Josh Hartle
LHP 6-5 180 Reagan HS (NC)
23) Josh Hartle, LHP, Reagan HS (NC)
Hartle is a unique arm with many characteristics that progressive scouting and player development departments want in their organization. His fastball sits 88-91 right now, but the pitch has above average to plus potential. At a lanky 6’5 and 180 pounds, Hartle will likely add velocity as he continues to develop physically, especially since he already has good mechanics. He generates really good hip/torso separation at foot strike in his delivery, creating good arm speed. His fastball also plays up due to his flat vertical approach angle, which he creates with superb extension and a lower arm slot. Hartle’s breaking ball is more slurvy with a lot of length that misses bats. He shows a good ability to get it below the zone to get chases from hitters on both sides of the plate. His changeup is slightly below average that needs improved command, but he can mix it in to RHH occasionally. Hartle likely projects as a starter at the next level with mid to back-end rotation potential, as he already possess a number of traits that are key in the development of pitchers. Hartle is committed to Wake Forest.
Josh Hartle – LHP: The unquestioned top Prep Left-hander in the class has a ton of projection remaining in his 6’5 frame. Shows strong command as a prep with a Future 55 and potential to move into a 60 Grade. Expected velo bump from his 89-92 MPH he works with now to go with a plus Slider and an Average-Above Average (55) Changeup. Coming from a tough lower arm slot for hitters to deal with, similar to Chris Sale’s arm slot. The high-end upside with the pitchability and projected velo boost make him as good as any in the class. 9 months until the July Draft, I expect to see some of that projection start to fruition come Springtime.
Josh Hartle - Coming into the event, Hartle was the top prep lefty on the circuit, and he did nothing to lose that spot. There’s a lot to like about him, plenty of projection to a 6’5, 200 pound frame, a fluid and deceptive delivery, and an arsenal that has three potentially above average pitches. While Hartle did allow a bloop double to Daylen Lile, which Thaddeus Ector nearly caught, he did garner two impressive strikeouts of Joe Mack and Izaac Pacheco. He did not showcase all three pitches, as he was mainly utilizing the fastball and the slider. The fastball was consistent and pounded gloveside, with the velocity mainly sitting 89-90. The slider was a sweeper that showcased added velocity, as it was in the 80-81 range. The changeup has been a weapon throughout the summer, sitting in the mid-80’s with good fade to it. If he can add velocity to his fastball before next April, he could find himself as a Day 1 pick.
On Fraz and Fam
ReplyDeleteWhat about Todd Frazier as the bench coach? Could chew snuff even.
I think his baseball playing days may be coming to a close. He does work well with the Mets players and they seem to actually like and listen to him.
Jeurys Familia really impressed me with his 2020 weight loss. He looks like he is in the best shape ever.
This may sound "2 out there 4 u", but what about having Jeurys come into ST with a shot to make the rotation? He came up that way when "the NYM rotation inn" was way too crowded with all the "cannot miss" starters. We had to watch Harvey and Matz for how long? Oh boy.
Think about.