Garrett
Payne

VA/DC Scout Blog

Long thin projectable frame standing around 6-foot-7 with plenty of room to grow. Payne has a low effort delivery with rhythm and fluidity. Starts with a small rocker step, moves into a consistent repeatable balance point, and hands show rhythm throughout the windup. Full arm circle and throws from a three-quarter arm slot. Fastball stayed at 85-86 early on and touched 87 mph at times. Velocity dropped a little in the fifth and sixth as it got down to 83-84 touching 85 at times. Appeared to throw a curveball and slider as there were two different shaped and depths to these pitches. The curveball was loose in spin and showed a bigger 11/5 shape at times and sat between 73-75 mph. Threw a few offspeed pitches that mirrored a slider and looked much better in regards to depth and late movement. The changeup sat between 77-78 mph and showed fastball arm speed. The most impressive thing about Payne, besides the upside to the frame, is the fact that he flashed some command to both sides of the plate, which can be rare for a high school arm. Got multiple strikeouts on fastballs in to righties and was able to throw in effectively to lefties as well.

VA/DC Scout Blog

Payne has a tall lanky frame with a lot of projection left to it. He throws from a low three-quarters arm slot with a long, loose arm action that is quick. Very easy effort to his delivery. Fastball was 79-82, touching 83 with heavy run to it and his long arms and slot also create a very tough angle on hitters. Held his velocity well, still sitting 81-82 in the fourth inning. Showed his change-up twice at 72-74, pitch has run and armspeed. Slider flashed outstanding when he buried it. True swing and miss pitch now with late hard 10/4 break and was 71-75. Good athleticism as well, showed some batspeed and barrel awareness. Chance to develop into a pro prospect at some point in his career as he fills out and adds strength and velocity.