Jax
Lathem

Lathem had a strong 1st inning in a game that only lasted 3 innings due to walk issues and a load of offense for the remainder of the game. In a game that both teams struggled with pitching, Lathem looked good. Has a medium frame with proportional strength at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. Short circle arm action at a ¾ arm slot. Something that stuck out to me is how long he hides the ball with his deceptive arm action which allows his pitches to play up. He pulls the ball up his backside and behind the head in the arm action, with the ball suddenly popping out which can confuse hitters. His fastbal ran 73-77 with a curveball running 62-64. With one strikeout in the first inning, he managed the inning well for a game that probably had 20 walks total in 3 innings. 

5-foot-9, 160 pounds. As a switch-hitting catcher, he stands out but also batted the best ball of the game, with a bases-clearing hit to the left-center wall, which he hit at 85 EV. His secondary position is RHP, where he didn’t make an appearance but is something of note to keep an eye out for. He’s got a solid swing with a controlled hand load which I like for his age. Plenty of room to still fill out but he will be someone to keep an eye on as he progresses. 

Positional Profile: C/RHP Priority bat in the class with elite swing mechanics for age.
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Medium frame. Strong, proportional build with present strength.
Delivery: Backside loaded delivery with very good patience over rubber building up connected power. Minimally paced.
Arm Action: LH. Full, repeatable, short circle arm action he hides well.
FB: T77, 75-77 mph. Run with occ. sink. T1778, 1713 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. T2171, 2120 average rpm.
CH: 70-70 mph. Fade & Depth. T1172, 1067 average rpm.
KN: 68-70 mph. Falls off table at times.

Positional Profile: C/RHP Priority bat in the class with elite swing mechanics for age.
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Medium frame. Strong, proportional build with present strength.
Hits: SH. Very athletic setup. Medium base with perfect posture and pre set weight on legs. Hands set below shoulder and he works them up into hitting slot, angling into launch position with ease. Chest loads hands for him, smooth hip pace out of negative move due to weight on inside of back foot. Exceptional torque at foot strike for age. Knob led path that creates an absolute blur during lag. Short and compact stroke.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 77.9 MPH. 283' max distance. Ball jumps off barrel with backspin to both gaps.
Arm: LH. C-70 mph. OF-79 mph. Throws are much better when he keeps release point even with shoulder, when he goes above head it slows him down.
Defense: 2.20-2.44 pop times. Solid reciever for age, moves well laterally and a willing blocker.