Joseph
Sprake

2017 New Jersey State Games (July 26-27, 2017)
Elon recruit. Sprake has a physical, broad-shouldered build at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds. Possesses a power fastball that jumps on hitters and topped at 91 MPH in his two innings of work and sat 88-90 in his first inning. Sprake's breaking ball is more of a power slider at 76-77 with 11/5 action out of his hand. He also flashed a changeup with heavy armside sink and run when thrown for strikes at 83-84. Quick, up tempo start to delivery into a strong, athletic balance point. Explodes down the mound with a short, quick arm action from a high-3/4 slot. Sprake projects to be a power back-of-the-bullpen type of arm at the next level to come in a relief roll at the end of a ballgame. High ceiling with more in the tank.

 
Preseason All-State Showcase (February 11, 2016)
Sprake has a physical build at 6-foot-3 200-pounds with broad shoulders. One of the top overall performers at the Preseason All-State Showcase. On the mound, Sprake showcased a fastball that got up to 88 mph and sat 86-87. Curveball had 12/6 break at 73-74 mph with fastball arm action and changeup had some arm side run at 77-78 mph for strikes. Good rhythm to his delivery, Sprake uses his lower half well by driving down the mound with his balance leg. Lands with an open foot which causes him to finish toward the first base side of the mound. High-3/4 slot, collapses into front leg on landing and finish -  indicating that he might be over-striding. Creates shoulder leverage going down the mound to help maintain velocity, good frame for a pitcher with more in the tank with some mechanical adjustments. Shows some effort in delivery, long/loose arm action. Slight recoil on finish. High riser in the 2018 class. Offensively- starts with a slight crouch and legs just wider than shoulder width apart. Hands and bat just above shoulder. As pitch comes in, he uses a toe tap and a small stride to initiate swing. Hips show some elasticity, little to no hand load. Weight is loaded on back leg prepitch. Recorded the top Exit Velocity of the event at 101 mph. Defensively- Throws topped at 85 mph across the diamond. Shows sound foot replacement on double play feeds to 2B. Flat footed in approach to ground balls, needs to continue to move feet and gain ground & momentum toward target.