On the Hunt: Uncommitted Standouts At PBR Fall Championship

Drew Irvine RHP / SS / Waukee, IA / 2018

Part of an Iowa Sticks team that was filled with entirely uncommitted 2018 players, Irvine drew the start in the first game. At 6-foot-3, 160-pounds, Irvine’s frame is thin yet athletic. He looks like a shortstop on the mound, and his short arm stroke leads to a high ¾ release point that seems to jump right from his ear. He sat primarily 85-87 (though he has been up to 88 mph) with his fastball, and spotted it to both sides of the plate with some sink. His athleticism stands out as he repeats his delivery with ease. Irvine’s changeup was his best secondary offering at 77-79, and he threw it in any count to both left-handed and right-handed batters. The pitch has late fade, and he controlled it for strikes. Not quite as good as his changeup, but still an above average pitch, Irvine’s curveball took 11/5 (nearly 12/6) shape at 72-74. He threw it for strikes early in counts, and buried it late when ahead. Overall, Irvine showed advanced feel for how to pitch. He seemed to have a plan for each hitter, and executed it on most occasions. Also an infielder, I expect Irvine’s velocity to jump in the near future, and the program that he ultimately ends up at will be getting a future starter who has a chance to blossom at the next level.