We’re back with another installment of our Commitment Corner series. This time, we’re taking a look at Washington State commit RHP Cooper Barnum (Skyview)

Scouting NOtes

Strong bodied with a sturdy build at 6-foot-2. Proportionally built between his upper and lower half. Also an exceptional HS football player. The strength/athleticism is apparent when he steps on the mound. Throwing motion is clean and repeatable. Works with consistent direction towards his target. Short stride allows him to stay within his legs & utilize his rotational strength to generate easy velocity. FB has been up to 90, 91 consistently holding 86-89 on our looks. Does an exceptional job staying behind the ball, which allows him to work the bottom of the zone and get out to his glove-side. Releases from a ¾ slot with short, compact arm action. Breaking ball shows consistent shape/spin at 74-79. Understands when he needs SL for a strike and also has the ability to expand the zone when ahead in the count. Overall, Barnum is an above average athlete with a reliable 2 pitch mix that should help him contribute at the next level sooner, rather than later. 

PBR: Why did you choose Washington State?
CB: Pullman immediately felt like home and is one of the best college towns in America, but most of all the coaches made me a priority as soon as they saw me. After one phone call with the staff I knew it was the place I was going to get the best coaching and development in the country.

PBR: When did you make your decision?
CB: Summer of my junior year, in June.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you play? Who was your primary recruiter?
CB: Eugene Oregon. Coach Terry Davis was my primary recruiter

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer/fall and what has that experience been like?
CB: I played for the Vancouver Cardinals in the summer, it was a good mix of tournament ball and legion ball.  I got to play against some of the best prospects in the Northwest.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
CB: Starting the state championship on the mound my sophomore year against Richland.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Washington?
CB: Nate clow

PBR: Any pre-game superstitions?
CB: None

'20 RHP @Cooper_Barnum (@skyviewbaseball / @Cougbaseball commit) came out with his FB at 88-89 and SL at 75-79. Keeps everything simple and pitches with repeatable effort @NWScoutGames pic.twitter.com/GNawsU1fg6

— PBR Washington (@PBR_Washington) July 27, 2019

PBR: Favorite MLB player and why?
CB: John Lester because he plays with a bulldog mentality