Jason Groome, the No. 1 prospect in the 2016 Draft class, made the first start of his senior season in high school on Tuesday afternoon in southern New Jersey. With what seemed like most of the scouting world on hand, the left-hander didn't disappoint.
Groome, who spent his junior season at IMG Academy in Florida and returned home to New Jersey for his senior season, went four-plus innings and threw 59 pitches. He struck out 10 of the 13 hitters he faced, largely using a curveball that was described as at least plus, a 60 or 70 nasty downer breaking ball (on the 20-80 scouting scale).
• Draft central
His fastball certainly was effective, but was behind his breaking ball in terms of swing-and-miss ability. Groome was 90-94 mph in the first inning, then operated in the 87-92 mph range for the rest of the outing. There wasn't a ton of movement on his heater, though he did throw it with good plane and angle.
• 2016 Draft bonus pools and pick values
Some reports had upwards of 150 scouts in attendance. Phillies general manager Matt Klentak was in attendance among many decision makers. The Phillies have the No. 1 pick in the Draft this June. With Groome just an hour to the east of Philadelphia, don't be surprised to see many Phillies higher-ups checking out the premium southpaw.