08/12/2012 - College PREP - Raleigh, NC John is a tall, lanky 1B/RHP that will graduate in 2014. Currently, he projects best at 1B for the next level. Foot speed is solid as indicated by his 7.31 60 time. Feet are active as he displays proper footwork around the bag and is a quality receiver. Hands are clean but needs to present more out front and attack ground balls more to improve defensive abilities. Throws are accurate with carry into his target. At the plate is where Downum shows best through an athletic setup. Hands are quick, flashing bat speed through a level swing path. He has leverage in his swing with the baseball jumping off his bat, mainly to the pull side. For hitting grades to continue to improve, he needs to work to keep hands inside the ball to utilize all fields. On the mound, fastball shows a range of 73-74 mph. Changeup is best off speed pitch displays solid arm side run but slows arm speed, tipping off pitch to hitters. Breaking ball shows 10/4 shape with gradual break. He throws strikes with all his pitches. With 2 years to further develop, John has potential and will catch the eyes of the collegiate coaches as he continues to improve.