Mercer Commit. 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. The gradual improvement in Lambert’s stuff over the past year is the exact progress you hope to see in a draft prospect. He’s always had an athletic delivery, but last spring he didn’t control his body nearly as well through up+down+out phases. There was a gradual drift as he squared up that led to him landing in a crossfire with his stride foot wide open just to get back in line to the plate somewhat. Lambert made one other adjustment that allowed not only his velo to tick up, but created an entirely new 80-83 SL that flashes A/AVG. Last year he would coil to the back hip as soon as he started to lift the knee, quickly uncoiling in stride which created an early upper half & late arm. This spring he’s coming up completely square during knee lift (shoulders & hips in line to plate), and subtly coiling (chest+obliques) to the back hip at the same pace of his stride. This has created much more separation, torque, backside connection, and much better timing. Obviously his work in the weight room and on his SL grip/conviction/etc deserve credit, but his surge last fall and this spring don’t happen without incredible work on his delivery. Now his arm talent and special FB can work freely, and have a great supporting cast in the SL and developing CH. We’ve now seen Lambert twice this spring, and I can say he has very little competition for the most effective FB in the class. This will surely be a plus MLB pitch regardless of the ceiling on his velocity (due to extension & life), which I also feel is quite high. With a future A/AVG SL and future AVG CH, this is a dynamite #3 - #4 starter that I would be shocked if teams don’t bite on in July.
2/27/22
Thick 5’9 180 pound frame but flexible, wrestler look to him. Well paced delivery with a deeper, big circle arm action. Lots of confidence & good direction to plate. FB is a rare natural cutter at 88-89 that touched 90 quite a few times. CB 70-72 w/ late bite & depth, holds FB trajectory well.
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Mercer Commit. 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. The gradual improvement in Lambert’s stuff over the past year is the exact progress you hope to see in a draft prospect. He’s always had an athletic delivery, but last spring he didn’t control his body nearly as well through up+down+out phases. There was a gradual drift as he squared up that led to him landing in a crossfire with his stride foot wide open just to get back in line to the plate somewhat. Lambert made one other adjustment that allowed not only his velo to tick up, but created an entirely new 80-83 SL that flashes A/AVG. Last year he would coil to the back hip as soon as he started to lift the knee, quickly uncoiling in stride which created an early upper half & late arm. This spring he’s coming up completely square during knee lift (shoulders & hips in line to plate), and subtly coiling (chest+obliques) to the back hip at the same pace of his stride. This has created much more separation, torque, backside connection, and much better timing. Obviously his work in the weight room and on his SL grip/conviction/etc deserve credit, but his surge last fall and this spring don’t happen without incredible work on his delivery. Now his arm talent and special FB can work freely, and have a great supporting cast in the SL and developing CH. We’ve now seen Lambert twice this spring, and I can say he has very little competition for the most effective FB in the class. This will surely be a plus MLB pitch regardless of the ceiling on his velocity (due to extension & life), which I also feel is quite high. With a future A/AVG SL and future AVG CH, this is a dynamite #3 - #4 starter that I would be shocked if teams don’t bite on in July.
Thick 5’9 180 pound frame but flexible, wrestler look to him. Well paced delivery with a deeper, big circle arm action. Lots of confidence & good direction to plate. FB is a rare natural cutter at 88-89 that touched 90 quite a few times. CB 70-72 w/ late bite & depth, holds FB trajectory well.