A little Ballard action.

In 64.1 IP this season, Michael Ballard has given up 32 runs (30 earned) on 81 hits and 21 walks (1.59 WHIP) while striking out 41 hitters (5.74 K/9 IP).

If you take out the May 9 disaster, you get 61.2 IP, 22 runs (20 earned - 2.91 ERA) on 71 hits and 19 walks (1.46 WHIP) with 40 strikeouts (5.84 K/9 IP).

In his last three starts (against three different opponents), Ballard has rattled off 21.2 IP allowing only 3 runs (1.25 ERA) on 21 hits and 3 walks (1.11 WHIP) while striking out 16 (6.65 K/9 IP).

Here's a really basic scouting report to shed some light on those numbers.

Fastball: typically 88-90 MPH with a little arm-side run. By itself, it's not terribly effective, but when he mixes his pitches, he can throw it by people. Usually locates it well, but when he's not, the hitters let you know.

Cut fastball: *recent addition* seems to be in the 86-88 MPH range. This has improved the effectiveness of his 4-seam fastball. Lately, he's shown great command of the pitch. It is surely a large factor in his recent success.

Curve ball: typically a mid-to-upper 70s offering. An excellent pitch that is sometimes a swing-and-miss pitch. Definitely an out pitch for him. It's a plus pitch most nights, and plus-plus on others.

Change up: usually around 80-82. Tonight he threw lots of strikes with it. He'll need this to get righties out at the next level. It's an average offering, but he throws it with good arm speed. If he can find the right tweak on it, it could become above-average.

Slider: this one is a little tough to pick up. Typically in the range between his change up and cut fastball (82-85 MPH). Right now, it's not a featured offering, but he uses it effectively to keep hitters off balance. It works well in both fastball and curve ball counts.

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Lately, he's been mixing his pitches extremely well and commanding everything. His stuff isn't overwhelming and his reliance on his curve is Gabbard-esque. He throws just a tick harder than Kason Gabbard, who I think is a very good player comparison for Ballard - the main difference being the command and ability to throw 5 pitches for strikes.

His 5-pitch mix is the key to his success right now. If one of the pitches doesn't work at the next level, it will be interesting to see how he adjusts.

I don't think it will be long before he's in the Redhawk rotation.