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Jun 01, 2011 - Jun 03, 2011     
TBD - TBA, GA
Matthew Purke
LHP 1B 6-3 170   L/L
FB
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
CB
SL
CH
Split
Knuckle
SCOUTING PROFILE: TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle knew it was unlikely that his prized 2008-09 recruit, Matt Purke, would ever make it on campus. Purke was one of the top prospects available for the 2009 draft, with the potential to be selected among the top three to five overall picks. Signability concerns caused him to drop to the 14th pick and the Texas Rangers, who thought they had an agreement to sign the talented young lefty to a $6 million bonus. Major League Baseball, who was overseeing the organization's finances due to then owner Tom Hicks' financial difficulties, nixed the deal, thus sending Purke off to college. It didn't take Purke long to assume the Friday ace role for the Horned Frogs, who enjoyed the best year in the program's history. Purke was named to just about every All-America team imaginable, with several publications naming him the National Freshman of the Year. He went 16-0 with a 3.02 ERA and an impressive 142 to 34 strikeout to walk ratio over 116.1 innings of work. This year has been a different story however, as Purke missed time early with a blister problem and has been shut down since mid-April due to shoulder fatigue. He recently threw a promising bullpen, and is expected to return to the mound today (Thursday, May 19) against New Mexico. There were already some concerns from scouts about Purke's delivery, as he throws from a low three-quarters release with some effort across his body. He also employs an upside-down takeaway, in which that delivery creates the “inverted W” that is typically frowned upon. His velocity hasn't been quite the same this year, with some low-90s heat in the first inning or two in games, quickly falling to the upper-80s as opposed to a sustained 92-94 mph fastball in 2010. Purke's fastball has some late life, and that pitch, along with his nasty slider that bores in hard on right-handed batters with his crossfire delivery, have been his two go-to pitches. His slider can sit in the low-80s at its best, and he can also take a little off of the pitch to throw more of a true curveball. He also throws a changeup. Purke's best attribute may be his competitive spirit on the mound. He pitches with complete confidence, attacking hitters with his repertoire while moving the ball around the zone with a propensity for inducing weak groundballs. Given his reduced velocity this season, unless he throws much better between now and the draft, it's uncertain where he will go, particularly if his lofty $6 million price-tag remains. Originally expected to be one of the top picks in this year's draft as a draft-eligible sophomore, it would not be surprising to see him return for his junior year with Schlossnagle and TCU. Projected Draft Position: Impossible to determine.




Aug 01, 2008 - Aug 01, 2008   WEST  
Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
Matthew Purke
LHP 1B 6-3 170   L/L
FB
95
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
CB
SL
CH
Split
Knuckle




Jun 13, 2008 - Jun 15, 2008   Columbia Blue  11
Metrodome - Minneapolis, MN
Matthew Purke
LHP 1B 6-3 170   L/L
FB
94
60
40
OF
IF
1B
C
Pop
Range
91-94
CB
SL
81
CH
78
Split
Knuckle
Matthew Purke is a 2009 LHP/1B with a 6'3'', 170 lb. frame from Spring, TX who attends Klein. Purke came in as our number one rated player in the class and did not disappoint at the Metrodome. He used a 3/4 arm angle and a fast arm to sit in the low 90's and top out at 94. His fastball was very lively with run and sink to go with the velocity. Purke's breaking ball showed plus potential and he also had a very good change with good tail. Purke has the total package and continues to project and add to his already dominant stuff. A top 2009 early draft pick follow right up to next June. Aflac All American
PG Grade 10.0




Baseball Web TV Video | See this player's personally updated Skillshow ACT profile & videos ACT Profile
Matthew Purke P 2008 National Showcase