Ben Baker RHP/3B

07/17/2018 - Baseball Factory National World Series at Pirate City - Session 1 (Ages 12-14) Ben continues to show improvements in his baseball abilities. He did show behind the plate for the first time at the event. On the mound, arm strength has improved as he threw his top velocity to date at 68 mph. Fastball shows slight cutting action. Breaking ball displays 10/4 shape with loose spin and gradual break. He slows arm speed on his changeup, tipping off pitch to hitters. Behind the plate, pop times showed a range of 2.47-2.87 with accuracy on his throws. Times will continue to drop as he builds more arm strength through a long toss program. Feet are quick in gaining ground through a clean transfer / exchange. He shows a solid setup and sticks balls well in the zone and utilizes his body well through the blocking process but needs to work to get down sooner. At the plate, power potential has improved through an athletic setup. Hands are quick and work through an aggressive approach. He works to stay inside the ball, utilizing all fields through a line drive approach. Mental makeup is a plus as he has a great personality, is very coachable and works hard to be the best player he can be.

12/03/2017 - Interactive Video Program - Lynwood (Chicago), IL Ben is a young, athletic (5'10"/140) RHP who graduates in 2022. On the mound, this RHP has a 3-pitch mix coming from a high 3/4 arm slot. He works to a controlled balance point, keeps his eyes on the target and works in-line toward the dish. FB tops out at 67 mph while showing slight cut. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape with early action. With the bat, this RHH displays an athletic setup as he gets loaded. Quick hands while the barrel through the zone as he connects with pop and drives the ball on a line (exit velocity = 80 mph). Continuing to work on the following will help to take his game to the next level.

Pitching
1. Arm strength (long toss)
2. Off-speed
3. Finish with extension
Offense
1. Stride
2. Balance
3. Contact points