Blake
Baylor

Baylor, a 2021 right-handed hitting middle infielder/RHP, stands at  5-foot-7 and weighs 140 pounds, ran a 8.38 60. Offensively- Starts with a wider lower half, feet more than shoulder width apart, with the hand above the back shoulder and barrel of the bat slightly wrapped around the head pointed towards the pitcher. Initiates the swing with a shift of weight to the back leg while the lead foot gets slightly above the ground and hand are moved minimally during the load. Swing was compact during batting practice, keeping the ball between the pull side line and centerfield. Recorded an exit velocity of 71 MPH, which should improve over the years as strength and size are added.  Defensively- Athletic setup during the pitch, with the weight, on the balls of the feet, balanced and glove in front of the body. Fluid movements to the ball, lowering the glove and getting into a strong position using the legs rather than the waist. Clean and quick transfer from slightly above the waist creating a shorter arm action. Registered and arm velocity of 66 MPH.   Pitching- Setup on the third base side of the rubber with both hands held in front of the chest. Gets into the gathered position with a simple step towards the first base line with the pivot foot dragging to center rubber and hands remain chest height with the back elbow elevating slightly while the lead knee gets just a bit higher than the waist line. Separates the ball from the glove early, sticking the landing with the lead toe slightly closed but keeping the lead elbow and glove in front of the throwing side shoulder. The fastball, thrown from a mid ¾ arm slot, showed heavy arm side run as well as sink, topping out at 65 MPH. The curveball, thrown from the same arm slot, slowed down a bit during release causing a bit a loopy spin with some showing a backing up action. The curveball topped out at 54 MPH, but with more arm speed and better extension on the release should create more bite and consistent rotation.