Nathan
Hampson

NY Games (June 25-27, 2017)

Solidly-built 6-foot-2, 210-pound LHP. Pitching - uses height to get downward plane on 72-75 MPH fastball that touches 76 MPH, gets positive hip tilt at the balance point, sinking arm-side run, tight 11-to-5 shape on curveball at 60-61 MPH freezes batters, consistently induces weak contact. Offensively - uses counter rotation between upper and lower torso for an exit velocity of 86 MPH; repeatable motion, keeps bat on level path through strike zone, heavy load, tends to pull side. Defensively - basic footwork, sure hands, smooth transfer with an infield velocity of 65 MPH.

Hampson displays a plus build at 6-foot-2, 195-pounds. Offensively - during BP he displayed some pull-side power. Some fluid movement on the pitch, barrel drops short to the slot, hands drop, path is slightly inclined through contact with signs of bat-strength (85-mph exit velocity). Defensively- looks comfortable at the corner with a big-target and softer hands; 71 MPH on his extended throws to 3B. Pitching - signs of next-level projection evident on the mound. From the left-side he uses a side-ways approach to a high-knee lift during his delivery, hands follow high before separation. As he drives forward his arm-action stays short and back (possibly gaining more length will help). Throws from a high-3/4 slot with fastball velocity sitting 77-79 MPH, have seen him slightly higher with arm-side tail. Curveball has signs of sweeping action, at times trying to backdoor right hand hitters, 68-70 mph. This winter is critical for Hampson, extra attention to his arm-strength and hand-speed could shoot him into the spotlight come spring. 

Nathan is a solid 6-foot-2, 195 pound LHP/1B. He ran a 4.89 home to 1B. Offensively- Nathan stands tall at the plate with his feet just outside shoulder width. Starts with his hands tucked up right next to his head; slight drop of the hands on the back end of the load. Some lift in the swing but for the most part/line drive results middle to pull side. Exit velocity of 87 MPH.  Defensively- Nathan was quick off the bag at 1B with lateral actions; squares up to the ball; quick release with a low arm slot. Positional velocity of . Pitching-  Nathan starts on the mound with his feet very narrow and slightly pointed towards the 1B side on the middle-right side of rubber. He uses a small side step with a 90 degree leg kick and a tall finish. Arm action is infield like from a ¾ slot.  FB sat 77-80 MPH (+6 MPH from Aug. 2015); with elevation. Stuck mainly with his FB but did flash a few Curveballs (68-70 MPH) and Change up with some feel at (70-72 MPH).+

Stands at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, with an average build.  He ran a 5.02 Home to 1^st from the left-hand side.  Pitching- On the mound, he uses a simple side step, balanced delivery, arm action is fairly clean and loose, throws with an over the top arm slot.  He has a good drive from balanced position, seems to be finishing over his front side more.  His fastball was (73-74 MPH).  Curveball (63-64 MPH) had a 12 to 6 downward action and changeup (61-63 MPH) had a little late fade.  During the game, he used all his pitches to attack hitters down in the zone.  His pitches seemed to show arm-side run.  Defensively- At first base looked good fielding through the ball and receiving throws from the position players, throws with an over the top arm slot.  His arm strength was at 70 MPH.  Offensively- At the plate his setup is open stance, long leg kick stride, with a dropping of hands load.  His hands are very compact and aggressive, swinging with some uphill tilt, with a high finish with extension through the ball.  He displays the potential for more power as year’s progress.  His exit velocity was 81 MPH.

Western New York Open  (July 23, 2015)

Stands at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, with an athletic body build.  He ran a 4.89 Home to 1^st from the left-hand side.  Defensively- At first base looked good fielding through the ball and receiving throws from the position players, throws with an over the top arm slot.  His arm strength was at 71 MPH.  On the mound, he uses a simple side step, balanced delivery, arm action is fairly clean and loose, throws with an over the top arm slot.  He has a good drive from balanced position, just needs to make sure he always finishes over his front side.  His fast ball was (73-74 MPH).  Curveball (63-64 MPH) had a 12 to 6 downward action and changeup (61-63 MPH) had a little late downward action.  Offensively- At the plate his setup is open stance, long leg kick stride, with a dropping of hands load.  His hands are very compact and aggressive, swinging with some uphill tilt, with a high finish with extension through the ball.  His exit velocity was 82 MPH.