Taylor Clarke | Rank: 144
School: College of Charleston Year: Junior Position: RHP Age: 22 DOB: 5/13/1993 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'4" Weight: 190 lb.
Previously Drafted: Never
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Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45
Clarke's college career was at a crossroads at Towson in 2013, when the Tigers announced plans to drop baseball and he required Tommy John surgery after hurting his elbow. Though Towson spared its program, Clarke decided to transfer to Charleston, where he has become one of the best pitchers in college baseball. He finished the 2015 regular season tied for first in victories (12) and ranked third in strikeouts (126), both school records.
A redshirt junior, Clarke usually deals at 92-96 mph early in his starts and he's able to carry a low-90s fastball into the late innings. His fastball lacks life but still misses bats because his overhand delivery provides deception and downhill plane.
He throws a ton of strikes and has a usable changeup, but Clarke's lack of a reliable breaking ball may relegate him to relieving in pro ball. His slurvy slider tops out at 81 without much bite and is often fringy at best.
