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Matthew Graham (Photo: Aflac)


Biographical Data
Player Name:Matthew Graham
Position:Starting Pitcher
School:Oak Ridge HS (Tex.)
School Type:High school
Academic Class:Senior
Birthdate:5/1/90
Height:6'4"
Weight:215 lbs.
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Report Date(s):3/17/09
Game(s):Conroe HS


Focus Area
Comments
Fastball:Graham fluctuates with his velocity. He can be as high as 95, then down to 91 because of an inconsistent delivery. He is all raw arm strength
Fastball movement:Since it's not consistent, he doesn't get repeated movement on it.
Curve:He tries to throw a breaking ball, but he doesn't control it at all. He'll occasionally show a little rotation. A slider or split might be a better option.
Changeup:He tries to use it but doesn't have a feel for it.
Control:With an inability to repeat his delivery or arm action, he has well below-average command and often has a hard time throwing strikes.
Poise:He's a very slow worker, making it difficult to play defense behind him.
Physical Description:Graham is a big, strong right-hander with a Roger Clemens-type body.
Medical Update:Healthy.
Strengths:Pure, raw arm strength and physicality.
Weaknesses:He's just a thrower and doesn't really know how to pitch. He can't command the baseball at all and his fastball is his only decent offering.
Summary:Graham, truth be told, is a project. But he's one that someone might like to take on, because he's got plus raw arm strength and can crank it up to 95 mph at times. The problem is he can't repeat his delivery, so it's not consistent. Neither is his command, or any secondary offerings. The best thing might be to teach him a second pitch, like a slider, and make him a short reliever. It's something the University of North Carolina might do, and it might be tough for an MLB team to keep him from honoring that commitment.

Full report >