Collateral Damage Dail... (10/26)
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October 26, 2012 Scouting the DraftHigh School Right-Handed PitchersDustin Driver | RHP | Wenatchee HS (Wenatchee, WA)
The Basics: 6-foot-2, 210-pounds; right/right profile; draft day age 18y 8m; University of California - Los Angeles commit Brings to the table: A sturdy build and easy, low maintenance mechanics. Driver spent most of the summer dealing a heavy low-90s fastball which he spotted to both sides of the plate. He shows comfort with a curve that can show 11-to-5 or 12-to-6 action depending on his release. His high three-quarters release gives him a good slot from which he could spin either a curve or a slider, though he currently only features the former. Made a name for himself when: He spiked multiple 94 mph readings at the Area Code Games in August, after sitting primarily 90-92 throughout the summer. His ACG outing also saw Driver showcase both secondaries—his 77-78 mph curve and 82-83 mph change-up—as potential average or better offerings down the line.
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Surprise Me!
Excellent work, Nick.
So much can change with these kids in such a short time, and many of them are still growing while at the same time trying to harness consistent mechanics. Most of the players lack the functional strength to repeat the delivery (or even maintain balance), but then you have guys like Sheffield that look like they are all brute-strength right now.
Quick question: Was Driver consistently exaggerating the over-the-top arm slot on curveballs, or was it just a SSS fluke of the video?
Thanks for the awesome analysis.
Sorry for the delay in response -- traveling Wednesday through yesterday. Driver has generally shown a high release across the board, though he can tuck the curve closer to his ear in an attempt to get on top. He still needs to learn how to throw the pitch a little harder, but has a solid foundation from which to build.