Prep Baseball Report

Mills Godwin Scout Blog: Upperclassmen Standouts


Jason Burton
Scouting Director PBR Virginia/DC

Follow @PBRVirginiaDC 
Facebook
 + Instagram

On October 20th I took in one of the Mills Godwin Eagles Fall World Series games. This is part two of a three part series that will give some detailed notes on a dozen players from the Mills Godwin program. Today, we are going to look at a few uncommitted 2023-2024 players in the program, as well as one committed arm. 


Mills Godwin Eagles

Caelan Funk 3B / OF / Godwin, VA / 2023

In a day where the offense was somewhat limited, Funk had a couple of the best at bats of the day. In an early AB, Funk stayed on a breaking ball and singled through the left side to bring home the first run of the day. Then in his next at bat he got another breaking ball in the zone and this time he barreled up what was the hardest hit ball of the day for either team. There is no doubt that Funk has some explosive offensive capabilities. If he can string together consistency in his at bats, not only will be a coveted uncommitted 2023, but he could be a big force in the Godwin lineup. 

 

 

Davis Gaucher 3B / RHP / Mills Godwin, VA / 2024

Gaucher stands 6-foot-4 and 205-pounds. A solid frame that has room to add strength. On the mound Gaucher has a fairly normal effort delivery with a longer, one piece arm swing. The arm swing maintains the same pace throughout and comes through at a three-quarter arm slot. The fastball sat 81-83 mph and had consistent arm side run. Gaucher will benefit by working the fastball just off of the glove side edge and let it run back to the corner. The 65-66 mph curveball has more 10/4 slurvy shape. The elbow tends to get a little lower on this pitch. Overall, it was a quick efficient inning of work for Gaucher and with added strength he has a chance to be a mid 80's arm that can provide a different look with the arm action and run he gets on the fastball.

 

 

 

Charlie Gunn RHP / 3B / Mills Godwin, VA / 2024

Gunn has been an interesting name floating around the recruiting scene as of late. The 6-foot right hander has lean strength, projection, and has shown the ability to really spin it at times. On this day the fastball was 81-83 T84. He was a bit scattered early in his inning of work, but settled in just enough to escape without any damage. Although he did not really land any breakers for strikes in game, the shape was still intriguing and had above average spin hovering around the 2550 RPM range. More lateral break with some depth to it as well. Gunn will be at the Mid-Atlantic State Games on November 5-6 and I am excited to see the continued progression on the mound.

 

 

 

Edward Berkley Smallwood LHP / OF / Mills E. Godwin , VA / 2024

Compact frame, low waist, and strong lower half. Smallwood was solid during his outing. Pace and intent on the mound. Hips and shoulders slightly uphill. Lands slightly closed and has some crossfire to his delivery. It is a low slot and slightly lower elbow. Smallwood creates some angle on the 78-80 mph fastball that gets in on right handed hitters. The breaking ball has sweeping 2/8 shape at 69 mph. The changeup was his best and most consistent secondary pitch on the day. Above average feel for the zone at 73-74 mph. The breaking ball has a chance to be a solid pitch, but he will need to establish a more consistent feel for it in the zone.  Overall, because of the slot and angle, Smallwood can be a tough look for hitters from either side. If he can make a little velo jump and get into the 83-85 range, I think it could change his recruitment drastically. Smallwood offers something different and in turn could bring a lot of intrigue. 

 

 

 

Connor Smith RHP / OF / Mills Godwin , VA / 2023

While the Richard Bland commit is not going to blow hitters away, he pitches and gets outs. It is a low effort, slow, and methodical pace to the delivery. Smith works from a higher over the top slot with average arm speed. The 78-80 mph fastball moves in and out and stayed out of the middle. Showed a slider/cutter that had inconsistent shape at 71-74 mph. The secondary pitch was very effective and kept hitters off balance. Smith seems to be the arm that when you put him in, you know what you are going to get. Efficient in the zone, early contact, can spin for strikes, and is going to let his defense work.