Zach
Haake

3/28/18 - 6’4/215, Junior- Projectable righty with a tall, lanky build and room to fill out. He started the first game of Sunday’s double-header and got off to a shaky start by hitting the leadoff man and walking the two-hole hitter. After repeated misses with his 92-95 mph (2200-2310 rpm spin rate) fastball and a mound visit from the coach, he made a nice adjustment going to his slider for strikes and induced a double-play ground ball. At one point he had so much confidence in his 82-86 mph slider (2390-2480 rpm), he threw seven in a row. Overall, it was an average pitch on the day, and he flashed several that graded as above average to plus. The slider should continue to develop into at least a plus pitch as he throws it harder, tightens it up and gets late, at-the-plate break. Thinking “cutter” while throwing the pitch may benefit the velocity and develop later action. As an occasional third pitch, he mixed in a changeup at 86-87 mph (1500-1600 rpm). Haake has a loose arm and lands on-line, yet is more thrower than pitcher at this point. He is late with his arm swing at foot strike causing an inconsistent release point, affecting his control. He has a laid back personality and needs to stay more aggressive at times, as it looked like he was reminded during one of the three mound visits he received during his 3.2 IP outing. Look for him to be drafted sometime during Day 2 of the draft.