Prep Baseball Report

Quick Hitters: Carolina Rockies Pitchers


Brandon Hall
Executive Director, PBR of NC

Prep Baseball Report of NC was on hand on June 11th for a PBR Scout Day with the Carolina Rockies.  Rockies players went through a pro-style workout with the pitchers throwing a controlled bullpen.  Seventy-Four players from the organization took part in the day with 34 arms throwing controlled bullpens.

Position players were able to take multiple rounds of live BP while also working through testing in the cage areas.  Each player also worked out at their respective defensive position.  Today we continue to take a deep dive into each player in the Rockies workout.  The Quick Hitters below, on the pitcher that threw bullpens, is not designed as to be a top prospect list, but instead some of the players that made a very quick impression on PBR scouts.  In the coming week we will dive into some of the analytical numbers produced on TrackMan and Blast, as well as full evaluations with video on each player in attendance.

By The Numbers:

  • 74 players from the Carolina Rockies took part in the workout
  • 2021 - 2023 grad years were represented
  • 6 hitters turned in an exit velocity of 90mph or higher off the tee
  • 16 hitters were 85mph or higher in their exit velocity testing
  • 6 catchers produced POP Times of 2.10 or better
  • 10 players ran 7.30 or better in the laser timed 60
  • 92 was the top bolt on the mound, coming from an uncommitted 2021
  • 6 arms threw 85mph or higher in the bullpen sessions

CLICK HERE to see the full roster and all of the statistics from the Carolina Rockies Scout Day

 

Quick Hitters: CArolina Rockies Position Players

 

Cox Banks (RHP/C, West Forsyth HS, 2021) – One of the top uncommitted arms in the state, Banks showed his carry and arm strength during the catching drills, but took another step forward topping at 91.5mph off the bump during his bullpen.  The arm action is short and clean and Banks is still working to develop consistent rhythm, but the arm is very strong.  Secondary stuff is still developing, but the arm strength and arm speed allows you to dream about his future offerings.

Kobie Cushing (RHP, West Forsyth HS, 2021) – Fastball averaged 86 with a spin rate just above 2100rpm.  Stretch only, stays compact over the rubber with a clean arm stroke and over-the-top slot.  Secondary stuff is still developing but the arm strength should play to that development.

Lucas Glover (RHP, Ledford HS, 2022) – Lanky and thin at 6-foot-5, it catches the eye of scouts immediately.  Flashed advanced feel for both his breaking ball and change-up.  Breaking ball is sharp, showing depth.  High ceiling.  Arm strength over arm speed at this time.  Fastball up to 86.  As he continues to develop, he should have 3, at least, average offerings in the arsenal.

Brennan Hord (RHP, Oak Grove HS, 2022) – Better than average arm speed with a long, loose arm swing working to a high-3/4 slot.  Strike thrower, flooded the zone with his 3 pitch repertoire.  Length is present to the breaking ball that averaged 2496rpm out of the hand.

Matthew Hughes (LHP, Cedar Ridge HS, 2021) – Lanky 6-foot-3 frame.  Fastball peaked at 83, running to the arm side.  High ceiling on the breaking ball.  Raw mechanically but the arm has a chance to clean and work consistently.

Jackson Hull (RHP, Carroll County (VA), 2021) – Loose hips with strength over arm speed at this time.  Fastball up to 87 from an over-the-top slot.  Slider has depth with late tilt.  Average feel for the change-up.  Physical presence. 

Jackson Little (LHP, Alexander Central, 2023) – Thin with length at 6-foot-3, 170 pounds.  Long limbs and high waisted.  Still developing rhythm and feel but shows arm strength with some quickness through release. Fastball peaked at 85, spinning up to 2279rpm.

Evan Suarez (LHP, Oak Grove HS, 2021) – Athletic frame, standing 6-foot-4, 180 pounds.  Length with some reach in the arm action, working to an over-the-top slot.  Fastball – Curveball guy right now with a change-up still developing.  Peaked at 83 with arm side run.

Colby Umbarger (RHP, North Iredell HS, 2023) – Athletic frame with strength and quickness present.  Good energy and rhythm over the rubber.  Clean with an active back side, good direction and solid extension.  Fastball peaked at 85 with solid horizontal movement. 

Peyton Young (RHP, St. Stephen’s HS, 2023) – Still growing, stands 5-foot-11, 140 pounds.   Short arm action working to load the scapular.  Change-up has solid fade with feel present.  Breaking ball still working for consistency.  Fastball up to 80.  Positioned to take jumps as strength is added to the frame.