LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2016 Midwest Top Prospect Showcase
Nathan Hayden is a 2017 LHP/1B with a 6-3 185 lb. frame from Des Moines, IA who attends Ankeny. Large frame with long limbs and a lean, athletic build. Shows wiry strength throughout frame, projection for additional strength with continued physical development. Ran a 7.38 sixty yard dash. Primary left handed pitcher with a simple side step to leg lift delivery. Stays tall on back side at balanced point. Shows a compact stride length with front side while driving to the plate. Lands at a slightly open position, clear hips through rotation with ease. Releases from a mid three-quarters arm slot. Fastball has some downhill angle to the plate in the mid 70's, topped at 75 mph. Curveball has 2/7 shape with soft spin and some depth when located down in the zone. Flashed tighter spin and depth when working curveball to glove side. Flashed a straight changeup with a deceptive arm speed that matching fastball offering. Consistently filled the strike zone and challenging hitter, has some feel to spot up on each edge of the plate at times. Also worked out defensively from first base showing good range while coming off the bag and surrounding the baseball. Centers up the baseball well while funneling out front and releases from a three-quarters slot. Created occasional carry across the infield with accuracy, topped at 65 mph. Left handed hitter with an upright, straight stance and high back elbow set. Lower half launches to contact with rotational actions creating some shift. Hands launch on a compact, inside path to contact creating a line drive plane through extension. Primarily worked the baseball to the middle of the field between the gaps, but flashed the hand quickness to turn the barrel to pull side as well. Tools will continue to develop with maturity and repetition. Good student as well.