Hakim
Hamer

Hakim checked in at a filled out 5-foot-11 210 pounds and worked out behind the plate and at 1B. He ran a 4.39 home-to-1B. Offensively- Hakim starts slightly open with his hands even with back shoulder and bat at a 45 degree angle. Uses a controlled load and a slight leg kick back to an even setup for his timing. Stays back into contact with a repetitive lower half. Swing path sweeps across the zone with a pull side finish across his body. Would like to see his swing stay inside contact longer with a finish that takes him out in front. Pull side groundballs/line drives. Exit velocity peaked at 85 MPH (a personal best). Defensively- At 1B Hakim is serviceable with his footwork, deliberate with getting his body into proper throwing position. Hands stay out in front and he's accurate with his throws. Improved agility will help him navigate around the bag. Throws to 3B peaked at 59 MPH. Behind the plate Hakim presents a compact low to the ground target but slides his glove with the ball when receiving. Needs to stay quieter here and absorb. Efficient glove side footwork, gaining ground towards 2B. Some gap between receiving and transferring, causing delay in release. Accurate throws on the bag with pop times today in the 2.34-2.35 range. Peak throwing velocity behind the plate was 65 MPH. Arm strength and agility will be necessary improvements going forward. Movements are correct and has a feel for both positions.

Hamer had a much improved performance in large part because of the switch from third base to first base. Hamer moved well around the bag at first base and showed the ability to dig balls "out of the dirt" at first base. He hit with more confidence which led to more fluidity in the swing. He has obvious strength in his swing and when he finds the barrel, he provides lift with back spin. Behind the dish, he showed a cleaner transfer and smoother feet, although he could still improve directionally. He was largely on the bag and sat right around 2.28 each throw.

Hamer is a 5-foot-11, 200 pound catcher from JFK Memorial HS. The right-handed hitter has an XL frame and present strength. He hits from an athletic based and with a relax approach. He utilizes a small leg kick to transfer weight over his back leg and looks to get his front foot down and explosively turn on balls to his pull side. He does not possess present bat speed but has some good raw strength in his swing. His posture is poor and this should clean up his swing if it gets better. Hamer showed a good glove at third base but his fielding mechanics are raw. He will become better with repetitions. Behind the plate, Hamer’s throws were on the bag. His foot work was adequate but his arm strength was lacking. He popped between a 2.28-2.35 in the showcase portion of the event. He received well and blocked particularly well with two strikes.