Notes from Lakewood vs. Delmarva

Lakewood’s Colby Shreve was just too dominating through the first five innings to get a feel of Delmarva’s lineup. In my non-professional opinion, the Shorebirds lack any real bat speed. Although there were hard hit balls, I chalk it up more to luck.

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With Colby Shreve, I thought he pitched as good as his stat line (5 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K). He was throwing mainly a 2-seem fastball, with natural downward sink. The pitch topped out at 92, sitting between 88-91 on the stadium gun. He mixed in a strong change between 76-79 MPH. Shreve’s breaking pitch was less refined and he barely threw it; usually to show with two strikes. It looked rather slurvy. He was on a definite pitch count since the next pitcher was warming as Colby started the fifth inning. I don’t think Shreve is a top prospect by any means, but he one the Phillies fan base should keep an eye on.

Next up was Julio Rodriguez who took his turn dominating Delmarva hitters. He threw a bit harder (90-92), topping out at 93. Rodriguez lived in the upper half of the zone and was able to overpower Shorebirds hitters. He didn’t show me enough with his other stuff because he simply didn’t need to use it. Rodriguez had a slurvy curveball which had a Shorebird’s hitter flailing for a third strike. He’s tall and lanky with a frame which projects additional size. I am surprised Rodriguez isn’t on Phillies top prospect lists yet. In reviewing them, they are overvaluing statistical performances of older kids at the lower levels and not seeing young gems like Rodriguez. I would rank him below Braves prospect Arodys Vizcaino and Mets Prospect Kyle Allen, but on level with Mets Prospect Jeurys Familia in a ranking of pitchers I’ve seen at this level in the past 2 seasons.

Jonathan Singleton was special for Lakewood. He homered to center in his second at bat on a flat, 2-seem fastball down in the zone. He struggled to handle the high fastball though and was overanxious trying to hit it. I agree with your entire scouting report on him. I read it before I went to the game and it really is spot on. I have seen Heyward and Stanton too at this level and Singleton is less than that, but greater than hitters I’ve seen like Wilmer Flores.

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