Patriots Pitching Provides Depth
November 10, 2018
LAS VEGAS, NV – LIBERTY HS. All the border battles in full swing, Rich Ebarb’s Liberty High School Patriots would begin the first of three games with opponents from La Salle, Redlands, and Monrovia (CA), respectively. The first two games would be varsity competitions while the third would be a junior varsity event. With a full day on tap, innings would be at a premium on the mound and provide an extended look at some of the Patriot staff. The first two starters, Dawson Beard (2019) and DJ Contreras (2019) as well as one reliever, Garrett Maloney (2019) each possess characteristics that lend to a higher ceiling with work and development.
Dawson Beard, RHP, 2019
Wide, 6-foot-2, 200, Beard has a thick durable frame. Beard’s fastball would range 79-84, pitching comfortably 82-83 from a high ¾ slot. His curveball came in 70-72. He displayed solid zone feel with area control. He repeated a two piece delivery, starting slow and methodical and then picking up at the top of his leg lift. Consistent rhythm and pace in delivery may lend to more consistent velocity and command. He showed feel to pitch, varying speeds on breaking ball as count dictated. Current size and mass provide workable frame for future development and the makings of a 3 pitch mix innings eater type arm.
An evenly proportioned, 6-foot-2, 165. Maloney has wide square shoulders with plenty of room to add weight and strength. He has a loose easy ¾ arm action with life on his fastball. The fastball ranged 83-86, appearing in both of the first two games. The ¾ breaking ball was 70-72 with consistent shape. Maloney changeup was firm at 76-77 with occasional sink. A projectable arm, size and strength increases could provide velocity and late action to already present pitch definition. Easy to see Maloney as a future starter at the next level. Division and level will depend on the jumps he makes and how quick he makes them. He is a great get for lower level institution and solid follow for upper level school looking for someone to “pop” in the spring.
Projectable, 6-foot-2, 170, Contreras has an athletic frame with slightly sloped shoulders. He has a loose arm, pitching from a ¾ arm angle. His fastball came in 82-86, curveball 71-74, and changeup 75-77. Still physically developing, Contreras works to repeat his release point which provides flashes of solid stuff, an occasional fastball showing run and sink and breaking ball with bite and depth. Future development accompanied by consistent release point has a chance to produce a frontline arm with high ceiling. Like Maloney, Contreras is poised to presently impact a lower level institution or be a future find with jumps in consistency and velocity.
