Baseball,America’s Pastime, is currently in the midst of a golden age of advanced analytics and technology. The idea of doing things because “that’s the way they’ve always been done” is no longer a valid answer. Players, coaches, and fans all require more proof and facts to confirm thoughts and ideas. Why is this pitcher good? How does this player hit the ball so far? How can I better utilize my skills? The progressive nature of the current climate is intent on answering these questions and pushing the game to new heights.

However, even with these insightful analytics, the keen eye of scouts and in person feel of prospects remains imperative. By combining the two, and maximizing resources, PBR believes it can present the best representation of each player. Add to that the developmental potential of such information, and a triphasic view of the prospect is delivered:

The scout. The data. The development.

In Trackman Confidential, National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, takes a look at different prospects through three different lenses. First, what the eyes and the feel are of the prospect. Next, what the numbers tell us through advanced metrics of Trackman and Blast. Finally, a conclusion or projection going forward.

LHP Noah Schultz
Oswego East HS, IL (2022)
Vanderbilt recruit
#111 Overall

 

The Feel:
At 6-foot-7, 180-pounds, Schultz is a long way from being fully developed, and his rangy, long-limbed frame possesses lots of room to fill out. His lower slot has some “sling” to it, and is loose with promise of more velocity to come. The ball comes out of his hand well, and while the movement pattern can be a bit inefficient right now, the added strength that is guaranteed through natural development will more than likely clean it up in the near future. His athleticism, especially with the long limbs, is impressive as he syncs up relatively well. One of the more consistent findings in young pitchers is their inability to activate the lower-half in exerting force and drive to get down the mound. This is seen in  Schultz, right now, which makes his outputs that much more impressive. He will get stronger in the near future, and with that, the back side will be more engaged providing not only for velocity increases, but also lower stress on the arm and potentially an even greater ability to repeat the delivery and slot. Thus, the greatest takeaway from this bullpen session is the loose, quick arm and its low slot combined with the massive amount of upside promised by more strength.

PLUS MUCH MORE BELOW>>