2/22/2015 4:43:06 AM
Here are some of the top pitching performances from Saturday:
RHP Jacob Jaycox (2015, Florissant, MO) was one of only a handful of 2015's at the event and has signed with Jefferson CC, a top JC program. He pitched in the 85-88 mph range, topping out at 89 while showing a slider that flashed nasty at times. Jaycox is a few mechanical adjustments away from taking a big step forward, as the arm is there.
C/RHP Zach Gibbs (2017, Wentzville, MO) will likely stay a primary catcher as he's really good at that position but projects as a pitching prospect as well. He sat in the 82-84 mph range but his curveball was one of the top breaking balls at the event, flashing knee buckling sharpness and power at 72-74 mph.
RHP Andy Pagnozzi (2015, Fayetteville, AR) threw very consistently with what he always has, meaning he was very good and very effective. His fastball topped out at 90 mph and was thrown to spots. And while it is probably proper to say he has a 72 mph curveball and 78 mph slider, they really are two different types of curveball with different velocities but similar shapes and bite.
RHP Joe Boyle (2017, O'Fallon, MO) is only a 2017 but he's already a strong 6-5/200 and is going to get stronger. He topped out at 88 mph and really powered downhill into the bottom of the zone when his mechanics came together. His mid-70's slurve flashed good power and spin at times. He's a high ceiling young pitcher.
RHP Braydon Cook (2016, O'Fallon, MO) worked in the 84-86 mph range, touching 87, and pounded the bottom of the strike zone once he settled down and stopped trying to throw too hard. His slider was a quality second pitch, with power and bite around 77 mph.
3B/RHP John Brinkman (2016, Worden, IL) has some deception in his delivery and his 84-86 mph fastball gets on hitters quickly and he powers the ball into the bottom of the zone very well. He's a primary position prospect but could be a very good secondary pitcher/reliever as well.
RHP Isaac Olson (2016, Glendale, MO) didn't have quite as good of stuff as he showed at the Pitcher/Catcher Indoor Showcase in Cedar Rapids two weeks ago but the 6-6/205 junior was still pretty good. His curveball is a very impressive pitch, with power and big downer bite.
RHP Craig Theiss (2017, DeSoto, MO) has a very projectable 6-6/205 build and showed his athleticism in drills with one of the nicest arm actions you'll every see from the outfield. He topped out at 86 mph on the mound and powered the ball downhill at times and has lots more in his arm with normal growth and some mechanical adjustments to give him more leverage at release.
OF/RHP John Hurayt (2016, St. Charles, MO) is a primary outfielder for now but based on today's looks he'll be a primary pitcher down the road. He was consistently in the 87-89 mph range and powered the ball downhill to the bottom of the zone with life at most times. He flashed some quality to a slider and change up as well.
LHP Nate Witherspoon (2016, Eureka, MO) has a prototypical projectable 6-4/180 frame and long and loose actions on the mound. He was 81-83 mph on his fastball with plenty more to come in the future. His change up was his best present pitch, with lots of sink and run, and he flashed a short slider a couple of times.