8-16-21 - Prospects Live - Pacific Northwest Prospects -
IAN (J.R.) RITCHIE JR.
Right-Handed Pitcher
Bainbridge High School (Bainbridge Island, WA)
In a deep prep pitching class, the bespectacled Ritchie stands out for a loud package of both pure stuff and control/command. The 2022 prep pitching class had more guys touching 97 at 17 years old than maybe any other class in history. But not all of them can find the strike zone with consistency. That is where Ritchie thrives. The fastball sits 92-95 on most days, up to 97. He has a firm, tight slider up into the mid-80s with late two-plane break that he also commands very well. Jordan Lawlar called his breaking ball the best pitch he saw all summer in 2021. He also built a deeper, high-70s curveball into his arsenal with distinct vertical movement and significant spin rates. Ritchie also features a changeup he’s shown feel for with good arm-side fade that he deploys primarily against lefties. Finally, he's working to mix in a low-90s 2-seam fastball, deployed away from left-handed bats. Ritchie has an extremely quick arm with elite mechanics and lower half strength. He’s a very good bet to start long-term and has the potential to be the best prep arm to come out of Washington since Blake Snell or Tim Lincecum. At this stage, most scouts have thrown a first round grade on Ritchie Jr.
Mack's spin -
We will be writing a lot about Junior during the mock season.
A very talented pitcher.
I currently have him as my 4th RHP.
8-13-21 - ProspectsLive - Sleeper Breakout Candidate -
ERIC BROWN, SHORTSTOP, COASTAL CAROLINA
It’s looking like it’ll be a strong year for college shortstops, and among them, Brown has as much twitch as any in the bunch. But more importantly, to make this list, you’ve got to hit, and Brown rakes. He slashed .294/.413/.513 for the Chanticleers this year and has followed that up with a pretty loud .282/.375/.436 effort on the Cape. His five homers rank among the top ten for the summer wood bat league.
Brown has some juice in his bat, no doubt, but it’s his pure hit tool that has me buying in. His 15.8 percent K-rate is very healthy, and his 15 percent walk-rate really backs up the notion he’s got a mature approach at the dish. Brown had a contact rate of 83 percent in 2021, a well above average figure. …………………
Mack's spin -
The good shortstops just keep on coming.
Brown is a decent hitter but his defense was one of th highlights of the Cape League this summer.
For now, I have him as my 14th SS.
8-12-21 - Talking Chop - Georgia Prospects -
Jared Jones, C, Walton School -
Jared Jones is a prospect with a ton of raw power and a huge arm behind the plate, giving him plus or better tools with the two tools that are among the most important for a catcher in the draft. There is some question about his ability to stick behind the plate since he has a large frame, but the bat has enough power to play anywhere.
Mack's spin -
Huge power potential.
Prep stats - 183 games, .416-15-176, 1.238 OPS
Probably will wind up either on 3B or 1B.
Currently my 7th catcher.
8-8-21 - BA -
Brandon Barriera, LHP (Florida)
One of the top lefthanders in the class, Barriera attended all three events and touched 95 mph from the left side in each outing thanks to some of the better arm speed we’ve seen so far. Barriera isn’t a physically imposing pitcher on the mound, listed at just 6-foot-1, 176 pounds, but he has outstanding pure stuff.
Barriera touched 96 mph at East Coast Pro and was routinely in the 90-94 mph range and his fastball has solid late life that allowed the pitch to miss barrels. He was erratic at times with his control and showed a tendency to overthrow his fastball, but also showed a hard slider in the low 80s that flashed two-plane bite and impressive power with spin rates in the 2300-2600 rpm range. Barriera also throws an 84-86 mph changeup that has some tumbling action at best, but he will slow his arm down at times.
Mack's spin -
A very talented southpaw.
I have him currently as my 5th LHP and a late 2nd round pick.
8-5-21 - Prospects Live
Michael Gupton
We know there were some questions as to why the 60 times at the event were so fast, but, there is one thing that is in no way up for debate: Michael Gupton is fast as hell. His 5.96 was the best time at the showcase by a good margin (0.15 seconds) in a field that features some great athletes. Gupton’s speed is legitimately game-changing and it should be firmly noted that he brings other tools to the table as well (100+ MPH exit velo, 87 MPH OF throws). He should be locked into your follow list for the remainder of the year.
Mack's spin -
5.96? Wow.
I currently have Gupton as my 15th outfielder, but he could easily 'speed' up the list.
--------------------------------------Click here for the full list of Mack's 2022 MLB Draft Scouting Reports.
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