Mills Godwin Scout Blog: Committed Arms

October 26, 2022
Jason Burton
Scouting Director PBR Virginia/DC

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Last Thursday I took in one of the Mills Godwin Eagles Fall World Series games. While there was plenty of talent to look at, I wanted to dive into three of the committed arms that the Eagles will have on the mound this year. This is part one of a three part series that will give some detailed notes on a dozen players from the Mills Godwin program.

Mills Godwin Eagles

Zach Boyd RHP / SS / Mills Godwin, VA / 2024

The 2022 Future Games alum was very similar to what we have seen. The recent William & Mary commit sat 83-86 mph and it had an extra gear the last five feet. While most arms on the day were in the low 80's range, the added velo combined with the higher IVB and above average spin rate allows that fastball to play in the upper quadrants, as well as play a little quicker. Boyd continues to use the upper 60's curveball effectively, especially later in counts. The 12/6 curveball has depth and some horizontal movement as well that keeps hitters off balance. Boyd has shown the ability to throw that curveball in just about any count. As we have seen before, Boyd came out of the gate strong and made quick work of the first few hitters, before getting deeper into counts with two outs and having to work a little harder than he needs. Sometimes it appears as though he rolls through the first half/two-thirds of the innings quickly and then puts it in cruise control and sort of loses that edge that he started with. I think he would greatly benefit from keeping the "foot on the gas" and this will help him finish counts earlier and keep his pitch count down, allowing him to work deeper into an outing.

Hunter Ross RHP / C / Mills Godwin, VA / 2024

Ross continues to show his upside on the mound. Recently featured in Summer Spotlights, Ross committed to William & Mary shortly after. The frame and the way that the arm works leaves a lot to hope on. Lean body, should hold strength well, and a lightning fast arm once he gets it going forward. It is easy velo at 83-86 and continues to tick up. Not long ago, I believe less than a year, Ross was primarily working behind the plate. He is a low miles arm that has plenty of polish left and for me that is a big piece of the intrigue. The secondary is still a work in progress. He showed two breaking balls on the day, a bigger 12/6 curveball at 61-64 mph. The curveball has soft shape and is a gradual, get me over type of pitch. The slider is the one that intrigues me the most. Arm speed, firm, sweeping shape with occasional depth, but the upper 70's pitch can vary in shape and feel, while the curveball may be more dependable for strikes. Overall, I really like this pickup for the Tribe and Ross has a chance to be a premier arm for the Eagles this spring.

Luke Smyers LHP / OF / Mills Godwin, VA / 2025

Smyers, along with Boyd, is a 2022 Future Games alum, The recent Alabama commit was really impressive on the night. For me it was more so just seeing that little velo jump that I have been waiting for. There is no doubt that the long, wiry left hander can pitch and get outs, but doing it at the high school level and in the SEC are two different things. Especially for being late in the fall, Smyers took a big step for me the other night. Ran the fastball up to 86, maintained his control and pitchability, and continues to show an advanced feel for spin. The slider has more of a 2/7 shape at 77-78 mph. He works from a lower slot, so spinning for strikes with solid shape to the pitch can be a challenge, but he navigates it just fine. Although he did not miss many bats, he got some uncomfortable swings, and missed barrels. Smyers has shown a really solid feel for the changeup, but did not feature it on the night. The Eagles' left hander will need to continue to add strength and velo, but has plenty of room to grow and make those necessary strides before heading to Tuscaloosa in a few years.