MLB Analyst and ex-scout Frankie Piliere had a chance to watch Andrew Brackman’s start last night in Trenton, and it seems he’s had a change of heart on the 24-year-old prospect.
Here’s the link to the full scouting report on Brackman, but stay here for a dumbed-down, quick recap.
Mechanics
- Using his 6-foot-10 frame, he’s releasing the ball closer to home than an average pitcher.
- He’s repeating his motion better than last year, but it’s not the same every time.
- Sometimes his arm comes around late, making it hard to stay on top of the baseball (resulting in high pitches).
Fastball
- Major improvement in velocity from last year. Averaged 94 mph, topped out at 97.
- Two-seamer had late life, needs to use it more.
- Needs to realize this is his most dominant pitch.
Curveball
- Inconsistent now, but Piliere believes Brackman will get a hang of it “eventually.” Grade: 7 (on 2-8 scale).
- A “true knee-buckler.” He uses his height to get an even bigger drop.
Changeup
- Averaged 85-88 mph, seemed comfortable throwing it.
- Induced lots of weak grounders.
- His biggest improvement, now considered a “complete three-pitch pitcher.”
Summary
- A new-found command in the strike zone.
- Easy-looking delivery.
- Top-of-the-rotation stuff.
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Brackman Link Dump
- Again, here’s the full report from Piliere at Fanhouse.
- Here’s the box score of the game he saw. The numbers aren’t nearly as good as the report.
- Brackman’s career statistics.
- Lastly, here’s Mike Ashmore’s report from last night’s game (with quotes from Brackman).
