Editor's
note: Perfect Game recognizes that there are dozens of standout
performers at this year's 17u WWBA National Championship. The
thoughts provided below are first-hand observations from Scouting
Coordinator Jheremy Brown during the event's fourth day.
It’s
been a big transformation for Jeff Belge (2016, Syracuse,
N.Y.) from last summer to this summer, as his frame has become more
physical and he has begun to use his lower half better in his
delivery, resulting in more velocity. In last year’s 16u WWBA
National Championship, Belge was working in the 84-85 mph range with
his fastball. Reports from this past spring out of Syracuse indicate
that Belge had been topping out at 94 mph.
In
yesterday’s start the first pitch to leave the lefthanded Belge’s
hand was a 93 mph fastball, and he worked between 89-92 mph
throughout his two-inning stint. The ball comes out of his hand
cleanly and projects for more velocity, especially as he continues to
add strength to his 6-foot-6 frame. In yesterday’s outing Belge was
working across his body a bit which led to inconsistencies in his
release point, causing him to miss high and out with his fastball.
Once
he becomes more on-line with his delivery and gets over his front
side to establish his fastball for strikes, the St. John’s commit
will be able to use his off-speed pitches more effectively, both of
which showed potential. He threw his changeup at 83-84 mph with fade
from the same arm slot and worked it low in the zone. When he stays
on top of his curveball it showed nice 1-to-7 shape with depth, but
like with his fastball, he would occasionally pull it across his
body, causing it to lose it’s shape.
With
the ease in which Belge is able to generate velocity and maintain it,
he will be that much more effective once he irons out his lower half,
and projects for even more velocity in the future.
Andrew
Baker (2016, Tavares, Fla.) is a quick-twitch athlete that has
the potential to make an impact as a freshman as a true two-way
player should he get to college. Yesterday he impressed with his
defense in center field and on the bases. To get the scoring started
for Chet Lemon’s Juice, Baker had a successful attempt of stealing
home on a straight steal after noticing the pitcher was working from
the wind up with two outs. It’s that same speed which allows Baker
to cover vast amounts of ground in center which plays up even more so
as he gets good reads and jumps on the ball off the bat.
Alex
Kirilloff (2016, New Kensington, Pa.) showed a natural feel for
the barrel last October in Jupiter and has continued to do so in
yesterday’s game. Batting in the middle of the order for Baseball
U, the Liberty commit went 4-for-4, with contact to all parts of the
field. Rather than trying to do too much with the bat and roll over
an outside pitch, Kirilloff would extend his arm and drive the ball
the other way, which he did for two of his hits, including a double
that even got over Andrew Baker’s head in left-center field for a
stand-up double.
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