Sam
Cottingham-Beard

4/29/13 - Currently ranked No. 82 in Illinois’ 2014 class; possesses Division 1 ability. Strong frame, 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander. Developed lower half, barrel chest, long arms. Works from high-3/4 slot, clean, athletic arm, throws slightly across body, drop and drive delivery, some effort. Pitched at 84-86 mph for six innings. Fastball showed arm-side run, fairly flat but has late life. Works bottom half of zone well. Curveball has makings of a plus pitch. Throws it with confidence with same arm action, in 74-76 mph, range. Works both sides of plate with it, and showed ability to throw for early strike and bury it for strikeout pitch. Sharp, late two-plane action. Also showed feel for changeup, though didn’t show it much. Against defending state champion Lyons Township, allowed three hits in six innings with seven strikeouts and two walks. Struck out two batters in each the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Definite high-follow.  

2/17/13 - Athletic build, strong lower half, 6-foot-2, 180-pound two way player. On the mound delivery show rhythm, little effort, good balance throughout. Arm works from high ¾ arm slot, long loose arm action. Fastball has slight sink, works the bottom of the zone, thrown for strikes, 80-83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, solid depth, throws with arm speed, keeps it down, bottom of the zone or better, potential swing and miss pitch, 69-70 mph. Change up has control, minimal action, straight, 73-75 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, no stride, no load approach. Simple swing, quiet approach, good balance. Lacks pop, better timing and load could create more power.