Midwest Southpaws
December 20, 2017
In the Weeds continues to look at interesting, uncommitted left-handers in the 2019 class in part two of a three part series. This week, six southpaws hailing from Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin take centerstage. Two of the pitchers feature tall, projectable frames at 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8 while two others are under 6-feet tall, but exhibit quick arms and competitive nation. The final two stand 6-foot-2, and could make big jumps on the mound this season. All of them have a chance to contribute at some level in college, and should have recruiters following their progress closely.
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Jacob Wilde LHP / LHP / Waukesha West, WI / 2019Rankings StateRank: 40 / POS: 7
For awhile now I have been a fan of the projectable arms that are coming out of Wisconsin. Unlike the southern, early-committed arms, the pitchers in Wisconsin usually make their jump a bit later. Wilde looks like he could be one of those late (a very relative term) risers. He has a long, athletic, 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame, and his short, quick arm that was 80-82 with a fastball last season will likely be several ticks higher in the spring. Remaining compact throughout with a slight delay at his balance point, Wilde works linear down the mound, repeating his ¾ arm slot with ease. The quickness of his hand and the way that the ball comes out makes it look much firmer than what the radar gun registers. Wilde also shows feel for a 1/7 curveball at 70-72 that he throws for strikes as well as a changeup at 74-77. Both could develop into above average pitches in the future which would make him a valuable three-pitch mix starter. Overall, because of his quick arm and feel for pitching, Wilde is a pitcher that recruiters will want to pay close attention to moving forward as he could become a starter at some level. |
PLUS 5 MORE UNCOMMITTED SOUTHPAWS: