LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2016 West Academic Showcase
Michael Barker is a 2017 LHP/1B, OF with a 6-0 205 lb. frame from Ridgecrest, CA who attends Immanuel Christian. Large frame with a strong, athletic build and present strength throughout. Ran a 7.37 sixty yard dash. Primary left handed pitcher with a smooth paced, side step delivery. Uses lower half well while driving to the plate with drop and drive mechanics. Stays balanced and on line throughout delivery. Creates a long arm circle back at separation and releases for a high three-quarters arm slot with good extension through finish. Fastball has solid downhill angle to the plate with occasional running action to both edges sitting in the upper 70's to low 80's, topped at 85 mph. Curveball has tight spin with late depth down in the zone in the low 70's. Also flashed a changeup in the mid 70's with deceptive arm action and occasional fading action. Showed a good feel for both off speed pitches, consistently locating down in the strike zone and outer edge. Aggressively attacked the strike zone, getting ahead of hitter early. Also showed the ability to pitched backwards at times, effectively keeping hitters off balance throughout each inning. Also worked out defensively from first base and outfield. From first base shows fundamental footwork while surrounding the baseball. Clean glove actions while funneling the baseball with smooth paced exchanges while working into throws. Solid arm strength while throwing to second and third, topping at 80 mph. From the outfield shows fluid actions while closing on the baseball and working through transfer. Long, loose arm action from a high three-quarters slot. Throws produced good carry to the bag with accuracy, topped at 82 mph. Left handed hitter with a tall, balanced stance and leg lift trigger. Lower half launches to contact with linear actions. Present bat speed and strength at contact that generates good jump of the barrel to the gaps. Primarily used a mid-field approach, but shows the ability to aggressively turn the barrel and produce loud pull side contact. Smooth, repeatable swing mechanics that resulted in well timed, consistent hard contact. Solid two way prospect. Very good student. Named to 2016 West Academic Showcase Top Prospect List.