Jared
Poland

Poland has progressed from higher effort reliever to polished Friday night starter. Two summers ago in the Grand Park Collegiate League he was much more of a strong-armed reliever prospect who touched 96 with a power breaker. On Friday against the Hokies his polished delivery produced consistent 91-93 (avg 92.4) mph fastballs, while topping at 94.6. The pitch showed above average life with above average command and spun in the 2300-2400 rpm range. It averaged 11.6" of horizontal movement as 9.6" considered average at the D1 college level. For much of the game he pitched off his curve and change-of-pace, especially with runners in scoring position or early in the count to fend off the aggressive-minded Hokie sluggers. Both off speed pitches graded out to at least average on this look. Spinning much slower than his fastball at 1700 rpm, his 81-85 mph changeup showed solid fade as he threw the pitch to both left and right handed batters. His 78-82 mph breaking ball spun quickly, averaging nearly 2650 rpm with late action. At the end of the night on 94 pitches, Poland earned the W with 6.1 innings, allowing one run on six hits. For the season he improved to 4-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 66.1 IP.

Showing the biggest heater of the day at 96 mph, Poland is strong and matured bodied at 6-foot, 205 pounds. He works downhill and in good direction to the plate. With good arm speed he generates above average fastball spin rates ranging from 2350-2550 rpm. His top pitch was a hard-breaking slider at 87 mph, while also showing a low-spin (1640-1835 rpm) change-of-pace in the 86-88 mph range. In the past I’ve also seen an above-average 78-80 mph curve that shifts between 12-to-6 and 11-to-5 action, but that pitch was shelved on this latest look. Poland ranked No. 124 overall in the 2018 prep class as a SS/RHP. With plus fastball velocity, two above average breaking balls and a useable fourth pitch in his change, look for Poland to challenge for a weekend rotation spot for the Cardinals next spring, or as a cornerstone in the backend of their bullpen. With continued good health and uptick in velocity, he’s a likely top five round pick next June.

A two-way talent for Louisville this spring as a true freshman, and for Bourne this summer, Poland is a dependable relief arm with a nice one-two punch in his 89-to-93 mph fastball and an above-average 78-80 mph curve that shifts between 12-to-6 and 11-to-5 action. He excels at pounding both sides of the plate with his fastball and teasing the slider out of the zone as a chase offering, but is also comfortable enough with the breaker to drop it in for a strike early in the count. Despite impressive strikeout totals – 25 strikeouts in 19.2 innings this spring and 18 strikeouts in 10.2 innings this summer – the profile projects more mid-relief than high-leverage, but Poland shows good feel for the craft and does a good job staying off of swing plane in spite of his 6-foot stature. As an arm he projects as a potential mid-Day Two talent.

Spring Scout Blog: The #4 ranked player in the state and #124 overall in the country continued to showcase his advanced tools in game Saturday. In big showdown with Schnell and Roncalli, the senior Louisville commit went 2-3 at the plate with a triple, with 2 RBI, and 3 runs scored in front of a handful of pro scouts. The short compact, strong swing barreled baseballs all day, all pull side with ease. Ball jumps off the bat with an explosive but controlled swing. Looks more physical than last season, made all the plays in the field, showing off arm strength across the diamond from shortstop. Finished 1-4 in the second game against CG, hitting two balls hard pull side. One of the top hitters in the state with an advanced approach at the plate. 

Saturday, using his short, compact swing to collect a couple more hits. He controls the barrel and the ball jumps off his bat. He went 3-for-6 on the day with a triple and is now 6-for-9 on the weekend.

SCOUT BLOG: The 5'11" junior and Louisville commit impressed on the diamond with clean defensive actions and a big bat. The Cathedral shortstop displayed smooth, fluid actions at shortstop with soft hands and good glove action to field the baseball with one hand. Arm strength and carry across the diamond from deep in hole, works well laterally up the middle as well. Projects as second baseman or third baseman at the next level, bat will play. Big bat in the order from the right side, slightly open, solid base to start. Smooth hand load and separation to start swing into launch. Upper body and barrel get good tilt to create whip through the hitting zone. Back elbow and knee stay connected throughout to contact. Big bat speed with pull side pop. Has power gap-to-gap, with good plate coverage. Crushed bases clearing double to centerfield to take lead in sectional championship. Ranked #4 prospect in 2018 class with advanced tools.

2/19/17: 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, strong/athletic frame.  Offensively, the RHH hits from a slightly open, athletic setup, smooth load, minimal stride.  Short, slightly uphill swing path with quick hand speed, gets to extension.  Present pull-side pop.  Ability to drive the gaps.  Good barrel control.  Registered a high exit velocity of 88 mph.  Above average lower half.  Defensively, showcased athletic actions with above average glove work, fluid footwork, clean exchange.  Ran a 6.92 in the laser-timed 60 yard dash.  Louisivlle commit.

Game Notes: Louisville commit was 2-3 with a double, 2RBI and 2R in an 11-0 victory in the opening round of sectional play. Defensively uses a clean, quiet glove and fluid footwork. Arm is above average for 2B. At the plate starts wide with good balance. Leg lift and minimal stride. Hands stay close to extension with a fast bat. Pull side power that will produce. Above average speed.

5/30/15 GAME NOTES: Poland is a 5-foot-11, 180 pound middle infield type who plays 2B, but has enough arm strength to play SS. Good above average hands and clean exchange. The plate is where he excels. An athletic setup with a smooth load. Fast hands allow him to barrel up balls consistently with pull side power that is surprising for his age. Swing can get long at times.  4.3-4.4 runner down the line.  

5/12/15 GAME NOTES: 5'11 175lb freshman projects to play either MIF position and bat works. Average to strong for age should continue to get stronger and more athletic. Defensively throws from a low 3/4 arm slot with loose actions and fluid footwork. Hands are good for a freshman. At the plate starts slightly open, good balance, a smooth/short load and fast bat speed. Has potential gap to gap power. Barrel got to the ball consistently. Average speed at the moment with a 4.69 turn.