Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ARI | LHP | 40 | 35 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | CB | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 30 | 45 | 45 | 30 | 45/40 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Geoff Pontes
Age: 20 yr
Height: 6-1
Weight: 205 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/L
Acquired: 2019 12th
RuleV: 2023
Physical Description: Strong sturdy broad shouldered build, physically mature for a teenager. Muscular glutes and hamstrings. Uses his muscular lower half to generate good push.
Delivery & Mechanics: Full delivery begins with rocker step, to slow paced leg lift that contracts into his body along with his hand before glove break. He fires from a short armed vertical slot, that gives all of his pitches a bit of deception. While he does a good job of getting drive from his lower half his operation is erratic overall and he doesn’t do a good job of maximizing his lower half’s strength.
Fastball: Below average to poor velocity in fastball from day to day. Sits 88-90 mph some days and 90-92 mph on others. With lack of physical projection remaining there's some question as to how much Short has in tank in the way of velocity. That said mechanical improvements to better incorporate his lower could pay dividends long term. He has a higher release point due to his arm slot allowing him to create significant downhill plane despite anything more than average height. The pitch generally misses bats and he does a good job of working east to west with the pitch. A fringe average pitch due to its promise and command. Grade: 45
Curveball: Big 12-6 curveball with lots of vertical drop, average speed at around 77-79 mph. Lacks consistency but when he has feel it's a devastating offering. It's just very touch and go. Potential swing and miss pitch with poor command. Grade: 45
Changeup: Still developing feel for the pitch, firm, doesn't show the ability to locate the pitch with consistency. Not a major part of Avery's arsenal at last look. Grade: 30
Control and Command: Strong command of fastball for a player right out of the draft. Consistently displayed the ability to land his fastball glove side and arm side with some dexterity. He cuts his fastball some, leading to a separation between his average command and the above average feel he possesses at times. Lacks feel for his secondaries. Average strike thrower with below average ability to hit his spots. Control: 45 | Command: 40
Overall: A young lefty learning to get the most out of his body and unique characteristics. I'm sure the Diamondbacks were intrigued by his upside and arm a lot, at least enough to pay him second round money in the twelfth and scoop him away from a Louisville commitment. Lots of potential growth in the coming years and mention of a developing slider which might play at his arm slot. Heavy follow with some risk baked in.
OFP: 35
Role: 30 - Up/Down Emergency Depth
Risk: Extreme
