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Tennessee Scout Blog

May 18, 2015

The Tennessee Scouting Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Tennessee Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more.

The scout blog will run for the first 1-2 weeks as free content on the PBR site. After the initial 1-2 week period, the scout blog will be subscription-based content available only to subscribers of the PBR site.

cpa vs creekwood

CPA

David Bates-P (Sophomore): RHP with very good size.  Has long arms and thick lower body.  Smooth mechanics and pitches exclusively from the stretch.  Drives well with lower half off the rubber and has great downward action on fastball.  Is only a two-pitch pitcher (fastball/slider) which does cause him to throw a lot of pitches as a starter.  Throws a power slider with late, tight break.  Shows the ability to throw slider in any count and varies speeds depending on situation.  FB: 85-88 SL: 78-79

Philip Clarke-C (Sophomore): Throws right and bats left.  Defensively, shows ability to create a big targets and is very soft on his feet.  Moves very well side to side and is able to receive balls with little to no unnecessary movement.  Consistently 2.1 pop time to second between innings and did show quick release on back picks to first base.  At the plate, very smooth swing from the left side.  Uses a leg-kick to generate power and looked to pull.  Balanced on his front foot and has little pre-swing movement.

Creekwood

Zeke Lecomte-INF (Sophomore): R/R lanky frame that projects well to add size.  Played third base and moved well side to side.  Showed an average arm, but moved feet very well to get good body position.  At the plate, Zeke uses a square stance with small stride towards pitcher.  Showed good balance on off-speed and hands stayed in hitting position.  Does swing and miss  a good bit and seemed tentative at times at the plate.  Body projects well as he continues to get reps throughout high school. 

centennial vs brentwood

Centennial

  • Kyle Brennan (RHP,MIF): Sophomore pitcher with very smooth mechanics.  Good shoulder tilt which results in downward action on FB.  Has good extension and does not work hard for his velocity.  Displayed a straight change that was commanded in any count.  Needs to work on third pitch consistency.  FB: 82-84 CH: 74-76 CB: 68-70.  At the plate has square stance with a small leg kick but has a soft step.  Good extension through the baseball on contact and shows power for size.
  • Jake Lyle (MIF): Senior/Unsigned MIF who showed good first step quickness and anticipation on the infield.  Better suited for second base in regards to arm strength, but showed range to make plays all over the field.  At the plate, has a square stance with high leg kick.  Does allow weight to get on front side to quick,  but did show good balance and quick hands to adjust to different pitches.  Worked up the middle and showed pull side power.
  • Christian Blackwell (OF): Junior with good arm strength and speed in OF.  Was able to make throws from each gap and showed decent anticipation.  May not be a true center fielder and may not have power to play corner outfield at large school.  At the plate has a slightly open stance.  Short, compact swing and does extend outside of the zone on some pitches.  Handled the bat well and showed gap power to the opposite field. 

Brentwood

  • Tim Robuck (INF): Senior/Unsigned INF with above average arm and good hands.  Looked to have athleticism to play all over infield with arm strength.  Has a square stance and does not have a lot of power.  Handled the bat well and worked all balls back up the middle.  Soft on front side, with little upper body movement pre-pitch. 

ravenwood vs dickson county 4/22/15

Dickson County

  • Jack Sensing-2017-(RHP): Sophomore pitcher with good size and very athletic build.  Had a very short-arm swing and can use weight more efficiently at times.  Does have a good downward action won fastball and arm-side movement.  Throws a very sharp slider with tight rotation and late break.  Showed ability to throw a change-up in multiple situations. Fastball-81-83 mph. Curveball-73-75 mph, Changeup-76-78 mph.
  • Trey Grimes-2017- (OF,RHH): long and athletic build.  Plays CF and had good anticipation for balls in play.  Good speed and ability to track balls in the gap.  Good home to first speed and displayed some power to the right side of the field.  Has an athletic stance with little pre-swing movement.  Had good extension through baseball on contact, but had tendency to swing outside of the strike zone at times. 

Ravenwood High School

  • Drew Haynie-2016-(MIF,RHH)-big, athletic body who can play both middle infield positions.  Had smooth hands but erratic on some throws.  Has a strong arm, but can work to get feet in a better position.  At the plate he has a wide open stance and good extension upon contact.  Doesn’t square his hips consistently on initial movement, which causes some difficulty handling outside pitch at times.
  • Darrell Freeman-2015-(OF)-extremely athletic with a very projectable frame.  Smooth runner that covers ground very well.  Plus arm from the outfield, didn't take great angles on a few fly balls but made up for it with his speed.  At the plate, right-handed square stance with hands above shoulder.  Little pre-pitch movement and very quick.  Displayed good power to all sides of the field and recognized spin on breaking balls.  Projectable body and with arm and power that can develop.  Verbally committed to MTSU last week.
  • Luke Yates-2015-(RHP)-short stature but well built.  Long arm swing and is a drop and drive type pitcher.  Sharp breaking ball and showed ability to throw on both sides of the plate.  Fastball did not have a lot of movement and did have some issues with elevation at times.  Gets a good shoulder tilt, occasionally lets the front side drift towards the plate a little early.  Fastball 86-88 mph Curveball 72-76 mph.

hardin valley vs farragut; hardin valley vs bearden 4/16/15

Bearden

  • Class of 2015 LHP Nick Adkins has gotten stronger since the last time I saw him. His FB is sitting at 83-84 mph, touching 85 mph. His CB is 72-73 mph with 1/7 action. The increase in velocity shows that Adkins is definitely a prospect with some upside at the next level.
  • Class of 2017 1B/3B Brandon Trammell has a strong LH swing that creates good bat speed through the zone. The sophomore has a big frame that will continue to improve his strength at the plate as he develops. He has average to good speed for a big guy (4.83 through 1st).  Trammell is the son of former MLB player Bubba Trammell.
  • Class of 2015 C/1B Brock Vaughn has the ability to be a starting 1B and a platooning C. Have seen him do both and the senior is athletic in the field and behind the dish. He has a strong arm behind the dish (2.1 pop time) with good actions receiving and blocking. He has average/good speed for a C/1B (4.56, 4.89 turn). He hits in the middle of the lineup for a strong hitting Bearden squad. He can hit the ball to all fields with average pop.

Hardin Valley

  • Class of 2015 MIF Seth Hunt (LMU) shows good range defensively with good actions attacking ground balls to his left and right. He has a quick release with a good arm.
  • Class of 2015 RHP Matt Turner (ETSU) FB 82-83 mph in the one inning that he threw. His arm angle gives his fastball good arm-side run. His CB (69-70 mph) is more of a slurve, breaking hard and away from RH batters.
  • Class of 2016 RHP Tyler Thompson's velocity was up a bit and more consistent from the last time we saw him this spring. His FB sat 84-86 mph. His CB was 71-72 mph. He threw one inning in his outing.
  • Class of 2016 OF/LHP Dylan Harris was the starting pitcher against Farragut and only threw one inning. His FB 79-80 mph with good movement and a CB at 73 mph. He moved to his more natural position in CF for the rest of the night. He continues to show good instincts reading balls off the bat and displaying good range gap to gap. He has a strong arm and made several impressive throws on the run and does a good job working through balls in the air to gain ground toward the target.
  • Class of 2018 RHP/UTIL Ryder Green had a good FB that started 80-81 mph, but got stronger as he went. He was sitting at 84 mph, with a CB at 70-72 mph. He has great potential to be a power arm as he develops.

Farragut

  • Class of 2015 RHP Patrick Raby (Vanderbilt) showed again tonight why he is one of the best pitchers in the state of Tennessee. He threw a complete game shutout in a run rule shortened 6 inning game. He dominated Hardin Valley with a FB that sat 88-90 mph and a devastating CB (72-73 mph) that kept RH hitters off balance all night. His CH (78-79 mph) complemented the FB well against LH batters. (6.0 inn, 12 K's, 1 BB, 4 H)
  • Class of 2015 C Nico Mascia displayed some good pop, blasting a mammoth, walk off grand slam over the CF wall to complete an 8-run 6th inning that sent home Hardin Valley 12-0. The big C could be getting hot at the right time for the admirals. He'll be one to keep an eye on as post season play gets closer.
  • Class of 2015 MIF Chase Fullington (North Carolina) had a big night at the plate for the Ads, blasting a double of the CF wall in the big 6th inning. He lifted another deep fly to CF that he just missed for a possible extra base hit or more.

hardin valley vs karns - 4/9/15

Hardin Valley

  • Class of 2016 RHP Tyler Thompson sat 83-85 mph topping out at 86. His 12/6 CB was 69-71 mph with a big break that kept hitters off balance. His velocity fell off when he was in the stretch (80-81 mph) and had a little trouble with his command. He does a good job holding runners by mixing his looks and varying his deliveries. He has good footwork on picks with a good move to 2nd and 1st, picking off runners at both bases.

  • Class of 2015 RHP Greg Valentine is an unsigned senior with a lot of potential at the next level. He missed time during his junior year due to injury but could be a good project to develop. He has a long, lanky frame with a loose low 3/4 arm angle. He had decent velocity and movement on his FB (81-83 mph). He could develop an effective slider with his action.

Karns

  • Class of 2016 C Tucker Pate (Austin Peay commit) has good gap to gap power with a violent swing that generates good bat speed. He showed some difficulties handling the off speed pitch at the plate. Behind the dish, he is a good catch and throw guy with a consistent 2.00 pop time. Pate has good receiving and blocking mechanics.

  • Class of 2017 RHP Jacob Nelson could be a developing quality arm for his class. His FB was 80-82 mph with movement. He has a loose, 3/4 arm slot that will develop more over time. He is a two way player, starting at 3B for the Beavers.

Anderson County vs Webb School of Knoxville - 4/1/15

Anderson County

  • Class of 2016 LHP Michael Hackler took the loss for Anderson County tonight allowing only 2 runs in a complete game performance. The lefty FB sat 77-79 mph, he touched 80, 81 mph. He controlled the running game well, mixing and varying his looks at 1B. His FB had a good run on it from his 3/4 arm slot. Off speed pitches were pretty sparse on the evening. Developing more confidence and ability with the off speed pitch will be beneficial at the next level.

Webb

  • Class of 2015 IF Brock Beeler (ETSU) showed good actions at SS. He works through the baseball at the point of attack instead of letting it come to him. He throws from different arm slots with consistent velocity and accuracy. Arm strength may move him to 2B at the next level. He is a two sport athlete and will play football as well as baseball at ETSU.

  • Class of 2015 OF Will Morrow has a smooth, compact LH swing. He plays CF for the Spartans with good range and an average arm. He reads the ball well off the bat and has good jumps on fly balls. He has good speed on the basepaths (4.19). He is also listed as a pitcher on the teams roster. 

meigs county vs grace christian - 3/31/15

Meigs County

  • Class of 2017 RHP Walker Malone threw a complete game shutout, striking out 6, while scattering 5 hits. His FB was 80-81 mph.  He showed good feel for a CH (74-75 mph) against LH batters that complemented his FB well.  He spiked his CB (64-65 mph) several times against RH batters, but was able to use it well against the LH batters as a back door out pitch on several occasions. His mechanics allow him to hide the baseball well, the CB being the pitch you could only really see coming out of the hand.
  • Class of 2015 OF Dustin Kennedy reached base in 3 of 4 AB's, singling twice. He showed good speed on the base paths (4.3,4.4 out of the box), swiping two bases and scoring two very important runs for Meigs. He showed good instincts in CF, but would probably be more suited for a corner OF position at the next level.  Arm strength could be an issue, he was never tested during the game and showed average velocity during ins and outs.
  • Class of 2015 C Jay Odum showed good catch and throw mechanics during the game. His pop times were consistently in the 2.0-2.1 range. Blocking the baseball was difficult on the synthetic surface at Grace. He drove in the first run of the game for Meigs, which would be all they needed on the night.

Grace Christian

  • Class of 2016 LHP Justin Shaw was the tough luck loser for Grace, tossing a complete game in the loss. All three runs scored were earned. He struck out 10 and allowed 7 hits. His FB sat 78-80 mph, topping out at 81 as late as the 6th inning. He also showed good command of a CH (71-72 mph) to RH batters. He didn't really find a feel for the CB so he mixed that FB and CH to the RH dominant lineup for Meigs Co.  
  • Class of 2015 SS Chandler Adkins (Lipscomb University signee) showed good actions and a strong arm at SS which should translate well at the next level. He has a quick release on double play balls hit at him and shows good awareness around the bag.  At the plate he could develop into a middle of the order hitter at the next level. He has a powerful swing with good rhythm and bat speed. He gets out of the box well (4.8-4.9 on the turn) on base hits and extra base hits.
  • Class of 2015 1B Luke Shepherd is a big, powerful, athletic LH hitter. He is a multi-sport athlete, being named all-state in basketball several times over his career at Grace. He has good speed for a corner IF/1B (4.8-4.9 on the turn). He has gap to gap power and will benefit from being a baseball only athlete at the next level.
  • Class of 2019 MIF Noah Gent is a prospect to keep an eye on. The eight grader is starting at 2B after an injury to an upperclassman. He will eventually be a SS when his arm strength and athleticism improves as he develops. He is confident at the plate, smacking a double and single on the night.

William Blount vs Bearden – 3/25/15

Bearden

  • Class of 2015 LHP Nick Adkins - Would not have known that he was recovering from arm surgery. The lefty showed good arm-side run on his FB (80-81/82 mph) and his 1/7 CB (70-72 mph) got much better as the night progressed.  Losing his junior year to injury has cost him in recruiting.  He has the stuff to compete at the next level.  A year of strength development on the arm and he could be a mid-week starter or quality arm out of the bullpen on the weekend for a junior college or D-II/NAIA program, with more upside possible.
  • Class of 2016 SS/MIF Bryson Ford showed good actions on defense. He has great range to his left and right. His arm will probably move him to second base at the next level, however the power that he shows at the plate make him a tremendous offensive threat at the position. He drove a home run over the left field wall in a swirling wind and got under at least one other ball that would have had a chance. He showed good speed (4.66 on the turn).
  • Class of 2017 OF/RHP David Beam showed a strong arm in CF on his one opportunity tonight. The sophomore hits in the 3-hole for Bearden with good pop with the possibility to develop into a true power hitter.  He showed good speed on a triple he hit in the first inning (4.59 on the turn) and a stolen base.  He also is a pitching prospect, but did not pitch on the night.

William Blount

  • Class of 2015 SS/IF Mark Treadway (Carson Newman University) showed good actions for a middle infielder with a strong arm.  His range to the right was average with good range to his glove side. He showed good judgment by not making unnecessary throws on plays in the 6-hole. Depending on development at the next level, he could stay at SS or move to a different spot.  His speed is average (4.51, 4.62 down the line).  He drove one ball tonight to centerfield that scored a run, but rolled over off speed pitches in two other at-bats.

Knoxville Central vs Anderson County – 3/23/15

Anderson County

  • 2015 RHP Carson Pack (University of Tennessee) struggled with his control at times tonight walking 7. He also struck out 7 with a heavy FB (82-84,86 mph). His BB (70 mph) came out 12/6 and got progressively better as the night went on. He showed good feel for the CH (78 mph). He showed a competitive edge rebounding after the 4 run inning and kept his team from using the bullpen early in the game.
  • 2015 UTIL/MIF Garrett Johnson (uncommitted) had a great night at the plate (3B, 2 1B's, 4 RBI). He showed good bat speed turning around two FB's (84,86 mph) from Haynes, driving the second one into left center for the 3B. Defensively he projects as a second baseman because of size and arm strength.

Knox Central

  • 2016 RHP Alex Haynes velocity was identical to what I saw the first time this year. His consistency with the FB (86-88, 90, 91 mph) showed that he is capable of sustaining velocity over time. I got a good look at his 2-seam FB (84-85 mph) tonight. It has great late movement across the zone. The late movement kept hitters guessing most of the night. BB (77 mph), CH (74 mph).
  • 2016 C Jackson Greer consistently threw 2.03 in game pop times. The RH saw a steady dose of BB tonight in the three hole. He was able to pick it up out of the hand. He didn't see any success in the stat line, but showed good patience and an eye to see the ball out of the hand.

farragut vs maryville - 3/18/15

farragut

  • 2015 RHP Patrick Raby (Vanderbilt University signee) did an outstanding job establishing the fastball today. His FB sat 85-87 mph, running it up to 88 and 89 on several occasions. Raby kept hitters off balance all day using his off speed pitches. He showed a feel for the SL (76-77 mph) and CB (71-72 mph). His mechanics and arm action (3/4 slot) look fluent and effortless. He pounded the zone with strikes all day. He showed off his athleticism at the position as well, fielding several batted balls and even turning a double play.
  • 2015 MIF Chase Fullington (University of North Carolina signee) is violent through the zone at the plate. His powerful left-handed swing stays in the zone for a long time and generates good pop to all fields. His actions in the field show that he is capable of playing shortstop or second base. He also demonstrated the arm strength to play SS at the next level.
  • 2016 MIF Duncan Pence (University of Tennessee commit) showed why he is a Division 1 prospect today. His athleticism was displayed on several balls to his left and right.  His actions fielding ground balls during ins and outs and the game show next level ability and skill. He gains ground toward first base and unleashes a cannon that is truly worthy of playing shortstop at the next level.

maryville

  • 2015 LHP Alex Curl (University of Tennessee signee) had a rough day today. However, his skill set on the bump show why he is a Division 1 signee. His FB was consistently 85-87 mph, with a natural run that left-handers posses. This run got him in trouble from time to time, as he struggled to find the zone. Curl showed a good feel for the CH (80-81 mph) but didn't use it much because he struggled so much to locate the fastball. His CB (71-72 mph) was sweeping across the zone to RH batters and was effective when he used it.
  • 2017 1B Matt Young is a young hitter that could be a developing left-handed power bat for the Rebels. He has shown patience in the zone and does not swing at bad pitches. At 6-foot-2, 215-pounds, Young has a strong and athletic frame and uses his strength well at the plate.
  • 2016 OF Drake Martin has shown off very good range in center field. He didn’t have too many chances on this night, but last week in a game against HVA, Martin had the defensive play of the game with a diving catch in shallow left-center, getting to his feet quickly to double up the runner at second base.

knoxville Central vs oak ridge - 3/16/15

knoxville central

  • 2016 RHP Alex Haynes established the FB early and used it often. He sat 86-88 most of the night,topping out at 91. His control was not as consistent as his velocity. He struggled to locate on occasion and took several counts deep before striking batters out. He showed good feel for a change up during warm ups, however used it sparingly throughout the game (80-81). He used a slider that showed good late movement in the zone (77-78).
  • 2016 C Jackson Greer didn’t have his best day at the plate but behind the dish was where he thrived today. His receiving skills are quality, as he was able to beat many low pitches in the zone to gain strikes for his pitcher. He showed pop times of 2.0, 2.04, and 2.2 (from knees). There were several wild pitches (4) that allowed runners to advance, however no passed balls.
  • 2015 RHP Nick Stamps (Walters State CC signee) Side arm pitcher with good run on his fastball (72-74).  His movement kept hitters off balance, which allowed him to complete the two inning save.

oak ridge

  • 2018 MIF/RHP Logan Williams showed tremendous upside for a freshman. His size (5'6, 128 lbs.) which is sure to increase over the next two years, is an issue for the time being. As he develops he should draw interest from several schools. He showed good actions at SS pre-game infield. Depending on size, he may have to move to 2B eventually. He smacked a 90 mph FB and an 85 mph FB for base hits (4.69 on the turn to first base). On the bump, he showed good velocity with the FB for his age (77-79 mph).
  • 2016 RHP Spencer Wilson sat in the mid 70's for most of the day, topping out at 77 a couple of times. Wilson pitched into the 6th inning as well, allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on 3 hits and 4 BB's. He had 3 strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched.

hardin vallay academy vs sequoyah - 3/14/15

hardin valley

  • 2015 RHP  Will Neely ( Tennessee signee) fastball maxed out at 93 mph and ranged from 89- 91 mph. Neely showed a plus breaking ball and changeup, followed by a sharp slider. Neely is a big time prospect.
  • 2015 SS Seth Hunt ( Lincoln Memorial University signee) showed good athleticism and average arm strength . He showed fast bat speed with an aggressive approach at the plate. Defensively Hunt had soft hands and fluid footwork.
  • 2016 OF Dylan Harris showed a good/aggressive approach at the plate and generates a lot of power for his size. Harris can hit to all parts of the field.
  • 2015 1B Zach Sears ( Walter State signee) showed a big/strong build. Sears is a power type hitter and has an aggressive approach at the plate

sequoyah

  • C- Caleb Miner had a 2.1-2.2 pop time. Showed average arm strength and fluid footwork. Showed future power potential at the plate and has a big/strong build.
  • OF Blue Johnson showed very good range in the outfield despite bad field conditions.
  • RHP Ben Arp showed a fastball that sat at 81-82 mph most of the game and showed good command on his curveball ranging from 63-64 mph. Arp was in the strike zone the majority of the game.
  • 2016 SS Tanner Moser Showed average arm strength and hands in the field. He impressed offensively with good bat speed at the plate and is a line drive type hitter.