PBR was in Kernersville, NC on Saturday September 5th for the PBR Scout Day of the Diamond Deacons.  The Diamond Deacons program features players in the 2023 and 2024 classes, all living in the Triad Area of NC. 

The PBR Scout Day consisted of a full pro-style workout for the position players.  Position players ran a laser timed 60, followed by an offensive workout and a defensive workout.  Pitchers faced live hitters in a controlled setting, showcasing their complete arsenal in a 15-20 pitch outing.

Below we take a look at some of the pitchers who stood out while going through their mound work.

CLICK HERE to see the full roster and statistics from the PBR Scout Day

By The Numbers:

• 30 players went through the workout
• 29 players ran the laser timed 60 with a median run time of 7.55
• 5 players registered exit velocities of 85 mph or higher off the tee
• 22 pitchers threw
• 3 arms worked at 84 mph or higher
• 9 pitchers touched 80 mph or better
• 9 position players carried 80 mph or better from their position
• 1.93 was the top pop time in the defensive workouts

 

Diamond Deacon Position Players 

 

Evan Cecile (RHP, West Stokes HS, 2023) – Strike thrower with average size and frame.  Closed at balance, working back to on-line.  Clean arm stroke.  High-3/4 release with intent.  Fastball up to 83 with solid spin and carry metrics.  Two different breaking balls in the slider and curveball that work from the same tunnel as the fastball.

Connor Frail (RHP, RJ Reynolds HS, 2023) – High pitch-ability.  Three pitch arsenal with an ability to attack with each.  Fastball peaked at 80 with more to come as the 6-foot-3 frame adds strength.  Simple delivery, repeating an over-the-top slot.

Kaden Fuller (RHP, West Stokes HS, 2023) – Arm strength and intent are present.  Fastball up to 84 with advanced carry through the zone and 1:00 spin tilt out of the hand.  Will be able to create swing and miss in the zone with elevated fastballs as the velocity grows.  Max spin rate on the fastball at 2257 rpm.

Josh Hammond (RHP, Westchester Country Day, 2025) – Advanced arm speed for the age with intent, creating movement and issues for hitters.  Good ride with a max spin rate of 2246 rpm at 78 mph.  Up to 18 inches of horizontal break on the fastball, to the arm side.  Breaking ball spins at 2459 rpm, with late, hard 10/4 tilt.  Maintains arm speed and intent on all three pitches.

Steele Lee (RHP, East Forsyth HS, 2023) – Projection oozes from the 6-foot-4, 170 pound frame.  High waisted.  Low tempo delivery working to control the length in the frame.  Over-the-top with solid direction, repeating the delivery.  Fastball up to 85 with 21 inches of induced vertical movement.  Good feel for a consistent breaking ball with 10/4 depth up to 73mph.

Harrison Lewis (RHP, West Forsyth HS, 2023) – Broad shoulders and big frame at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds.   Scapular loading arm action working to an over-the-top slot.  Good intent.  Better than average arm speed.  Has arm strength.  Fastball up to 84.  Consistent release.  Breaking ball is still developing but the arm speed and window are similar to the fastball.

Tommy Mattox (RHP, Bishop McGuinness, 2023) – Loose ¾ slot produced a lot of strikes and some discomfort for hitters.  Fastball peaked at 81, with more coming as the athletic 5-foot-9 frame adds strength.  Sweeping slider with 15 inches of horizontal break.

Tate Vogler (RHP, Westchester Country Day, 2024) – Strike thrower at 78mph, in a 6-foot-4, 200 pound frame.  High-3/4 slot with above average arm speed for the age.  Good ride on the fastball with a max spin of 1857rpm and 1:00 axis, creating 20.2 inches of induced vertical break.  Slider is still developing, sweeping early across the zone, but with feel for the zone.

Braxton Stewart (LHP, East Forsyth HS, 2023) – Louisville commit.  Easy projection in an lean, athletic frame.  Quick arm, loose and easy to a high-3/4 slot.  Up to 83, the movement caught the eye consistently.  Late, hard-darting arm side run with almost 11 inches of horizontal movement.  Creates ride on the fastball as well.  Good feel for a change-up working with a similar release and arm speed as that of the fastball.