In the Weeds: Indiana

By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker

In a new segment at the state level called, In the Weeds, PBR National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, takes a look at uncommitted players regardless of class whose skills and intangibles sometimes get missed in a showcase setting, but whose value to a good team at the next level is immeasurable. Some of the players included in this segment are under the radar, others have been overlooked, and some are late bloomers and fast-rising. Whatever the reason, our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff has identified many uncommitted prospects who can thrive with the right fit at some collegiate level. This week, In the Weeds, takes a look at some of the top uncommitted players in Indiana’s 2018 class. Two pitchers, an outfielder, an infielder, and a two way prospect make the list, and each has a unique skill set that will be a great asset to a college program. Indiana is stacked with talent in the 2018 class, and these players are deserving of recognition as being a reason why.

Sam Bachman, RHP, Hamilton Southeastern HS, IN, 2018
With such a loaded crop of 2018 players in the state of Indiana, Bachman can get lost (a bit) in the shuffle. However, his thick, broad-shouldered 6-foot-1 205-pound frame and strong right arm should not be passed over. While Bachman may not feature a whippy arm that recruiters tend to fawn over, he does have some quickness coming out of his longish arm swing. At a winter PBR Indiana event, Bachman’s fastball (88-90) saw a jump in velocity since his outing at the Future Games in August (85-86). Bachman repeats an athletic motion that delivers out of a high ¾ slot. He gets great extension with strong push off his back side that allows him to get far down the mound. Bachman’s breaking ball shows tight spin and tilt at 73-75, but still looks like he is tinkering between a curveball and slider. As he continues to gain feel and touch for the pitch, it has a chance to become a true swing and miss in the future. Bachman’s changeup is still a developing pitch, right now, as his hand gets under it at times, and he slows down his arm a bit. Overall, the tight spin that Bachman is creating with his breaking ball, and the quick hand speed that he uses to throw it make me believe that he will have the ability to throw an above average slider in the future, and be able to create outs on his own. With his velocity showing a jump, expect Bachman to continue to rise as a player who could become a strong starter at the next level.