Robert
Talarico

5.29.15 - 6-foot-1, 165-pound athletic left-handed pitcher, ranked No. 75 in IL, committed to Lewis University. Impressed in six innings of work, allowing three runs (one earned) with nine strikeouts. Fastball sat 83-86 mph, reached back for 87 mph several times when he needed it, holds velocity throughout his outings. Threw a cutter/slider in the 77-78 mph range, with late break, but threw 68-71 mph curveball with 1/7 shape and above average depth more often. Two distinct pitches, both have a chance to be out pitches at the college level. Also flashes 71-74 mph changeup that should become a weapon against right-handed hitters at the college level. Talarico has four-pitch feel and should make an immediate impact as a college freshman, as he’s one of the state’s most polished left-handed arms

8/9/14 - 6-foot-1, 165-pound left handed pitcher, lean athletic build. Tilt and topple delivery, easy effort, good balance position, toe down, works online, stays closed with landing and shoulders. Arm action is quick, short and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has running action, touched 85 mph, pitched comfortably at 82-83 mph. Curveball backed up in first inning, looked sharper in second, pitched at 70-72 mph. Changeup has feel, 73-75 mph, arm side action. Missed barrels in two innings of work, produced weak contact, one strikeout, no hits.

5.20.14 - Uncommitted junior southpaw ranked No. 163 in Illinois 2015 class. 6-foot, 160-pound athletic build with some room to add weight, not much height projection. Works from the extreme third base side of the rubber, throwing slightly across his body. Repeats rhythmic delivery extremely well. Kicks foot out in wind up, but brings foot back below knee staying balanced throughout with good lower half load over the rubber. Drives off back leg towards home plate, at times jumping at the hitter. Front side upper half stays level, and at glove side is lower than arm side, decreasing downward angle. Stays closed with late hip rotation in delivery, landing slightly closed, with shorter stride. Arm swing is short and circular, repeats ¾ arm slot extremely well, building up arm speed to extension. Fastball ranged from 81-84 touching 85 early, with velocity held throughout all six innings. Four-seam fastball to glove side showed occasional late cut, while two-seam to arm side showed advanced run, but not much sink. Added to movement in two strike situations. Advanced fastball command located to both sides of the plate against righties and lefties. Worked the black on both sides of the plate all day, with a majority of twelve strikeouts coming on fastballs. Secondary stuff lags behind location and movement of fastball. Changeup was flashed only in warm-ups and showed similar movement to two-seam fastball, but not shown in game as fastball dominated throughout. Slurvy breaking ball ranged from 70-74, oftentimes with sweepy horizontal break, but located consistently in the zone, giving him a second pitch to keep hitters off fastball. Changeup will need to be developed to neutralize right handed hitters and advanced competition, but completely understandable why it wasnâ��t used today. Controlled running game extremely well, 1.1-1.3 delivery from stretch, with solid mix of pickoff moves. Step off move is especially quick. Interesting follow against higher end competition in the playoffs and this summer.