Spencer
Rife

VA/DC Scout Blog

This is the second time we have seen Rife in the two weeks of scrimmages and this time was just as cold and Rife was just as impressive. Facing a more complete lineup in Liberty Christian, he did what he does...throw strikes and keep hitters off balance. He threw the first two of the final scrimmage of the day and after getting loose multiple times with a slight delay he came out and filled up the zone just like he did against Thomas Dale. The one thing that continues to stand out about Rife is his composure and confidence on the mound. You can tell the kid is a pitcher. Pitching backwards, using both sides of the plate, and working at his pace make him the most intriguing arm I have seen in these five scrimmages. The fastball velo was at 78-80 mph and the curveball was 63-65 mph. 

Preseason All-State

Rife is 6-0 with an athletic frame and a strong lower half. He throws from a higher three-quarters arm slot with a longer arm action that is quick and high effort. Shoulders are uphill and on line, lands open with a slight fall off finish and recoil. Fastball was 82-83 with downward plane and some late run. Curveball was 63-64 with big gradual 12/6 break and some armspeed. Change-up was 72-74 with some armspeed and late fade to it.

2.11.17:  Rife is 5-11 and throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a short arm action and normal effort. Shoulders are closed and uphill and landing is slightly open with a complete athletic finish. Fastball was 78-80 with some late run. Change-up was 65-67 with some armspeed and arm side run. Curveball was 60-61 with 11/5 action.