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Jun 04, 2012 - Jun 06, 2012     
TBD - ,
Blake Hauser
RHP 6-2 160   R/R
FB
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
CB
SL
CH
Split
Knuckle
3/20/12: As a two-way star at Chesterfield’s Manchester High, Hauser was rated the top prospect in Virginia for the 2009 draft. He ended slipping to the Cleveland Indians in the 25th round, and quietly moved on to college at VCU . Working almost exclusively as a starter for the Rams, Hauser went 4-4, 7.07 as a freshman and 3-4, 4.65 a year later. In a combined 99 innings, he struck out 84 while allowing 48 walks and 114 hits. Scouts always maintained that Hauser’s impressive raw stuff and aggressive demeanor were better suited for a bullpen role, and the power righthander’s game finally took off last summer in the Cape Cod League when he was part of a deep, effective back end of the bullpen for league champion Harwich. He was used interchangeably in set-up and closer roles for the Mariners, and went 1-0, 2.60 with three saves. In 17 innings, he walked seven and struck out 19. Most impressive, Hauser showcased the most-electric raw stuff on the Harwich roster in short bursts, with a fastball that was consistently between 94-97 mph and a knockout slider as a dominant second pitch. Based on that breakthrough performance, he was quickly installed as VCU’s closer this spring and has responded with easily his best college season to date. In 11 relief appearances, he has six saves along with 24 strikeouts in 13 innings. Though he has issued 11 walks and was 0-1, 3.55 overall, he has also proved nearly untouchable, allowing just five hits. He also didn’t allow a run in his first 10 innings before being touched up and coincidentally suffering his only loss of the season last Sunday, when he was uncharacteristically brought into a game on the road in the sixth inning. Hauser’s fastball has been a steady 90-94 mph this spring, not quite the velocity he flashed last summer, but his slider has been more-dominant than ever at 83-86 mph. He has shown no hesitation to throw that pitch in any count, unlike out of high school when his slider was considered a below-average offering. Through correcting minor mechanical faults, he has made big strides in sharpening that pitch, though still needs work on commanding of his stuff overall. Hauser isn’t especially physical at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, and doesn’t project much strength beyond normal maturity, but has very good looseness and athleticism. He has a long, extended arm action and a smooth drop-and-drive delivery that enables him to develop excellent arm speed. That he was even considered Virginia’s top draft prospect out of high school was a somewhat remarkable feat considering Hauser took up pitching in earnest just halfway through his junior season at Manchester High. Until that point, Hauser was known more as a center fielder. But he made a rare pitching appearance in a mop-up role late in his junior season and when his fastball unexpectedly clocked at 89 mph, Hauser soon took up pitching with renewed vigor. That summer, he not only pitched South Richmond Post 137 to a state title and a third-place finish in the American Legion World Series, but his fastball velocity spiked into the 90s, topping out at 95 mph. By the start of his senior season, he had quickly emerged as Virginia’s top prep talent with his sudden evolution as a pitching prospect. After two years of retrenching in college, Hauser has again emerged as possibly the top talent in Virginia for the 2012 draft. He and University of Virginia starter Braden Kline (who ironically has moved in the opposite direction, from high-profile closer as a sophomore to a starter as a junior) are considered nearly even money to be the first player in the state to go off the board in June.




Jul 08, 2008 - Jul 14, 2008   North Hurricanes  16
East Cobb Complex - Marietta, GA
Blake Hauser
RHP 6-2 160   R/R
FB
92
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
87-91
CB
78
SL
CH
74
Split
Knuckle




Jun 13, 2008 - Jun 15, 2008   Maroon  12
Metrodome - Minneapolis, MN
Blake Hauser
RHP 6-2 160   R/R
FB
92
60
7.04
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
89-91
CB
73
SL
81
CH
81
Split
Knuckle
Blake Hauser is a 2009 RHP with a 6'2'', 160 lb. frame from Midlothian, VA who attends Manchester. Blake has tall, lanky frame and a very fast arm with a fastball topping at 92 in the Metrodome. His fastball had all kinds of life and it was easy for him to pitch in the low nineties. Blake flashed a very good slider and also mixed in a plus curveball and change up to complete his four pitch repertoire. It will be interesting to watch him develop as he continues to fill out his frame and he is definitely one to follow over the next year for the 2009 draft.
PG Grade 10.0




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Blake Hauser P 2008 National Showcase
Blake Hauser 60 2008 National Showcase
Blake Hauser Hitting 2008 National Showcase