A fastball with hop has a flat approach angle and visually jumps through the zone. When thrown up in the zone, it is more likely to generate a higher swing and miss average. Hop+ of 100 is MLB average.
Fastball
Sink+
A fastball with sink has low backspin and drops through the strike zone. When thrown down in the zone, it is more likely to generate a higher ground ball percentage and lower launch angle. Sink+ of 100 is MLB average.
Fastball
Rise+
A fastball with rise has a high percentage of backspin. When thrown up in the zone, it is more likely to generate a higher fly ball percentage. Rise+ of 100 is MLB average
Derek Smith: 3B, (2026) Troy Athens, MI. 5-foot-9, 180-pound. (62.2 mph bat speed average). (18.1 mph hand speed average). Started in a tall active stance with a small load, then used a closed small leg kick. Bat speed was raw, and had a long swing plane. He barreled up some balls with some loud contact. Raw while in the infield, made throws up to 72 mph; showed raw firm hands, choppy average feet, and a developing exchange. Fields the ball out front, movements laterally were raw developing. Solid on the mound, showing good arm speed he had an over-the-top high ¾ arm angle with a short clean arm action. Slow-tempo tilt-and-topple type pitcher and shows some effort. Tall balance point with even shoulders. Lands closed with recoil clean finish. (Max spin 1942; Avg 1887).
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Derek Smith: 3B, (2026) Troy Athens, MI. 5-foot-9, 180-pound. (62.2 mph bat speed average). (18.1 mph hand speed average). Started in a tall active stance with a small load, then used a closed small leg kick. Bat speed was raw, and had a long swing plane. He barreled up some balls with some loud contact. Raw while in the infield, made throws up to 72 mph; showed raw firm hands, choppy average feet, and a developing exchange. Fields the ball out front, movements laterally were raw developing. Solid on the mound, showing good arm speed he had an over-the-top high ¾ arm angle with a short clean arm action. Slow-tempo tilt-and-topple type pitcher and shows some effort. Tall balance point with even shoulders. Lands closed with recoil clean finish. (Max spin 1942; Avg 1887).