Jacob
Speaker

4.23. 18 Speaker starts at shortstop for All Saints and hits in the top of the order. At 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, he can handle the ball in the middle of the field, showing the ability to play on the run and throw from different slots should allow him to stay on the left side of the infield at the next level. Jacob was 1-for-3 on Monday with a single and run scored. He ran a 4.43 home to first twice on ground balls in the 6 hole, and he led off the game with a hot shot that short hopped into the third baseman’s mitt. Jacob pitched the last two innings of relief for All Saints, his fastball sat 87, touched 88 once, while his curveball wa 69-76 with 11/5 shape. With his projectable frame, ability to be an offensive player at a premium position, I would expect Jacob to get a lot of attention from college recruiters as an infielder.

 

1.20.18 Speaker has a sturdy, projectable frame at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds. A two-way player and primary shortstop, Speaker works from a high-¾ slot with a quick arm stroke. His fastball cam in at 80 mph. What he calls a slider, varies in shape and depth at 68-73 mph and has more 11/5 curveball action compared to his cutter (71-75) that has more late, lateral movement. Changeup comes in at 68 mph with arm side fade. At the plate, the right-handed hitter starts from an open stance before using a reverse leg lift with a slight toe-tap to load and trigger his hands back and down. Lands balanced, sitting down into his legs as he fires his hips to transfer his weight through contact. Has really good feel for the barrel and knows how to throw the head. Quick hands, hard contact with leverage, laced balls from gap to gap during batting practice. Loose finish with an exit velocity of 90 mph with more to come in the future. At shortstop, Speaker has soft hand and an easy exchange in the midline of his body. Arm works well from different slots, accurate thrower with carry across the infield at 77 mph.