Prospect Review: Indiana, Ball State

BALL STATE

Ball State returns a deluge of arms and John Baker will once again be asked to anchor the staff on Friday nights. The righthander went 7-1 last season while leading the Mid-American Conference in ERA (2.14) and Opposing Batting Average (.190). Delaying his professional career, Baker chose not to sign after the Marlins selected him in the 29th round last year. He pounds the zone with three pitches and keeps hitters off-balance with a funky and deceptive delivery.

Joining Baker in the rotation is Kyle Nicolas, a right handed fireballer with Day One draft potential. Standing 6-foot-4, 225-pounds, he looks every bit the part of a front-end starter with the repertoire to match. Working downhill from a high three-quarter arm slot, Nicolas is effectively wild with his premium velocity, creating uncomfortable at bats for hitters attempting to dig in against him. In a recent scrimmage against Wabash Valley JC, Nicolas effortlessly sat...