Blake
Malatestinic

2017 Spring Scout Blog:  The 5-foot-9, 160 pound pitcher touched 91, sitting 89-90mph with a straight fastball in the first two innings of work on Wednesday.  Settled in at 85-88, still touching 89 and 90 here and there.  Produced several uncomfortable at bats for the opposing hitters.  Breaking ball showed flashes of sharpness at 70-73, with 11/5 shape.  At times it was inconsistent, but found the feel for it in the middle innings.  Was able to put away hitters by stretching the plate and getting them to chase.  Delivery is very repeatable with high effort.  Smooth load and separation.  Lands square with firm front side.  Finishes athletically.  Malatestinic made a velocity jump since the summer.   Despite the small frame, his arm works.  Eastern Illinois signee.

6/25/15: The 5-foot-9 155 pound infielder ran a 7.08 60 yd dash.  Defensively, he has a short arm action and throws were accurate.  Positional velocity was 81mph. Showcased soft hands with fluid feet and exchange was quick.  At the plate, Blake has average bat speed and good balance.  He produced several line drives in batting practice.  Exit velocity was 77mph.  On the mound the RHP pitches from a 3/4 slot with quick arm speed.  Short arm action.  Level shoulders in the delivery with some rhythm. Good line to the plate with an athletic finish.  Fastball was kept down in the zone at 82-83.  Breaking ball shows an 11/5 shape with late action at 70-74.  Threw both pitches for a strike.  

2/22/15:  PITCHING:  5-foot-9, 150 pound righty pitches from quick, ¾ arm delivery with a long arm action.  Athletic, loose arm, smooth rhythm in the delivery with level shoulders.  Stays in line to the plate and lands square.  Fastball was 83-84, up to 86.  Throws 2 breaking balls, a 69 mph curve ball and 72-73 mph slider with late action.  Changeup sits 72-73 with some fade.

5-foot-9, 150 pounds, ran a 7.25-60.  Defensively showcased athletic actions and plays through the baseball.  Takes good angles to balls.  Quick exchange, sure hands.  Offensively, hits from a balanced setup, loads back.  Leg kick.  Over rotates with the lower half.  Possesses average bat speed with a  short, level path to the ball.  Does possess some quick twitch.  Recorded a high exit velo of 74 mph.  

9/21/14: A 5-foot-9, 145 pound righty was 79-83 with his fastball that he kept down in the zone and consistently thrown for a strike.  Throws an 11/5 breaking ball at 67-70 with late action and tight spin, but erratic in the zone.  His 74-76 mph changeup shows good fade and thrown for a strike. Pitches from a ¾ slot with a short, quick arm action.  Easy effort and smooth rhythm within the delivery.  Good overall athleticism.  Defensively, the MIF possesses soft hands with quick feet.  Plays through the baseball well with some athleticism.  Possesses arm strength across the diamond at 82 mph.  Offensively, hits from a slight crouch with a short stride.  Load is smooth.  Level path to the baseball with fluid rhythm.  Makes hard contact producing line drives.  Ran a 7.39 60 and registered an exit velo of 73 mph.