Matthew
Clark

6/20/18 - Defensively, at third base footwork remains work in progress with a tendency to move from a narrow base. Hands are adequate in funneling and transfer is clean. Arm strength of 67 MPH was registered on throws across the diamond. 

Defensively behind the plate shows soft, quiet glove hand in framing. Presents good target with low, wide base. Demonstrates soft wall while maintaining solid trunk angle in blocking. Transfer and throwing motion are long on throws of 67 MPH from crouch. Pop times of 2.31 to 2.41 were registered.

Offensively, initiates swing from closed set up with short stride staying closed. Separation is compromised by passive weight shift and hip turn. There is subtle top half drift. Clark would benefit from striding neutral and releasing backside, thereby allowing a more fluid turn through the baseball. A bat exit velocity of 78 mph was registered.

Clark stands in at 5-foot-8, 175-pounds with a strong, thick, athletic frame. Ran a 4.9 home to first. Offensively- Righty sets up square to the pitcher in a wide stance with his feet outside shoulder width. Shows a slight knee bend with an upright torso holding the back above the back shoulder using little pre-pitch bat movement. On pitch, his trigger is a quick knee raise to stride forward while his hands move back into his hitting position. Utilizes good lower body rotation getting his hips clear and using the whole body during the process of the swing. Shows quick hands to the hitting zone with a level barrel path throughout into a high two-handed finish. Demonstrated good plate coverage and line drive ability up the middle and to the opposite field with an inside out swing. Recorded an exit velocity of 79 MPH. Defensively- Catching, frames well with a quiet body and glove. Good throwing mechanics down to second but needs to throw downhill to be a touch quicker. Blocks well keeping the ball in front. Overall needs to be quicker but will develop with more strength and conditioning. Was accurate on throws recording a positional arm velocity as a catcher at 63 MPH and a pop time range of 2.28-2.39. In the infield, good footwork and approach to the baseball. Moves well off the bag and can get into a proper fielding position to make the play. Funnels the ball into chest clean with a quick transition into the throwing position. Needs to be more aggressive with his footwork towards his intended throwing targets. Recorded a positional arm velocity of 63.