The Rode Show: Jupiter Day 2

Prep Baseball Report’s national scouting staff is in Jupiter, FL, for the 2017 World Wood Bat Championship. Executive Director Sean Duncan, National Crosschecker Shooter Hunt and National Supervisor Nathan Rode are posting separate notebooks with information on what they saw each day. To see all content from Jupiter, click here.

JUPITER, FL—In a word, the second day of the 2017 World Wood Bat Championship was wet. Games were delayed right out of the gate with some overnight rain soaking the fields and heavy showers throughout the morning kept causing delays. Things were ultimately delayed until the late afternoon, causing major schedule changes. One of the biggest highlights from the truncated day was LHP Drew Rom (Highlands HS, KY). The Michigan recruit was a big standout at the PBR Fall Championship last month and turned in another strong performance against the East Cobb Yankees. He threw just 2.2 innings, presumably coming out on a pitch count so he could return later in the event. He dominated the nine hitters he faced, striking out seven and allowing just one hit. His fastball was 88-90 mph in the first inning with arm-side life and settled into the high 80s. He pitches with a loose, easy delivery and just plays catch with his batterymate. The slider is a swing-and-miss pitch with big, sharp break.