Dominic
Pipkin

4/30/18 - Cal signee. Narrow frame on long 6-foot-6 180-pound-ish body, physical comp would be to a high school version of Tyson Ross, or Aaron Sanchez, though taller than both of those players. Very slight build, not much musculature to speak of. In front of rather large gathering (40+) of scouts/crosscheckers/scouting directors, it was more of what he's shown most of the spring, though in this outing he lasted 2.2 IP, giving up 5 runs, due to wildness and poor defense, including a mental lapse of his own. Stuff continues to be what draws attention, high-3/4 slot, very slight cross stride, easy arm action, seemingly needs very little effort to get 91, touched 92 when threatened with bases loaded situation in 2nd inning, frankly feels like he's got another gear above what he shows in a game. Not much fastball life, occasional arm side action but doesn't appear to be intentional or something he's manipulating. Feel of the zone was absent in this outing. Control was spotty at best. Was surprising to see how difficult it was at times for him at times to put away hitters. This outing was his worst of the season in terms of walks and throwing strikes. When he did get his stride foot down and sync up his separation of the hands with that stride, the ball came out hot and easy, with angle and life, but that just didn't happen enough. On those occasions when the delivery was in sync, combined witt his body type and the ease with which he works, his fastball velocity ceiling is HIGH, in the mid-90s. He has a chance to throw hard, very hard. Continues to mix in more sliders, change-ups and curveballs than a pitcher with his raw fastball normally would at the high school level, especially given the competition he's faced. Slider is small, has decent spin but lacks depth, tilt or bit. Was 80-82 mph, with a touch of 84, frankly acted as a BP fastball more often than not, save for one good one in the 3rd inning that broke under a left-handed hitter's bat for a swinging strikeout. Curveball was 74-76 mph, occasionally 11/5 shape but other times slurvy at 11/4 and again, early break and easy rolling action. Change-up feel is present and projects to be there down the road. Anywhere from 75-81 mph and more often than not it was down. Side view showed that timing of his stride and uncoiling of the arm on the backside needs to be better. Lots of upright finishes to delivery. Videos will show the delivery, scouts can make their own assessment of that. Slow worker, didn't seem to have any sense of urgency, calm is good but seems too calm and didn't sense the competitiveness of the competition. Didn't display feel for controlling the running game with anything other than a pick-off move, which displayed quick feet and good athleticism, but his delivery home is slow and he didn't vary his looks or show a slide step. Failed to cover 1st base toward the end of his outing when an inning was unraveling on him and his team. No bad body language or pouting or anything like that. Stayed composed and in control of his emotions. All of that being said, he is a premium prospect and will remain in the mix for a fairly high pick, depending on his signability, etc. As they say, it only takes one team to really like a player. And despite a less than great day, there are plenty of reasons to believe his future is quite bright, whether that is signing out of high school or developing at Cal. Any struggles he has/had with delivery or feel or combo of both can be fixed. 

4/4/18 - Up to 92 in this viewing, continues to show all the raw ability that has him on the MLB scouts' radar. Delivery inconsistencies hold back the big fastballs that have been seen in the past. 

8/8/17 - Heavy, sinking fastball up to 96. Ranged 90-96, but sat 92-95. Flat slider, cutter like at 84-85. Feel for changeup with fade at 86. Projectable frame. Athletic delivery. 3/4 slot. Lost zone in third inning. 2.1 innings pitched, four runs on two hits and four walks, one strikeout.