I saw a 17 year old let loose with a 97 MPH cutter

[KaraandMelliesDaddy]

I was with a buddy who is a baseball agent at an exhibition game (rare to get one around here so there were about 10 scouts there). He was there to look at a 3B he thought had real power potential. I thought I saw the guy when he headed to the mound instead. He was 6'3" and had to be 210-220.

It was unreal. Kid showed three pitches, a 4 seamer clocked at 99, a cutter at 97, and a change at 71. I saw the radar gun, it was a legit 99.

He was smoking the other team in an exhibition for the upcoming spring baseball season. He's got one more year of high school and then I figure he's going early in the draft.

I wasn't the only one impressed, the Blue Jays and the Pirates had their guys there for sure, I think maybe the Nationals did too (that's what I heard) but I know Toronto and Pittsburgh's crew and they were on it. No one had the radar gun but my friend so they were coming over for readings. I guess they were there to see the 3B too.

BTW, the 3B went 3 for 4 with two doubles and has a sweet swing from both sides of the plate.

[Crash1207]

I have a friend who used to be a scout for the Pirates here in the Illinois/Indiana/Kentucky area and he used to take me along to watch kids and it is definitely a fun experience. He even let me do a write up on a kid based on my take on him.

I think we went and watched nearly 2 dozen games and provided reports on 35-40 kids. One got drafted.

[otmack2o]

KMD, I think I know who you are talking about. PM me his name just to make sure. I think this guy will definitely be in 2009 Bowman Draft! I can't wait for his first auto card to drop!