LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2003 National Showcase
Davis was the hands down choice of the Perfect Game staff as the top 2004 prospect at the National. It was the first time any of us had ever seen Davis pitch, although we’d heard good things about him, and we’re anxious to see much more of him. Although Davis doesn’t have the same size and strength or current ability as Chicago Cubs phenom Mark Prior, the comparisons between the two were obvious up on the mound. Davis has the same deliberate, balanced delivery with the classic high, spread and elbows at the top and a quick, smooth arm stroke towards the plate. Davis has the strong, firm lower half that Prior has, including big calves, and plenty of room to add strength up top. Davis’ fastball was in the 89-91, touching 92 mph range, with plenty of 91’s with late, hard boring action. His curveball was a 75-78 mph hammer with very tight spin and downer bite with all the makings of a big league strikeout pitch down the road. Surprisingly, Davis showed more confidence in his 80 mph change up than his curveball and it was a good one. Summary: Davis has three present average to plus pitches that he mixes like a pro, throws strikes with all three and works quickly and confidently. Add to all that the fact that Davis is one of the youngest prospects in the Class of 2004, with a October, 1986 birthday, and you have a pitcher who projects strongly to upper reaches of the 2004 draft. Erik is also a top student.