2019 Pitchers Showed Two-Way Athleticism at The Under Armour All-America Pre-Season Tournament
Several pitchers from the 2019 class had strong outings in January at the Under Armour All-America Pre-Season Tournament. Despite facing mainly upperclassmen, these young arms pitched effectively and established themselves as arms to follow closely over the next few years. A few also showed 2-way ability, performing well as position players too.
Committed to Oklahoma, Payton Miller showed a complete all-around game out in Arizona. He was very good on the mound mixing in a mid-80s fastball, sharp curve and tailing change to keep hitters off balance. The ball comes out of his hand well and has excellent upside with a clean, quick arm. Payton also used his strong frame to hit the ball with authority in batting practice and jumped behind the plate to throw a 2.02 to second.
Mason Roach from Colleyville, TX is also a talented two-way player as a LHP and OF, who showed well in Arizona. He showed a simple delivery with a full finish, attacking hitters with a low-80s fastball and a sweeping swing-and-miss curveball. He also swung the bat well from the left side.
Evan Godwin also showed as a legitimate two-way prospect in Arizona. He struck out six in his outing on the mound with a solid three-pitch arsenal while showing some pop in batting practice from the left side. He’s also a comfortable defender at first base.
South Florida commit Jack Jasiak was outstanding on the mound at the tournament. He touched 87 in his outing from a balanced, repeatable delivery. There was excellent downhill plane to his stuff and he threw a high volume of strikes with his fastball and late-breaking curve.
Another RHP, Carter Rustad, has an ideal pitcher’s frame at 6’4”/180 pounds and a promising three-pitch mix. His fastball sat in the mid-80s and he had an excellent feel for his off-speed offerings – a breaking ball with late bite and a sinking change-up.
Jackson Kiddy showed the sound delivery, natural rhythm and solid three-pitch mix that you would expect from a Rice commit. He was in control throughout his outing with good direction, and confidence in all of his offerings regardless of the count. He touched 84 and has more in the tank.
Hailing from Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, Landon Gartman has the makings of power stuff with an aggressive mentality on the mound. The RHP has a clean, quick arm that already generates mid-80s velocity and allows him to spin his breaking ball well. Add in a developing change, and Landon looks to be a piece to a starting rotation at the next level.
Finally, Kaden Dydalewicz of Frisco, TX caught the scouts’ attention as well at the Pre-Season Tournament. He is solidly-built, threw lots of strikes with a mid-80s fastball and landed his breaking ball consistently. With a quick arm, he has a high ceiling.
It was encouraging to see this young crop of pitchers with athletic deliveries and clean arms. They have bright futures, and we look forward to watching them develop.