LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2005 Pitcher/Catcher Indoor Showcase
Carl Harken is a 2005 right hander from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a big 6'5", 200 lb. frame. He showed some raw arm strength at the showcase, throwing in the 82-84 mph range, but one senses that there is plenty more in his arm. Harken’s delivery mechanics aren’t raw and his arm works well, but he isn’t getting as much out of his strong body and his long levers as he ideally should. Harken’s delivery starts with a sideways rocker step and low hands, and flows easily with a long arm action and circle to an extended ¾ release point. There really is no acceleration or leverage point in his delivery. One of our scouts made the remark that it looked like Harken was "walking the ball to the plate." In addition to his fastball, which had good life to it, Harken threw a 68-71 mph curveball that had some depth and 2-plane break, and showed a feel for a 73-74 mph changeup. He also did a good job of throwing strikes with all three pitches. Harken is going to be a good project for an innovative pitching coach at the next level. Offensively he has a long swing from a narrow stance. He made consistent contact off live pitching with strength in his swing, but he needs some adjustments to his hitting mechanics. He showed good hand eye coordination though. He is also a good student.