knightni Posted August 5, 2021 Share Posted August 5, 2021 Tall, college starter. Possible fast-mover through the minors. "A projectable right-hander from the Massachusetts high school ranks, Burke went undrafted in 2018 and headed to the University of Maryland. Tommy John surgery knocked out his freshman season in 2019, but he returned to pitch very well as the Terrapins' Sunday starter in the shortened 2020 season. He's led Maryland's rotation in 2021 and while his results have been a bit inconsistent, his stuff has opened a lot of eyes and put a bit of an up arrow next to his name. Burke has one of the best overall fastballs in the class when combining velocity and movement. Coming from his 6-foot-6 frame, it's generally in the 92-95 range, but he has reached back for more when he's wanted to. The pitch has serious ride up in the zone, a four-seamer that routinely misses bats. His secondary stuff has been a bit more inconsistent. He throws two breaking pitches, using a knuckle curve to create good shape and depth, and a newer slider he was throwing a lot. They'll flash plus, but will also flash below-average, with some scouts wishing he'd focus on just one. Burke does have a changeup with some arm-side fade, but doesn't throw it much. Developing that and improving his overall command -- walks have hurt him during his time at Maryland -- will be keys for him to be able to start at the next level. A team taking him in the top couple of rounds will certainly give him that opportunity, knowing he might approach triple digits and be a nasty fastball-breaking ball weapon late in games out of the bullpen if starting doesn't work." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knightni Posted August 17, 2022 Author Share Posted August 17, 2022 He's 22 - Succeeded at W-S, but has struggled in Birmingham. He has issues giving up hits, but if he can develop better off-speed control, he can be an MLB RP in a few years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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