Prep Baseball Report

Statistical Analysis: SBA Fall Workout


Matt Payne
Director of Scouting, PBR of NC

PBR was on hand for the SBA workout at Noel Williams Park in Monroe, NC on December 5th. Sixty-six players went through the pro-style workout with different measurements being recorded. 

The day started with pitchers throwing bullpens, followed by position players running the 60-yard sprint, getting exit velocities recorded during cage front toss, on field batting practice, and players getting their arm velocities tested from right field and the shortstop position. It was a cool and breezy fall afternoon with damp field conditions from heavy rain the night before. Even with the conditions there were still some solid numbers posted throughout the workout. 

Click Here to see the full roster and statistical breakdown of the SBA Workout. 

By the Numbers

  • 66 total players participated in the workout
  • Players featured are from the 2021-2024 grad classes
  • 21 players ran a 7.30 or better in the sixty
  • 7 OF arms were recorded at 80 mph or better
  • 12 IF arms topped at 80 mph or higher across the diamond
  • 6 catcher pop times at 2.23 or better
  • 4 catcher arms reached 74 mph or higher to second base
  • 22 players posted exit velocities at 85 mph or better
  • 9 pitchers threw fastballs recorded at 80 mph or higher

 

Statistical Leaders

 

THE 60 YARD DASH

Players ran a 60 yard dash timed by a hand held stop watch. The surface was wet from rain the night before but 21 players were able to run 7.30 or better. 

 

Top Exit Velocity- Front Toss

For a long time, exit velocity was measured at pro-style workout events with players hitting off of a tee and a radar gun recording the top exit velocities off of the bat.  This stat has become outdated, but it is fun to see how this number can still correlate to the power projection of a player.  With more reps, a player's average exit velocity off of a tee can give coaches a feel for consistent barrel feel and strength.  Below are the top exit velocity numbers off of the tee, at each scout day.

 

POSITIONAL VELOCITY – INFIELDERS

Infielders were able to workout at shortstop throwing across the infield, or from 1B throwing to 2B and 3B in the pro-style workout.  Coaches are working to evaluate rhythm, footwork, hands, exchanges, arm action, accuracy, and carry.  To measure arm strength PBR Scouts utilize a radar gun.  Below are the top posted positional velocities from the day.

 

POSITIONAL VELOCITY – OUTFIELDERS

Outfielders worked out from right field, making throws to the plate.  Throws were measured by a radar gun to gauge arm strength.  Scouts are also working to see exchange, arm path, carry, and accuracy.

 

CATCHER POP TIMES & POSITIONAL VELOCITY

In the pro-style workout, catchers workout from behind home plate, making multiple throws to 2B, simulating a stolen base attempt.  Scouts again are looking for a quick, clean transition to the release as well as carry and accuracy on the throw.  For catchers, evaluators will put a stopwatch on the “pop time” or the time the ball hits their glove to the time the ball hits the MIF’s glove at 2B.  Coaches can also time the transition from when the ball hits the catchers glove to when he is able to release his throw.  PBR scouts add the radar gun to put a number on the arm strength out of the crouched position.

 

Pitcher Bullpens-Max Fastball Velocity

Pitchers threw a 12-pitch bullpen on the game mound after warming up in the bullpen. They were able to showcase their full arsenal of pitches with velocities being recorded.