Sam
Ireland

Minnesota commit 2019 RHP Sam Ireland was the dominant force he usually is against the Raiders. Ireland pitched 6 and 2/3 innings giving up 4 hits, 1 unearned run, while striking out 11 batters. Ireland mixed in a 2-seam fastball at 87-88 mph with arm side run, and  a 4-seam fastball between 89-91 that played up in the zone. Slider was between 75-76 with late depth. Ireland on the mound is calm, always composed. On the season Ireland is 4-0 with a 1.30 ERA. Has a chance to get named called in the MLB Amateur Draft this June. 

Committed to Minnesota. Ranked No. 3 in in PBR Colorado's rankings (No. 426 overall). Ireland has picked up where he started last spring where he was PBR Colorado Player of the Year, and is big reason the defending 5A Champ Golden Eagles are 8 and 2 this year, and 34 and 3 over the last two. Ireland threw an easy 5 innings of work mixing in a 89-91 mph fastball with his 75-76 mph curve that has late break with 10-4 shape, almost more slider action. Ireland was still touching 90 in the 5th inning throwing no more then 70 pitches in this game. Ireland would strike out 5 giving up 3 hits and one earned run. On the season Ireland is 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA in 13 innings. At the plate showed power to both fields with a triple to deep right center driving in 2 runs, and turning on a ball for a double down the left field line. Ireland is hitting .429 with 5 doubles in 35 at bats. Ireland will have a chance to get his named called in June, and if not could serve as a valuable 2-way player for Minnesota. 

3-16-18
Minnesota recruit, currently ranked No. 5 in Colorado's 2019 class, No. 373 overall, 6-foot-3, 195-pound right-handed pitcher. Strong, athletic build, long limbs. Clean, easy loose arm action, 3/4 slot, long, loose, smooth delivery. Stride direction in line, repeats well for his size. Fastball sat 87-88. Topped at 92 once, with multiple 90's thrown for strikes 2nd start of the season. Change up sits 73-75 mph maintaining fastball arm speed. Throws a slurve that has good late break at 10/7 shape. Only gave up 3 hits through 5 innings until getting touched for a 3-run homerun in 6th. 

2-25-18
6-foot-3, 195-pound RHP/1B. Drop and drive delivery, utilizes lower half very well and creates angle and tilt down in the zone, repeatable delivery. Directionally in line, slightly closed landing, athletic finish. Regular effort throughout, long arm action, quick arm speed out front with a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is heavy, creates downhill tilt, flashed hard sink when down in the zone, sat 85-87 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 70-73 mph. Change was 72-75 mph with late sink.

8-5-17
6-foot-3, 195 pounds. Bats and throws right. Ireland has a high ceiling on the mound. Motion is fluid and smooth. Kinda lulls you to sleep. Comes from different arm angles, is quick and usually at a 3/4 arm slot. Fastball was highest we have had him. Lived 83-85 touching 86 twice. Slider is a plus pitch with tight spin and late depth at 69-71 mph. Advanced hitter who barreled balls all weekend, crushed base hit off 86 mph fastball. Open stance, good approach. Upper and lower half work fluid. Gap to gap power. 94 mph exit velo. Looks like he has a few more inches to grow as well. To see video click here and click here

1-29-17

6-foot-1, 195 pounds. Bats and throws right. Wide-shouldered with a large frame that still has more development to come. Raw strength that is only going to get better. Simple, short path and approach, and the ball jumps off his bat gap to gap. 91 mph exit velocity. Has athleticism. Has enough speed to play corner outfield positions and possibly third as well. Ran a 4.28 home to first. On the mound delivered mainly out of a ¾ slot although he changed angles to manipulate different pitches. Fastball was 80-82 touching 84. Solid three pitch mix. Deceptive. Curveball was 68-69 mph. Good athlete who simplifies everything. 

8-6-16

6-foot-1, 185 pounds. Bats and throws right. At the plate stands tall with a slight open stance that he closes down with a short stride. Strong kid. Swings down and through the ball with very good extension off a firm front side. All weekend generated gap to gap power, which included a monster 400 plus homerun to right center. At 1B has soft hands, good feet around the bag, and throws from a short high 3/4 arm-slot at 82 mph. On the mound he slightly crouches, and could add more velo with more leg drive towards plate, but still generated a fastball that sat 80-82 touching 84. Curve was 68-69 with late sharp break. Lands in-line then falls off towards 1B. Ran a 7.6 laser timed 60.