2/22/25
During the fall, I got a brief look at Barkman, but this was my first extended look. A more compact frame with a clean operation in the delivery and strong present arm speed. Worked the FB at 88–90 T91 in the first inning before settling in at 85–88. His FB features riding life up in the zone, but can generate run down and to the glove side. Spins a pair of breaking balls both showing interesting potential. His SLD worked at 73–76 with two plane break in the movement profile. While his CB came in at 69–72 flashing power when executed down. Showed a 77–78CHG in warm-ups, but not in game. Control was solid with room to polish going forward. Uses a heavy north/south attack profile with the SLD giving him a glove side moving offering and when he features the CHG more consistently will have an arm side, moving off speed. Picked up 10 Ks in 5 IP, allowing one hit and 2 BBs with a HBP. Left me more convicted in a long-term, starting profile for him going forward.