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College Pitchers Draft Preview (Part 2)

03/10/2022 8:00 AM

Article By: Joe Koetters

      Rounding out our college pitcher preview for the beginning of the season, we have two names left, one who has been dominant out of the bullpen and one that hasn’t seen and won’t see any action in 2022. Both players are taking an unconventional method of getting drafted, but both could hear their names called on day 1 of the MLB Draft this July. As we continue our list, let’s start with the player who has been lights out so far.

Eric Adler – RHP / Wake Forest / Bourne Braves

      Adler is continuing his Cape relief duties at Wake Forest and has not seemed to slow down at all. In 2021, Adler appeared in 15 games for the Braves and strike out a total of 29 batters while only walking 7. Throughout his career, Adler has had success in striking out a large number of batters in only half as many innings.
      2022 has looked extremely similar this year for Adler and the Deacons. In 6.2 innings of work so far, Adler has managed to strike out 12 batters while walking 7 and allowing 2 earned runs. Adler is a two-pitch pitcher with a fastball that sits 96 mph and a plus slider with sharp movement. Usually going into the MLB Draft as a reliever may hurt some guys, Adler has been extremely dominant in his role and should have no problem being drafted early.

Reggie Crawford – LHP / UCONN / Bourne Braves

      Unfortunately, due to Tommy John surgery, Reggie Crawford will not be suiting up for the UConn Huskies this season. The two-way first basemen and left-handed pitcher was a projected first rounder before getting injured. With a fastball up to 101 and monster power, Crawford was a force to be reckoned with. While the surgery is obviously hurtful, there is still a good chance that a team will take a chance on Crawford this July.
      Crawford only pitched a total of 8 innings for the Huskies the past two years, but in those 8 innings he struck out 17 and only let up 2 earned runs. At the dish, Crawford appeared in 51 games and had a .295 average in 2021 with 13 home runs and 62 RBIs to go along with 62 hits. Crawford was an integral part of the Huskies team and while we may not be getting any Reggie Crawford this spring, it is definitely not the last we have seen of Crawford in a uniform. 

Eric Adler (Bourne '21) - Photo: SportsPix LLC