Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 2016 MLB Draft!
Overview
School: Sheldon High School, Sacramento, California
Position: RHP
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 185 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Matt Manning 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Son of former NBA Player Rich Manning, Matt Manning adds another right arm to the mix of high school pitching prospects coming into 2016 MLB Draft. This past fall, Manning had the opportunity to pitch in the Arizona Senior Fall Classic, in which he impressed scouts with a lively fastball ranging as low as 91 miles per hour and as high as high as 95 miles per hour. In the three innings he pitched, he struck out eight and gave up just one hit, a double. Manning closed out his senior season at Sheldon High by leading the team with seventy-seven strikeouts and an earned run average of 1.91.
Strengths:
- Lively fastball that can range from 92-97 miles per hour.
- Tall athletic build that gives him greater extension in his pitching motion.
- Contrasting his fastball, can throw a curve in 70’s.
Weaknesses
- Really only has a two pitch arsenal: fastball and curveball.
- While his curveball is at a desired speed, accuracy and control needs development.
- Follow through at the end of pitch leaves Manning off guard, leaving him vulnerable to pitches hit back to the mound.
- When it comes to pitch control, extra extension from his height can hurt him as much as it can help him.
MLB Comparison: Jered Weaver
Projected Pick Range: 20-25
Most Likely Landing Spot: Washington Nationals
Bottom Line:
Manning has the desirable build and athleticism that most major league teams are looking for in a right handed pitcher. Because of his size, his mechanics may need some brushing up in order to gain better pitch control and a better follow through motion after throwing his pitch. Coming out of high school with a fastball as high as 97 miles per hour, these items are nothing a good pitching coach in a major league farm system won’t be able to fix.
Video:
Main Photo: Via YouTube and Prospect Pipeline
Sources: Dodgers Digest, Perfect Game, MaxPreps, MLB, River Ave Blues, Baseball America
