9 to Know - 2019 Uncommitted Arms

We launch our 9 to Know series with a positional breakdown of some of the best uncommitted talent in the 2019 class, starting with the pitchers. The 9 to Know series is designed to spotlight nine players who meet a variety of different criteria (committed, uncommitted, upperclassmen, underclassmen, etc.). These young men have either made some noise on their high school or club teams, stood out at a showcase event, or project to have a big year in 2019. Regardless of how they made the list these are nine names you need to remember moving forward.

Dylan Mullinax (RHP, Byrnes, 2019) one of the top arms for the Byrnes Rebels in 2019, Mullinax will have plenty of opportunity to prove himself in one of the toughest regions in the state. The easy arm action has produced FBs has high as 86 and the feel for secondary stuff is there. Command is key, if he can get ahead early in the count and keep the pitch count down he could put together an impressive 2019 campaign.

Saban Teague (LHP, Westminster Catawba, 2019) The lefty showed out at both the Piedmont Regional ID and the Unsigned SR event in 2018. The FB was in the low 80s, topping at 84 at both events with occasional arm side life and there is feel for the CH as well. However, the breaking ball lacks bite at times and the FB command has been questionable. If these two issues are resolved Teague will be a staple of the WCCS rotation in what hopes to be a 3rd straight trip to the playoffs.

Andrew Romanoli (RHP, P27 Academy, 2019) the hard throwing righty has been up to 90 this summer for the Bodyshop Baseball organization. The short arm stroke rides the ball through the zone with surprising life. He has flashed a power 10/4 breaking ball at times and the frame projects. He should see some big innings in 2019 giving him a chance to prove himself.

Carter Willis (LHP/1B, Wren, 2019) The 6 foot 3 left hander has seen his FB rise to 86 this summer. The two way player did not throw a ton of innings (15) last year for the Hurricanes but his 24 strikeouts and .351 batting average earned him region player of the year honors in 2018. Wren will look to return to the Upper State finals in 2019 with Willis and Ryan Ammons (LHP/Clemson) leading the way, both on the mound and at the plate.

Matthew Marchal (RHP, St. Joseph's Catholic, 2019) The 6 foot 3, 195 pound righty features a mid 80's FB that has been up to 86 for the Canes organization. The arm is quick from an OTT slot and the secondary offerings have been effective. Marchal will likely head into 2019 as the frontman for the SJCS Knights. If he competes on the mound, look for them to have a chance to win. 

Matthew Hester (RHP, Myrtle Beach, 2019) The 6 foot 4 RHP will be a staple on the mound for a talented Myrtle Beach team in 2019. He is coming off a solid summer season for the Canes in which the FB was up to 88 and complimented by a slurvy breaking ball with 10/4 shape. The delivery is long and loose but repeatable. Look for Hester to continue an upward trend through the spring.

Hunter Steger (RHP, Fox Creek Charter, 2019) Steger has been up to 88 for the Diamond Devils organization during the summer. The short arm stroke and slightly rotational delivery give the fastball riding life through the zone and have been deceptive to hitters.. The Fox Creek ace will look to lead the Predators on the mound in 2019 and give them a chance to win everytime out.

Tucker Dove (RHP, Richland Northeast, 2019) The RNE ace is coming off of an impressive JR campaign that saw him throw some big innings for the Cavs. The velocity should jump, adding to the feel for the secondary stuff. The frame has some upside and the delivery is repeatable, expect him to give his team a chance any time he takes the mound.

Andy Jackson (RHP, Gilbert, 2019) Earned a spot on the 2018 All Midlands Team, selected by The State Newspaper, after posting a 7-2 record and 0.44 era for the Gilbert Indians in 2018. With a solid supporting cast and under the tutelage of head coach Ashley Burnett look for Jackson to repeat, if not exceed, his 2018 numbers in 2019.  

* Note this is not a ranking.