TJ
Gregory

April 2017

Gregory had the start, going 5+ innings in his season debut punching out 5 and scattering 5 hits. The long and lean RHP showed a 3 pitch mix, using his CB early and often while showing FB command down in the zone. Went to a 2S change up that showed down action, getting plenty of chase swings. Repeatable delivery working at an up tempo pace. Breaking ball early was tight with some depth, late in the game his arm dropped and it became more lateral but still effective. The LHH showed an approach at the plate, lacing double to straight away CF and just missing one on a deep fly to RF. 

Preseason All-State (February 20, 2017)

Gregory has a lean 6-foot-1 frame weighing in at 180-pounds, 20-pounds up from the 2016 summer. Advanced ball-player with a next-level skillset. At the plate he uses a simple upright approach, short front step for timing on the pitch, fluid smooth bat path through the contact zone generating above average bat-speed (86 mph off a tee). Shows balance through-out the entire swing with signs of some gap-to-gap power. Runs well from left-side just slightly over the 7.0 60-yard dash.  Defensively- Shows some range to each side, footwork is average for the position, above average arm-strength at 84 mph from the left-side of the infield. Very quick glove to ball release. Pitching- On the mound he uses fluid mechanics with a side-step and belt high knee lift. Quick working arm-action with a release from a high 3/4 slot, fastball ranging 81-83 mph. Changeup during the preseason event was above average showing fastball hand-speed, with late dropping fade to the arm-side. Alternates between CB and SL with some feel for both.
 

 TJ continues to develop physically, now at 6-foot-0 and 160 pounds the SS/RHP ran a 7.41 60 and a 4.28 home-to-1B (LHH). Offensively- TJ starts in a narrow/upright setup with a slightly open front foot. Bat angle starts flat with cup of the bat towards the mound. Coils hands back off the shoulder with a stride that gets him back to even. Adequate back foot/hip rotation. Can occasionally inside-out his contact. Line drive/gap results with some pull side pop. A few extra moving parts within the swing that could present some issues down the road against elite pitching. Exit velocity improved to 81 MPH from last years Futures event. Defensively- TJ starts in an upright position and is active with his breakdown steps into the ball. Covers ground with long strides. Glove works well out in front but would like to see him be more efficient staying lower into his throwing transition with a cleaner shuffle step. Left side infield arm at 79 MPH, up 3 MPH from last summer. Long term projection may have him slide over to 3B. Pitching- On the mound TJ continues to grow. Working from his glove side he uses a short drop step up to a mid-chest balance point. Lands closed, bracing up on his front side with a slight recoil to his finish. Arm action is free and easy working through a 3/4 slot. Spots his FB to both sides of the plate, sitting at 79 MPH, touching 80 MPH. Showed a good feel for both his slider (70-71 MPH) with late tight action/tilt and his change up that held it's plane at 70-72 MPH.

 We had an extended look at TJ this past July as a member of the Eastern NY Futures team at the PBR Games in Rochester, NY. The lanky middle infielder had one of the best batting practices of the day driving balls gap-to-gap with an aggressive lower half and fluid swing path. Looked to have gained some extra juice in his bat. First looked at TJ on the mound had him topping out at 79 MPH with his fastball. Would like to see more of him here with his 6-foot-0, 160 pound frame fitting that role better then behind the plate where he also worked out.

TJ features a wiry/athletic build at 5'11 155 lbs. Put up some respectable measurables with 7.09 60, 77 Exit velocity and 76 MPH arm strength across the diamond. With his frame and athleticism, expect those numbers to jump over the years ahead. Offensively- TJ hits from an upright position that is slightly open to start. He gets back to even with the stride and gains some ground, occasionally pulling weight forward to soon. Slight coil with load and barrel stays above hands. Keeps hands inside contact and clears lower half through consistently. Finish up and away from body towards first base line and foul territory. Showed some pull side pop but can still cover all fields. Defensively- TJ is active with his feet and keeps hands out in front. Serviceable left side arm that uses a short arm action and low 3/4 slot. More in the tank here. Occasional extra shuffle step delays transfer and release. Runs well enough to pursue corner outfield spot if needed, body may grown into 3B type frame as well. 

 Gregory stands an athletic but slender 5-foot-11, 153-pounds. Offensively-  At the plate from the left side he starts open with his hands high, gets back to even with load.  Gains rhythm with a soft stride and back load.  Shows signs of power with (74mph) exit velocity.  Strong line drive swing with good torque.  Pulls off center slightly at contact making him finish at shoulder height or lower.  In the field he starts with his glove out front, palm up. Defensively- Moves well side to side, and shows some speed for his age, (7.3 60yd Dash).  Receives the ball out front, in a low athletic stance.  Stays low and quickly moves through his shuffle.  Throws from a high cocked 3/4 arm slot.  Shows good arm strength from the hole (74mph), with carry.  Good athletic body with room for growth.