth pitch. Overall, Henninger checked all of the boxes to profile as a starter at the next level with a repeatable delivery, clean arm action and four distinct pitches for strikes. With continued development and performance, he should be considered in the early rounds of Day Two for this summer’s draft (July 17-19).
Scouting Grades Present/Future):
Fastball Velo: 50/55 (93 mph is average = 50 grade)
Fastball Control: 50/60
Fastball Plays: 55/60
Slider: 55/60
Cutter: 55/60
Changeup: 40/45
Overall Control: 50/60
Delivery: Good
Arm Action: Good
Athleticism: Average
Projected Rounds: 3-5
Strong look at Tommy Henninger @LoganVolsBsbl vs @PurdueBaseball today in West Lafayette. Filling zone with 91 93 high spin FB, tight 81 83 SL and above avg 88 CTR
— David Seifert (@DSeifertD1PBR) October 16, 2021
Strike thrower + stuff + 👠spin data = potential â¬†ï¸ @MLBDraft pick.@PBR_JUCO pic.twitter.com/w7OSFUrNZV