Unsigned Seniors: Central Arkansas

January 5, 2015

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By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

A look 5 unsigned seniors from Central Arkansas

Chad Cox, RHP, Maumelle High School
Cox is a 6-foot, 180-pound right-hander. He pitches off his fastball of 83-85 mph that has slight arm-side run when it is down in the zone. He throws his curveball for strikes with 11/5 action, near fastball arm speed, consistently at 71 mph. Mechanically he works from a ¾ arm slot. He has a quick arm but a short arm action, he stays online through the pitch landing square to hitters. Cox does not have a distinct balance point, which makes his arm drag behind and he gets very little extension at the end. He uses very little effort in his motion, that combined with some timing issues makes me believe he can easily pitch into the upper 80’s as he improves.
Jake Goodson, C, Vilonia High School
The 5-foot-10, 190 pound catcher had a good day offensively. He barreled balls up on a consistent basis during batting practice and had an 86 mph during our exit velocity testing. Starting from a slightly open stance, Goodson loads back and has a short stride. His load is good on the lower half but his hand load is non-existent making him loose the advantages of his fast bat speed. His swing path is a good line drive approach, the swing would look better if he would have a more fluid rhythm instead of choppy/rushed rhythm he uses now. Defensively, his blocking and receiving is sound. He consistently gained ground on balls in the dirt, keeping them in front. He threw pop times that ranged from 2.15-2.36. His arm was accurate, however his exchange was out in front of his body, limiting his arm strength. If Goodson allows the ball to travel more and moves his exchange closer to his mask, he could consistently throw in the 2.0 range.
Drew Duncan, MIF, Mayflower High School
Duncan, a 6-foot-1 170-pound short stop ran a 6.7 60 and flashed his athletic skill set during our defensive evaluations. He had quick footwork, a quick exchange and an accurate arm. He out athletes balls at times, with average hands. His offensive game is similar to his defensive game. He is a good athlete with fast bat speed and good balance. His swing plane is uphill and the lower is used very limited. With that being said he still had exit velocity of 81 mph.
Cody Holmes, RHP, Greenbrier High School
Holmes works from a low 3/4 arm slot with velocity of 77-81 mph. He located his fastball well, he did not attempt to throw arm side. His curveball had 10/4 shape and moved gradually through the strike zone, the velocity was 68-71 mph. His changeup is a quality pitch, he maintains fastball arm speed and it has arm-side run with some depth, velocity was consistently 73 mph. He has an average frame, which would benefit from adding weight/strength. Mechanically he is sound, if he would come to a better point of balance and get extension to finish his pitches, he will see great improvements.

5. Lance Nolen, MIF, Central High School
Lance is a 5-foot-1 115, pound middle infielder. He plays through the baseball with soft hands and a quick exchange. Offensively he is very aggressive with his swing and keeps his hands inside the ball well. He had a great junior year being selected an all-conference performer for Little Rock Central, in the 7A East.

Unsigned Seniors: Central Arkansas

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