Top Performer Spotlight: '24 RHP/OF Austin Long (South Western)

'24 RHP/OF Austin Long (South Western) worked out as an outfielder and a pitcher during the scout day but his performance on the bump will be highlighted in this report. Long is well put together at 6-foot-2, 180lbs and moves well down the slope. Long works simple, repeatable mechanics down the mound into a strong front side that allows his release point to be easily replicated pitch to pitch. Long lacks the extension you typically see from a pitcher his size, but what this allows him to do is manipulate the release height on his pitches, adding some depth to his FB. Long holds the FB at 84-86 MPH with good downhill action out of the hand. The SL is short and again, lacks depth sometimes when Long isn't able to get through the pitch with good arm speed at release. When Long rips through the pitch, though, it is sharp and has good two plane movement to the bottom of the zone. The CH is a workable pitch that has a noticeable difference in depth from his FB that it is sure to get weak contact or swings over the pitch. Long has the potential to be a hard thrower with a heavy FB to the bottom of the zone.