Baseball Prospect - Ben Sheets, Age Rises to Join Fast Ball Commanding Flames

As a coach and a pitcher, I always stress that a pitcher's mechanics are the most important factor when determining if they have the ability to throw a fast ball for a strike. A well Mechanics is determined by proper mechanics, not arm strength or arm speed. Here is today's Fast Ball Scouting Report on Lucas Sims.

For this Fast Ball Report, I went over with him the scouting reports and workouts from last year and this year. The one aspect of his mechanics this year that jumps out is his lack of a loose swing. While he still has some issues with a loose arm slot, he says he feels looser than last year. His secondary pitches have been improved too.

One aspect of the batting reports that jumps out is that he has improved his bat speed. Last year, he had a below average bat speed. This year, he has upped his bat speed to include a good soft toss. In addition, his soft toss accuracy has been improved as well.

The reason that the hitting report jumps uses the entire field to show off the improvements. On the hitting report, you'll see that he has made a conscious effort to use more inside the plate. He started lining up his swings from the outside slot. On the pitching report, you'll see that he has upped the usage of his slider and curve. Click here for more details about bolatangkas

The improvement in his slider and curve has helped him get a better breaking ball. Last year, his slider looked like he was throwing it outside but as soon as he went back to the inside slot, his slider stopped dipping too much. This is something he continues to work on. On the other hand, he has improved his fast ball command with an improved fast ball delivery short arm action. He is now one of the better pitchers with a great break.

Overall, Ben Sheets has had some struggles this year. However, he has come a long way and comes into the spring with renewed confidence and intent. Hopefully, he can continue to make strides and improve his game all throughout the year and perhaps carry over some of the success from his junior year at the college level.

Right now, he is listed as the leading candidate behind Austin Hedges for the starting catcher position. So, how does he overcome some of the struggles he has had at the plate? I believe it is a combination of things. One, I believe he needs more practice at the catching position. His hitting report has been pretty good so far but catching is where he really needs to improve if he wants to develop some power in his bat.

He has also been known to lack good field speed. Something he continues to work on is working on getting his swing on plane the first time. He needs to develop some base running skills because he obviously lacks speed when it comes to fielding the ball. Hopefully Ben Sheets can continue to turn those raw talent into a successful pro career.