Michael
Barker

Arkansas State commit, and currently ranked No. 56 in the state is an upside arm to follow this spring. Barker got the ball to start for the Panthers on Saturday and tossed three innings only allowing one earned run on two hits, two walks, while punching out three. His fastball sat 86-89 mph (T90) early on before settling in the mid 80’s. He had an advanced feel for the bottom of the zone with his breaker, often locating at the knees of opposing hitters at 69-71 mph. He also tossed in a changeup at 81 mph as more of a show pitch in the outing.

Verbally committed to Arkansas State.

Uncommitted. Lanky 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame with long, protectable limbs. Entered the game in the fourth for the Panthers and hurled three key relief innings en route to a win. Quick tempo and pace throughout, simple tall/fall type delivery, stays connected with the rubber to front foot strike, closes off slightly at landing. Fluid mover, noticeable upside on the hill. Short continuous arm path, finishes from an over-the-top slot. Fastball touched 87 mph early, settled into the mid-80s as his outing went on. Most effective down in the zone and on the glove side corner, comfortable working that side of the plate with consistency. Changed pace with a 68-70 mph curveball with depth and gradual downer spin to it, landing it for strikes. Flashed a changeup to left-handed hitters at 76-77 mph with some sink. An upside arm that’s still on the market. 

Positional Profile: RHP/RHP
Body: 6-3, 162-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch-only, simple delivery, repeats, lands on-line.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T85.5, 81-84 mph. Plays clean out of the hand, mostly straight, late finish through the zone. T2256, 2074 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. Slurvy shape, 11/5 plane. T1933, 1908 average rpm.
CH: 70-70 mph. T1513, 1513 average rpm.

Michael has a simple, efficient stretch-only delivery and his arm plays short from a high ¾ slot. His fastball played clean out of the hand with straight action and late hop through the zone at times, going to an 11/5 breaking ball with ability to land it for strikes. Michael had an extremely efficient two innings of work, going 1-2-3 both innings.