Nicholas
Natale

Natale, a 2019 right-handed hitting corner infielder and RHP, stands at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, ran a 7.50 60. Offensively-  Starts with a square lower half with a slight bend in the knees, upper half hunched over with the hands in front of the shoulder. Initiates the swing with a slight lift of the front foot with a minimal stride towards the pitcher while the hands are loaded straight back outside the back shoulder. Showed a compact swing keeping the barrel inside the ball, driving from the center of the field to the opposite field gap. Recorded an exit velocity of 74 MPH on the day which could increase with more drive and rotation with the hips. Defensively- Approaches the ball with the hands out in front of the body. Fields the ball with some weight back on the heels, with a tentative approach. Ball is funneled chest height where the transfer takes place using a shorter arm action. Throwing velocity was recorded at 65 MPH, but could increase if the back foot, lifts up rather than staying on the ground during the release of the ball. Pitching- Throws from the stretch, setting up on the first base side of the rubber coming set with the hands in front of the chin. Gets to the gathered position with a moderate lifting of the front foot, while the back leg stays firm, and hands remain above the chest. Sticks the landing with the lead toe pointed at the catcher and glove in front of the chest. Fastball, thrown from a high ¾ arm slot, was located at the bottom third of the zone at a top velocity of 66 MPH. Curveball showed quality depth, with various types of rotation (from 12-to-6 to 10-to-4) and depth, topping at 61 MPH. The changeup showed quality depth and spin with straight sink at 58 MPH, a plus differential from the fastball. During the bullpen session showed an ability to throw the offspeed pitches and locate them very well.