LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2017 Fall Academic Showcase
Blaise Smith is a 2020 1B/LHP with a 5-11 160 lb. frame from Harrisburg, NC who attends Hickory Ridge. Medium frame with a lean build and wiry strength. Primary first baseman with with smooth, sound footwork while traveling to and centering the baseballs. Funnels underneath the baseball and works through exchange with quick, fluid actions. Released from a compact arm action generating some carry to the bag at 72 miles per hour. Right handed hitter with a slightly crouched, slightly open stance and simple front side trigger. Works to contact with rotational lower half actions. Simple path to contact with a level, line drive barrel plane through extension. Flashed good feel for the barrel and consistently worked the baseball to the middle of the field between to the gaps. Also pitched working exclusively from the stretch. Utilized a high leg lift and stayed balanced at gather. Tends to land at a slightly closed position on front side creating some crossfire at release. Hid the baseball well at take back and released from a high three-quarters slot. Fastball produced some downhill plane through the zone with solid life out of hand in the mid 70's. Curveball had 2/7 shape with loose spin and solid depth when maintaining arm speed to finish. Consistently looked to located both pitches to the bottom quadrants of the zone and challenge hitters. Outstanding student.