Blake
Lillis

2015 All-Eastern Kansas League - 1st Team

4/6/15 - Lillis is an Arkansas commit and 2016 MLB Draft follow. Left-handed pitcher. Stronger and more physical 6-foot-3 frame than a year ago. Projects. Easy, athletic delivery, arm works. In a few innings of work showed a low-to-mid 80’s fastball with late arm side run, topped out at 86 mph. More in the tank velocity wise. Threw two innings and struck out two.

6/18/14 - Lillis is a tall, athletic 6-foot-3, 175-pound left-handed pitcher.  He showed excellent body control throughout his delivery.  At balance he closes off to a degree effectively hiding the ball from the hitter.  He has an easy delivery and arm and throws from a three-quarters slot with a fastball in the 82-85 mph range.  His fastball has proper shape sinking arm-side, firm to cutting glove side.  He also features a 66-67 11/15 breaking ball that, at times, is very sharp - a potential plus pitch going forward. In addition, he showed a sinking 74-75 change-up.  In the game he struck out two of the three batters he faced.  He impressed all in attendance as tall, athletic mid-80’s lefties have a tendency to do and major colleges have begun to hover over him.

6/18/14 - Lillis is a tall, athletic 6-foot-3, 175-pound left-hand hitting outfielder.  In the outfield he showed quick feet, clean exchanges and quick three-quarters arm action making all accurate throws.  His top outfield throwing velocity was clocked at 85 mph.  At the plate, he has a tall set-up and open stance.  He has a long fluid hand load and strides inline.  Lillis generates bat speed, maintains balance and his swing has rhythm and flow to it.  His top exit velocity mark was 88 mph.  He ran a 4.31 home-to-1B from the left side.  Lillis is an impressive athlete as an outfielder but he’s also one of the top class of 2016 left-handed pitching prospects in the area which is likely to overshadow his work as a position player.

5/30/14 Tall, athletic left-handed pitchers are difficult to find, especially in Kansas.  However, St. Thomas Aquinas has one in 6-foot-3, 175-pound sophomore Blake Lillis.  Lillis throws with a deliberate motion and has excellent body control throughout his delivery.  He works from a tall balance point and throws with easy high three-quarters arm action .  His fastball worked in the 82-84 mph range with occasional late sink – he threw a high percentage of strikes with it.  He also features a 68-70 controllable curveball and 72-73 change-up with fading action down and away from right-handed hitters.