Joe
Payton

7.25.17 - Verbally committed to Central Michigan.

3.20.17 - Uncommitted. Came into relief for Kutt. Wiry, athletic frame, quick athletic arm from a high-3/4 slot. Fastball ranged between 84-87 mph with significant arm-side life. More velocity likely to come as he physically develops. Throws breaking ball aggressively, tight spin, sharp 11/5 action at 72-73 mph. Couldn’t quite harness it on a chilly March night, but the spin and action are right. High follow in the 2018 class.

7.30.16 - 5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed pitcher with a live arm. Came out of the bullpen. Short, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, life, thrown for strikes, sat 83-86 mph. Mixed two breaking balls. Curveball, thrown early in counts, 63-66 mph, 11/5 shape, occasional sweeping action. Also, threw a slider, more of a put-away pitch, sharper, tighter action, aggressive arm speed, 11/5 to 10/4 shape, 68-72 mph. High follow 2018 arm.

1.17.16 - 5-foot-9, 145-pound middle infielder, average build. Defensively showed solid actions on the infield, ability to play through the baseball, softer hands. Arm action is short and over the top, showed carry, 80 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, leg kick stride, good balance. Uphill path, with some length, aggressive fast bat 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.