LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2006 National Showcase
Sam Runion is a 2007 right hand pitcher from Reynolds HS, residing in Asheville, NC. Runion is put together like a power pitcher. He is strong, with a powerful lower body and a physical 6'4" 220 lb. frame. His arm strength is as good as nearly anyone in this high school draft class and yet he is still developing consistency on the mound. Runion was ranked #17 among PG National Top 85 pitchers and earned an Aflac All-American selection with his performance in Fayetteville. He pitches from a 3/4 slot and has a power arm. Runion gets good extension on the front side and the ball comes out of his hand quite easily. There were some times when the gun said 94 and it sure did not look like he was having to put out much effort to get that number. Part of the reason is that Runion's lower body works well and provides him with some of that power. He has pretty good rhythm in his delivery and should be able to maintain his velocity late in games. His fastball was 89-94, topping at 95 and he pounded the inner half to RH hitters, with good sink. Runion is still developing his breaking ball. He showed a big and lateral breaking 78-80 mph slider that has a chance to be an average, possibly above average offering. His lower body control suggests that he can command his hand well, so it may just be a matter of finding a comfortable grip for that pitch. He also showed an 80 mph change-up. Runion has the look and stuff of a country hardball type pitcher and should get plenty of upper round draft consideration this June. His arm works and he has a body that can eat innings.