Player Name: Thomas Murphy
Position: P
School: Chaminade
Thomas Murphy is a 2016 graduate of Chaminade HS. He plays travel ball for the Next Level Titans and is a very gifted student.
The 6’3″ RHP begins his delivery with his hands held covering his eyes and steps back slightly. He has a good balance position with a high leg kick, a firm back leg and his eyes locked in on his target. He is a class drop and drive pitcher that utilizes his strength from his pushoff leg. He has a deceptive arm circle because he cups his wrist making it difficult for the batter to pick up. He lands with his front foot open slightly which can turn into some control problems but that can be fixed with some reps in the bullpen. He throws directly over-the-top and really gets good extension on his pitches. He finishes in good position to field his position.
In his one inning outing, he allowed a leadoff double down the left field line. He went to work after that and struck out the next batter looking on a solid curveball. He started him off with an 81 MPH high out of the zone before getting even with a fastball for a strike. He fell behind 2-1 on a curveball low and evened the count 2-2 ona fastball. After the batter fouled off a 2-2 curve, he struck him out looking on a curve. The next batter also struck out looking on a curve in what was a three pitch at bat. The next hitter fouled off a fastball, took a curve to fall behind 0-2, took a curve low for ball 1 before flying out to right field for the third out.
Murphy displayed solid command and his curveball was effective in getting swings and misses. He also showed the wherewithal to cover home plate on a pitch that he threw in dirt. The catcher blocked it but he did not hesitate to break immediately.
He is not overpowering but with his ability to throw two pitches for strikes, he can be a dominating relief pitcher or above-average starter at the Div-II level.
