Brian
Hobbie

4/23/14 Ranked No. 15 in Illinois’ 2014 class, No. 66 overall. Signed at Indiana. Strong 6-foot-5, 215 right-hander. Showed improved secondary stuff to go along with lively fastball. Came out in first sitting 87-89 mph, touching 90 a few times. Pitched at 85-87 in fifth inning. Occasionally fastball had heavy arm-side sink. Changeup and slider also showed to be quality pitches. Slider registered in 78-83 range; changeup in the 76-78 range. Pitched 6.1 innings, allowing nine hits, struck out five, walked two and hit one batter.

2/17/13 - Although Hobbie has always been a top 20 prospect in Illinois’ 2014 class, it would be remiss not to mention him here. Because certainly Hobbie’s performance elevated his status as a premier right-handed prospect in the Midwest. For starters, he his 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame cuts an imposing presence on the mound. He has wide shoulders, long arms and is surprisingly athletic in his delivery. Oh, and his stuff is legit. His fastball sat at 88 mph with hard, late run. He works downhill and gets excellent extension. He continued to impress with his secondary stuff. His curveball is a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch, as it demonstrated sharp 12/6 break down in the zone (72-73 mph). He throws his breaking ball with confidence and command. His changeup, too, showed promise, sitting at 77 mph with sink. With his size, athleticism and arm, there’s little doubt Hobbie should become one of the most coveted prospects in the 2014 class.

At 6-foot-4, 190-pounds, Hobbie is a physically advanced Class of 2014 prospect who possesses considerable upside. The right-hander comes from an over-the-top arm slot, and showed some arm acceleration. His fastball topped at 82 mph, sitting at 80-81. Hobbie demonstrated feel and command for three pitches. His curveball, in the 68-70 range, had 11/5 shape, and he also threw a 71-72 mph changeup down in the zone with some arm-side sink. Hobbie, who ran a 7.37 60, also showed well as a position player at third base. He showed some arm strength (77 mph) across the infield and solid defensive actions. Offensively, Hobbie is extremely physical for his age, as he demonstrated pull-side power potential. No doubt, though, his future will be on the mound. With a few minor mechanical adjustments, Hobbie has the potential to be one of the premier recruits in the Class of 2014.