Doug Nikhazy
LHP 5-10 205 Ole Miss
2020 Ole Miss stat line - 4-starts, 3-1, 2.35, 23-IP, 31-K, 9-BB
12-3-20 - Perfect Game combined their picks for the first two rounds in this mock draft -
27. San Diego Padres | Doug Nikhazy, lhp, Mississippi | (2/56) Noah Cardenas, c, UCLA
Nikhazy has been a rock for Ole Miss since his freshman campaign in 2019, setting the school record for strikeouts by a freshman with 86. His K/9 rate doesn’t jump off the page, but his stuff is strong enough to generate consistent outs in the SEC which will of course gain attention. An argument can be made that Cardenas is the best defensive catcher in this class with a feel behind the dish beyond his years. Cardenas has the ability to both steal strikes and throw runners out from a multitude of crouches and slots. If Cardenas puts together anything close to what he did in 2019 at the plate, expect his name to appear far higher on this list. -Connor Spencer
Sakowski’s Take: Nikhazy represents an interesting play, with stuff that doesn’t wow on the surface but with metrics that say no-doubt first rounder. His success in the SEC to date stands out as well, and should be in line for a selection in this range with a strong spring. Cardenas, as Connor mentioned, is a standout defender behind the plate with intriguing offensive tools to boot, and should he hit in a big way in 2021, his stock is likely to rise up beyond the mid-50s.
11-11-20 - Prospects Live Top 300 Prospect List -
49. Doug Nikhazy - LHP
Bio:
Height: 5-10
Weight: 200 lbs
Hits/Throws: L-L
Hometown: Windermere, FL
School: Mississippi
What Nikhazy lacks in physical stature he makes up for in pitchability and arsenal. The fastball is generally just 88-91 but works well at the top of the zone with some run and tilt. His curveball is likely his second best offering; a big bender with plenty of depth though it can get loopy when he doesn't finish through the pitch. Nikhazy also offers a slider and changeup that have flashed average, though neither is a consistent offering yet. Despite the lower velo, Nikhazy does have some head-whack and effort in the delivery, though free passes have yet to bite him.
Ole Miss’ new starman is underrated given what he shows us analytically for 2021. He has a relatively quick windup, but comes down the hill beautifully. Nikhazy has a very smooth and repeatable release, and maintains balance very well throughout.
The biggest eye opener is his extension, which at nearly 7 feet is the largest in relation to body size amongst top prospects (he is only 5’10’’). The low spin rate and plus movement on his low 90s fastball suggest high efficiency and a very good pitch axis (12 o clock= ideal). He has a nice hooking breaking ball (around 2500rpm) that compliments the heater well. Nikhazy also has a curve in his arsenal, and he does a very good job with his changeup (both drop with a slight running action to the arm side on the change). Three of his four pitches are completely fine tuned, with the slider still looking raw at times.
Before the coronavirus shutdown, Doug had a nice 12.1 K/9 with a 0.78 WHIP. Nikhazy reminds me a lot of a younger Jason Vargas (left hander with not the greatest of fastballs or spin rates, but locates extremely well with his offspeed pitches and gets enough action on the fastball). He won’t be a top of the line starter, but definitely can project out into a big league rotation on the back end as a reliable lefty arm.
While he is known to be a good kid, it has to be mentioned that in February he was arrested on a DUI charge. It was his first criminal offense, and given his knowledge of the direction his career is going, I would not expect him to make further mistakes. Nikhazy should still go around the 2nd round as expected.
Ole Miss -
2020 (Sophomore): Season cut short due to the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19 … Rebel Friday night starter in all four weekend series … Named 2020 Preseason All-American (Collegiate Baseball, NCBWA) … Worked to a 3-1 record, 2.35 ERA with 31 strikeouts and nine walks over 23.0 IP … Recorded a .120 WHIP, lowest among all starters … Went at least 5.0 IP in every single start … Named SEC Pitcher of the Week after going 6.0 no-hit innings with nine strikeouts in combined no-hitter of Xavier (2/21) … Went 5.1 IP with four runs allowed in Rebels’ only loss of the year in the season opener vs. No. 1 Louisville working against the Cardinals’ ace Reid Detmers (2/14) … Picked up second win of the year vs. High Point (2/28) … Did not allow a hit or run in 6.0 IP in rout over Princeton (3/6).
Cardenas a possible Mets second round pick at catcher?
ReplyDeleteYou had me going here... this was a Nikhazy report.
ReplyDeleteI don't have Cardenas in my top 100 list.