Michael
Blanchard

2.22.15 Blanchard has a lanky 6-foot-6 frame. He has smooth drop and drive delivery and throws from a low three-quarters arm slot. His arm action is long and loose and he has a quick armstroke that allows him to generate easy velocity. His shoulders are level and slightly closed and he strides out on line before landing square and coming to an athletic finish. Blanchard’s fastball sat at 81, touching 82, with heavy, late sink to it and he commanded the pitch well. His slider had late downer action with decent armspeed and ran 68-69. His change-up was very good and he commanded it well. It was thrown with full armspeed and armside run to it, coming in 72-75.  Hit from a tall and balanced stance.  Smooth load back with a short and simple stride.  Lower half showed good drive to the baseball.  Balance was maintained throughout entire swing.  Bat was quick through the zone with good extension.  Had a good approach to the round.  Very simple and low maintenance swing that should consistently spray line drives to all parts of the field.  In the field he threw from a high ¾ arm slot with a Positional Velocity of 75 mph.  Throws had some accuracy.  Footwork was clean, but was slow and on heels at times.  Exchanges were all clean.

11/9/2014:  Blanchard stands a lanky 6-foot-6 and has a projectable frame. He throws from a low three quarters slot and has a long, loose arm action that allows him to generate velocity with easy effort. Hs mechanics are smooth and he stays online throughout his delivery to a complete follow through. Blanchard’s fastball has heavy running action on it and was 80-82 on the day. He threw a slider that had tight spin and late break that was 72. Blanchard’s slider has plus potential as he gets stronger and the ball bites more. He also flashed a change-up at 73.