LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2003 National Showcase
Portice had one of the loosest and quickest arms at the Perfect Game National in Lincoln. At 6-1, 160 lbs, he was also one of the least physically mature players at the event and one of the most projectable. Portice throws from a slow, deliberate Hideo Nomo style delivery. He turns his back completely to the hitter while pivoting at the top of his wind up, then unwinds quickly to a low ¾’s release point (compare to Nomo’s almost exaggerated overhand release point). We can’t imagine that the hitters can see the ball too well and during the course of a normal game it would take them an at bat or two to get used to the novelty of the delivery. At a consistent 89-91 mph, touching 92, Portice’s fastball is quick enough already but with his physical projection and the ease that it leaves his hand, there is little question there is more velocity in there. Some pitchers throw 91 and it looks like they’re having to push the ball out of their hand. With Portice, the ball explodes out of his hand. His second best pitch is an 80 mph change up that has good sinking action from the same arm slot. Portice’s curveball gets fair spin considering his release point but at 67-69 mph needs a solid jolt of velocity to complement the velocity on his fastball. This kid deserves to be followed very closely by MLB scouts. He has a special right arm. He could pitch at any college in the country as a freshman.