Editor's
note: Perfect Game recognizes that there are dozens of standout
performers at this year's 17u WWBA National Championship. The
thoughts provided below are first-hand observations from Scouting
Coordinator Jheremy Brown during the event's third day.
Standing
at 6-foot-3, lefthanded pitcher Kevin Smith
(2015, Dunwoody, Ga.) started the game for the 6-4-3 Jaguars
with a strong crowd of scouts looking on. The Dunwoody native and
University of Georgia commit came out early showing three pitches for
strikes and still projects given his lean, athletic frame.
Working
from a low three-quarters arm slot, Smith worked in the 86-88 mph
range in the first inning, topping 89, with some sinking action on
his fastball given his arm slot. As the game progressed, Smith
settled into the 83-85 range, still showing the ability to work his
fastball to both sides of the plate with late run.
Even
with his arm slot Smith was able to show some quality off-speed
pitches early, throwing both a changeup and a curveball for strikes.
Throwing his changeup between 76-78 mph, Smith showed a feel for the
pitch, getting late fading action with the proper spin to his arm
side on it. His curveball features tight spin with sharper 1-to-7
life at 75 mph, though he does drop his elbow on the pitch from time
to time.
Last
year at this time Smith was topped out at 81 mph in the 16u WWBA and
he should continue to develop and keep making strides with the
looseness of his arm action and his athleticism.
?
Even
though he is 6-foot-5, catcher Chris Cullen
(2015, Cummings, Ga.) shows sound defensive tools. which will
allow him to stay behind the plate at the next level. And if the next
level is the University of South Carolina, where Cullen in committed,
the Gamecocks will be ready for him as they just had their 6-foot-5
starting catcher Grayson Greiner drafted in the third round. Cullen
shows light actions on his feet and recovers well off pitches in the
dirt, showing an easy arm action down to second base with strength
and carry on his throws.
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