Alex
Franklin

4/10/18 Spring Scout Blog: Indiana commit. 6-foot-2 strong bodied righty struggled out of the gate giving up five runs in the first on a cold evening. Game time temperature just 41 degrees. The 6th ranked player in Indiana's 2018 class (176th overall) had predictable pitch selection in the first inning with 14 of his first 16 pitches being fastballs. Athletic movements on the bump, Franklin works from a hybrid wind-up. Electric arm from a high 3/4 slot, level shoulders, and some hook on the backside. Lands square with an athletic finish. The fastball showed some plus ability after the first frame. Velocity was up since Jupiter with flashes of hard, late run diving down to RHHs. The pitch was 90-94 in the the first inning with three 94's and 90-92 in the second. Inning three and four saw 87-92 and his final inning of work in the 5th was 88-91 T92. Velo retained out of the stretch. Starting in the second inning Franklin played the fastball off of the breaking ball with significantly better results. Breaking ball had two different shapes and was considerably more effective when thrown with slider action and firmness. This pitch should be thrown with greater frequency. Curveball did miss middle-middle and was hit. Breaking balls were tossed with inconsistent velocity of 73-81. Franklin has had better outings but should an additional MPH or two on the fastball as the temperatures warm and better results with more slider feel. Final line: 5IP 5H 6ER 2BB 6K. 

October 2017, JUPITER: Athletic, strong frame and was 90-93 in the first inning. There is slight arm-side run to his fastball and solid tilt to the slider, which was 76-78.

September 2017, PBR FALL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Stands at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and came out of the gates hot, sitting 89-90, touching 91 a few times. He has a live arm with a fast hand out front. His 73-76 curveball is a work in progress. He also flashed a 78-81 changeup.

2017 Spring Scout Blog:  The 6'2", 200 pound junior Indiana commit sat 87-88 mph with a couple 89's early. Fastball was firm, showed late arm side life. Threw the slider at 75-76, with side to side sweeping action, and threw more of a curveball with downward action at 71-73. Flashed a couple good changeups at 78 mph with tumbling, fade action. The big right hander looked more physical than last year. Ball jumped out of the hand at high 3/4 arm slot. Clean and fast arm action with small hook on the back swing. Good rhythm and tempo in delivery with good directional path down the mound. Lower half works with back side getting through each pitch. Repeated out of windup and stretch, held runners well by holding looks and quick feet to pick. 1.08 to the plate with runner at first. Got good extension and acceleration through each pitch with long limbs reaching towards the plate. Good arm in the 2018 class.

8/5/16 FUTURE GAMES: The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder sat 88-89 with his fastball and recorded three strikeouts with his 73-74 mph slider. He has an athletic arm, working from an over-the-top slot and drop-and-drive delivery. 

9/15/19: Another talented sophomore right-hander showed an above average 77-79 mph curveball with good shape and the ability to expand the zone with two strikes. His fastball sat mostly 91 mph.