VA/DC Scout Blog: Madison/Independence/Lake Braddock

Cooper Charneco RHP / OF / Madison, VA / 2023

Big and strong 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame. Charneco got the game two start. The fastball sat 83-85 mph early and was heavy out of the hand. It is pretty easy velo and I could see some velo jumps in his future. The slider sat in the low to mid 70's range, working 72-74 mph. A new pitch that Charneco showed is the cutter. The 79-80 mph offering was solid, especially for being a fairly recent addition. Showed some flashes of late, sharp bite and ran away from right handed hitters. Charneco could be a big addition to this staff.

Bryce Eldridge RHP / James Madison, VA / 2023

Eldridge was pretty dominant on the mound in his three innings of work. While not mid-season sharp in terms of command, the stuff alone will overpower hitters. The fastball sat 93-95, mostly 93-94, and did have one fastball that I had at 92. The pitch count stayed down in this outing and he tallied five punchouts that were pretty quick counts. He had two strikeouts in the first with 94 and 95 mph fastballs, while getting his two K's in the second on 80-82 mph sliders. His final strikeout of the day came versus a left hander where he set him up with a 93 mph fastball only to finish the count next pitch with a 85 mph changeup that he swung through. It has been two years since I have seen Eldridge pitch and since that time the secondary has really come a long ways, especially the slider. The slider was tight at that low 80's mark and has some swing and miss to it. While there are still some questions as to whether or not he is an arm, a bat, or a legitimate two-way at the big league level, for me he is a no brainer day one guy. 

Conner Moore C / OF / James Madison, VA / 2023

I got a chance to see Moore last spring and left impressed, but not as much as he impressed on Saturday. The Lynchburg recruit threw out three runners at second. He was quick while being under control and was extremely accurate on the bag. The arm strength is average, or maybe slightly above, but the exchange and release is quick and because he is so accurate he will shut down a lot of opposing runners. Will be a huge piece offensively and defensively this spring for Madison, as well as a strong addition to the Hornets next year. 

Colton Hicks SS / RHP / Independence, VA / 2026

Hicks worked through some nerves at times, but rightfully so. These was his first high school game and first innings on the mound in high school. He did a nice job settling in and working an efficient, clean inning. It is a lower three-quarter arm slot that induces some nice arm side run to the 79-81 mph fastball. Hicks also showed a 72 mph slider that varied in shape, but was effective. Will be one to watch long term. 

Tyler Fetterman LHP / Independence, VA / 2023

The East Tennessee State recruit had a pretty solid outing on the day. The fastball sat 85-87 mph during his outing and he showed two solid secondary pitches. The slider was more of a sweeping slider at 74-75 mph and the feel got better as he continued to work. The changeup got some swings and misses at 75-77 mph and he also got a strikeout with the fading change. With Aidan McDonald, Chad Yates, and some younger arms, they should have plenty of depth on the mound. 

David Mendez MIF / 2B / Independence, VA / 2023

Mendez was one of the few bats that had multiple hits on the day. Hands set back, tall and narrow, level path, and plenty of hand and bat speed. Has hand and wrist strength with some pull side tendency and some raw power to that side. Lean athletic frame with proportional strength. Dayton recruit. 

‘23 David Mendez (@indytigers) with his 3rd hit of the day, 2nd of this game.

The #FlyBoys commit has really quick hands and proportional strength to the frame. Single through left side in this AB and doubled on breaking ball earlier. @PBRVirginiaDC #PBRIsThere pic.twitter.com/rvmRBEDpq0

— Jason Burton (@ksallday19) March 4, 2023