Branden
Blankenship

The Charleston (WV) commit will likely continue to be a two-way guy once his steps on campus. 6-foot-2 and 160-pound left-handed pitcher. Blankenship uses a slower tempo in the delivery. Uses a big leg kick before loading into the backside. Stride works slightly across the body creating some deception. Uses a long arm action working through a low-3/4 slot. Fastball sat 79-82 MPH showing cutting action to both sides of the plate. Shows feel for a straight change at 74-75 MPH. The pitch flashed some cut when thrown to the glove side. Breaking ball has 1/7 shape at 71-73 MPH with good spin.  As a position player his arm stood out as his arm from the outfield really stood out amongst his tools. Ball really jumps out of his hands showing a ton of carry to home plate. Swing is from the left side starting in a wider setup. Goes with a slight back load during his leg kick timing trigger. Pre launch movements would be enhanced by adding rhythm. Path has some loft to it, showing more twitch than strength to hands at this stage.

60-yard dash: 7.16

Outfield Velocity: 91

Exit Velocity: 78

8/6/17

A two-way prospect who really impressed on the mound. Works with a good tempo and is an athletic presence on the mound. Arm has obvious looseness to it with above average arm speed. Offers a three-pitch mix, working through a high-¾ slot. Fastball has arm side run consistently in the low to mid 80s. Spins a tight, 1/7 shape breaking ball that has some swing and miss to it. Also offers a changeup that has a similar look to his fastball. A left-handed hitter that starts in an athletic setup. Loading sequence is simple and creates consistent timing. A good athlete with noticeable twitch through the zone. Path is level with above average bat speed. A line drive guy who can find the gaps. In the outfield he plays under control approaching the baseball. Fields through the baseball with above average glove skills. Arm is a plus tool. Throws were on target and completely on a line from right field.

FB: 80-84
CB: 72-74
60-Yard Dash: 7.21
OF Velocity: 89
Exit Velocity: 82

7/12/17
A left-handed hitter that start in a balanced setup. Initiates lower half with a toe turn. Hands stay simple prior to swing decision. Launches from a balanced position, taking a level path to the baseball. Bat speed is above average and swing is efficient. Much more juice in there as he matures. A line drive guy who could grow into a regular gap threat. Defensively, he approaches the ball with proper outfield mechanics. Feet work quickly as he prepares to field the ball to the outside of his glove foot. Throws from a clean 3/4 slot with a longer arm action. Throws the ball consistently downhill with solid arm strength. On the mound, the southpaw starts in an athletic setup. Fluid delivery to the plate. Mechanics are clean and polished. Front foot lands slightly open upon strike. Throws from a ¾ arm slot with a long motion. Fastball shows above average movement. Curveball comes in on a 2-8 tilt with sharp break. Pitch has solid swing and miss ability. Rounds out his offerings with a changeup with side to side movement. Throws the ball with similar arm speed to his fastball. Very talented arm.
FB: 80-84
CB: 69-73
CH: 69-70
60-yard dash: 7.22
Outfield Velocity: 85
Exit Velocity: 79