Eric Lauer

Everything has gone well for Lauer as a junior. Kent State's Friday starter has seen his velocity tick up to 90-92 mph from the 88-90 he sat in the past with a free-and-easy delivery. He's dominated the MAC this year, ranking among national leaders with a sub-1.00 ERA for most of the season and he's finished off his business degree in only three years. Lauer has dominated college hitters with a four-pitch mix. He can work his fastball in and out and up and down. He generally works down in the zone, but will elevate above a hitter's hands late in counts. He has improved his mid-70s curveball to the point where it flashes average, using it to set up a short, late 82-86 mph above-average slider. He doesn't use his changeup all that often, but it flashes average as well.