A fastball with hop has a flat approach angle and visually jumps through the zone. When thrown up in the zone, it is more likely to generate a higher swing and miss average. Hop+ of 100 is MLB average.
Fastball
Sink+
A fastball with sink has low backspin and drops through the strike zone. When thrown down in the zone, it is more likely to generate a higher ground ball percentage and lower launch angle. Sink+ of 100 is MLB average.
Fastball
Rise+
A fastball with rise has a high percentage of backspin. When thrown up in the zone, it is more likely to generate a higher fly ball percentage. Rise+ of 100 is MLB average
Slider
Hammer+
A hammer breaking ball drops vertically with velocity through the zone, or 12-to-6 movement. Hammer+ of 100 is MLB average.
Slider
Sweep+
A sweeping breaking ball moves horizontally with velocity through the zone. Sweep+ of 100 is MLB average.
Physical: Lean and high-waisted 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame that oozes projectability, length to the movements.
Pitching: RHP - Above average pace on the bump, side rocker step with medium leg lift at the waist, inconsistent direction at times towards the plate out of the stack, the arm worked from a high ¾ slot to borderline over the top. FB played from 77-79 mph with swing and miss capabilities above the belt, mixed in a solid 65-67 mph SL with ability to throw it for strikes in any count. A 71-72 mph CH was a complementary third offering with occasional arm side fade. Raw actions at times in the delivery; the ceiling should be heightened because of the ability to continue getting better in the short/long term.
Preseason - West (February 19, 2018)
Merkov is a 6-foot-2 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and lanky frame. Pitching- Starts slightly on the third base side of the rubber. Hands start and stay at his chest, brings knee up just below hands. Drives well down the mound, could stay back on back leg a little longer. Fastball has arm side run and sits 72-73 MPH. More extension would see better command. 3/4 arm slot. Curveball has a 11-5 break and sits 61-62 MPH. Falls off towards first base side. 2021 grad who will grow into size and utilize tall frame.
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Physical: Lean and high-waisted 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame that oozes projectability, length to the movements.
Pitching: RHP - Above average pace on the bump, side rocker step with medium leg lift at the waist, inconsistent direction at times towards the plate out of the stack, the arm worked from a high ¾ slot to borderline over the top. FB played from 77-79 mph with swing and miss capabilities above the belt, mixed in a solid 65-67 mph SL with ability to throw it for strikes in any count. A 71-72 mph CH was a complementary third offering with occasional arm side fade. Raw actions at times in the delivery; the ceiling should be heightened because of the ability to continue getting better in the short/long term.
Preseason - West (February 19, 2018)
Merkov is a 6-foot-2 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and lanky frame. Pitching- Starts slightly on the third base side of the rubber. Hands start and stay at his chest, brings knee up just below hands. Drives well down the mound, could stay back on back leg a little longer. Fastball has arm side run and sits 72-73 MPH. More extension would see better command. 3/4 arm slot. Curveball has a 11-5 break and sits 61-62 MPH. Falls off towards first base side. 2021 grad who will grow into size and utilize tall frame.