Cole Barker RHP/1B

09/20/2014 - Pitching & Catching Accelerated Training Weekend (Ages 14-18) Commuter Cole is a hard working ballplayer who shows plus skills and is very coachable. He shows great balance in his delivery with the ability to gather himself over the rubber, giving him fluid timing in his separation. Cole has the ability to throw 3 pitches effectively, but he needs to continue to work on his command. He tends to be stiff in his delivery and arm action which effects his control. Cole needs to work on staying relaxed in the balance point which will allow his body to relax throughout the delivery as well. Cole also needs to continue to work on his direction he tends to fall off toward 1B in the finish causing the arm to drag.

07/25/2014 - Baseball Factory National World Series at Pirate City Cole is a two way player at 1B/RHP. Defensively, he provides fielders a big target, isn't afraid to body the ball up and works well toward the ball when fielding. Situational awareness and improving his ability to stride to the ball not before it is thrown will help him to become a better first baseman. On the mound, Cole has a strong balance point, mound presence and has good length. Developing secondary pitches and strengthening his arm will help him improve. At the plate, Cole has a good setup, shows good pop and always finds the barrel but can improve his rhythm and looseness when hitting. Cole is a respectful kid who listens very well and is committed to making adjustments to become a better ballplayer. He continues to get better each time we see him.

03/16/2014 - National Tryout - Bowie, MD Cole showed improvements in his overall game in increased his radar velocity during his workout in Bowie. Cole topped out at 66 MPH, showing a smooth arm action, and a good release. He works to his balance point well, separates on time, and bends his back properly. At 1st base, Cole centers the ball well, his hands are sure, and he throws with accuracy across the diamond. At the plate, Cole has a square set-up, an activated load, and he swings in good rhythm. He has good bat speed, a level swing, and good barrel accuracy.

02/22/2014 - Hitting Accelerated Training Weekend (Ages 12-14) Cole is a very strong kid that does a great job of using his entire body, and clearing everything though the hitting zone. Cole needs to focus on loosening his body and start to get some tempo in the swing, he tends to get stiff which causes the front side to get soft, and the front side to pull off the baseball. Also if Cole can land on the ball of his front foot in the launch he will be able to use the heel landing as a timing mechanism, he currently lands flat footed which will throw his timing off, and also cause his swing to get stiff as well.

09/14/2013 - Pitcher/Catcher Accelerated Training Weekend (Ages 12-14) Cole is a tall athletic pitcher with a long/quick arm action. He displays a controlled balance point, level shoulders, good direction to the plate, and a complete finish. His curveball has a 11/5 slight break and his change up shows good sink and arm speed. Cole is able to locate all three pitches for strikes, keeping hitters off balance. Getting a better push with his back side will help him lengthen his stride and increase velocity. Also, he needs to continue to develop his curveball by staying on top of the ball and pulling down. Cole is a young hard worker with a strong upside.

07/01/2013 - Interactive Video Program - Charleston, WV Cole is a tall, thin, 2-way player who pitches and plays 1B. On the mound, Cole has a long / loose arm action, on-time separation, and he keeps his shoulders level. He has good direction toward home, lands in a square position, and is around the plate with his pitches. At 1st base, Cole is aggressive to the ball, his feet are active, and he throws with accuracy to his target. At the plate, Cole has a square set-up, good balance, and he gets his lower 1/2 through. Overall abilities can improve with work on the following.

Pitching
1. Eyes on target
2. Front arm extension
3. Finish
Defense
1. Soften hands
2. Long toss
Offense
1. Loosen grip
2. Shorten swing
3. Rhythm