LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2004 World Showcase
Kirkland has been to just about every PG/WWBA event during the last year and he just keeps getting better and better as he gets stronger and shortens his actions. Of course, when you first think of Kirkland, you think of arm strength. He recorded what is believed to be an all time best Perfect Game pop time of 1.72 and threw in a 1.75 and 1.78 just to prove that the first time wasn’t too exceptional for him. Kirkland’s arm grades out as a 70 on the Major League scale and his throws are consistently right on the bag. His receiving skills are very solid and he’s a student of the game behind the plate. Kirkland’s swing can be long at times. He’s also hit more than his share of doubles. Kirkland feasts on pitches that can get his hands extended to and shows above average power potential to right centerfield in both batting practice and games. He’s an excellent student who has signed to go to Alabama. If he shows a strong bat this spring he could be an early pick in June. Not many, if any are better defensively.