Texas Spring Break: Day 2 (Houston)

Mason Marriott RHP / 3B / Tomball, TX / 2021

Marriott left little doubt that he is one of the top arms not only in Texas, but in the country, and helped carry Tomball to a 12-1 victory with a stellar showing. Going the distance in a run-shortened 12-1 victory (6 innings), he struck out 12 while yielding just three hits (all to Matt King. More on him below) and two walks. He threw 104 pitches (66 percent strikes) including an especially high number of sliders that provided for a plethora of swings and misses from a lineup that featured a couple division 1 recruits. At 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, Marriott is built compactly with defined strength across the upper and lower-half including a noticeably strong back side. He has a clean delivery with a continuous, medium-sized arm stroke that borders on casting out of the mitt before quickly coming out of the hand out front. He worked up to 92 mph (2379 RPM), holding 89-91 throughout with the average spin rate being roughly 2200 RPM with straighter life through the zone. The command of the fastball came and went throughout, and at its best, allowed him to work with intent to the arm side. Unshy of his feel for spin, Marriott went to his tightly-spun (2938 RPM max) slider early and often, and threw it for strikes at will. Varying shape and speeds at anywhere from 76-82, it tunneled his fastball when at its best with late-breaking, sharp bite that exhibited true plus-potential if not there already. Toying with the pitch early in counts, Marriott was able to create more depth when necessary before ripping off some “wipeout” pitches to put hitters away. The aptitude is clearly present, and he also flashed a couple eephus-type curveballs (64 & 72 mph) for good measure. Completing the repertoire, his changeup (82-84, 1650 RPM) was utilized against the same left-handed hitter (twice) and thrown for strikes with some arm side life. The fastball showed itself as more of an average offering in this viewings, although it has a chance to play up thanks to the advanced feel for spin. More than anything, Marriott’s athleticism shines on the field, and is likely to have MLB scouting departments more glued to his progression this spring. The left-handed hitter batted leadoff for a stout Tomball lineup, and looks the part of a prospect at the plate, as well. He has quick hands that work the barrel short-to-long through the zone, and there is considerable power potential. There is a bounce to the way he moves around, and he is a downhill runner with graceful strides. His competitiveness and ability as a position player actually present even more to like about Marriott on the mound. That being said, his ability to spin the baseball is clearly advanced, and given that the velocity will almost assuredly rise, look for the Baylor-recruit to continue garnering buzz the rest of the spring.