Shane Watson: RHP, Lakewood HS (CA), 6'4", 195
This USC commit has a fastball up to 93 mph, but he is big and looks like he will add more velocity to his large frame. His fastball is only average at this point, but is not afraid to throw it to either side of the plate and it has above average potential. He has a solid breaking ball, and even though it doesn’t always get the bite he wants and he tends to back door it too much, it shows plus potential. His delivery has a fair amount of effort, but he displays good control already. Even though he is not afraid to throw his pitches anywhere in the zone, he does not have great command and leaves the ball up a little too often.
He looks like a future reliever to me, with two potential above average pitches, but if he can develop a changeup, he could be a durable middle-back end of the rotation starter. Watson is defimitely a high-risk high school arm, but one with a significant amount of potential thanks to an already strong fastball with the potential for a bump in velocity and his breaking ball with easy plus potential. His development, however, like most high school pitchers, hinges on the development of a third pitch and refinement of his control and command.
MLB Comparison: Cory Wade
Projected Draft Position: Supplemental-2nd Round
Video Footage: Bullpen Banter video of Watson at the MLSB Showcase
This USC commit has a fastball up to 93 mph, but he is big and looks like he will add more velocity to his large frame. His fastball is only average at this point, but is not afraid to throw it to either side of the plate and it has above average potential. He has a solid breaking ball, and even though it doesn’t always get the bite he wants and he tends to back door it too much, it shows plus potential. His delivery has a fair amount of effort, but he displays good control already. Even though he is not afraid to throw his pitches anywhere in the zone, he does not have great command and leaves the ball up a little too often.
He looks like a future reliever to me, with two potential above average pitches, but if he can develop a changeup, he could be a durable middle-back end of the rotation starter. Watson is defimitely a high-risk high school arm, but one with a significant amount of potential thanks to an already strong fastball with the potential for a bump in velocity and his breaking ball with easy plus potential. His development, however, like most high school pitchers, hinges on the development of a third pitch and refinement of his control and command.
MLB Comparison: Cory Wade
Projected Draft Position: Supplemental-2nd Round
Video Footage: Bullpen Banter video of Watson at the MLSB Showcase
