Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | BOS | RHP | 17 | 40 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | SL | CH | SPL | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 55 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 50/40 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Geoff Pontes
Physical Description: Average height but physically strong. Only slight projection remains in the body. Could add strength in his lower half in the coming years to help him maintain his best velocity deep into games.
Delivery & Mechanics: Deceptive delivery, from full windup Liu deploys an exaggerated leg kick with almost a slight hitch before extension (Tanaka-esque). Step and throw mechanics, clean arm action, from a three quarter slot. Low release due to height and drive. Shortens up operation from the stretch, shortens the height and extension of leg kick, will rush through his motion at times from the stretch and lose his feel for his fastball+slider combination. Good mechanics and plus velocity already are a good combination.
Fastball: Up to 98 mph in game as of last fall, sitting low to mid 90s at the moment. Fastball has good life and he can rise it and run it. Late life, will lose release at times and miss gloveside. Still improving feel but it's his best pitch. His best fastballs are elevated with flat approach angles and efficient backspin. Grade: 55
Slider: Slurvy breaking ball with gyro spin, his best sliders have little movement and little late vertical drop. Shows the ability to bury it when needed. Will lose release from stretch and command will waiver. Solid projectable second offering. Grade: 50
Changeup: Similar velocity band to his slider 80-83 mph, gets late fade, used less than splitter in game, only limited looks. Grade: 40
Splitter: Reported velocity in the high-80s runs with drop to his armside. Others will run too much and are easy takes for hitters. Limited feel at this point. Grade: 40
Control and Command: Liu's ability to command his arsenal from the stretch really knocks his overall command grades at the moment. At just 21 and a full year since the most recent game video, it's hard to know if Liu has improved in this area. He's at least an average strike thrower and when he repeats his motion he lives around the upper quadrants. Prone to leave his fastball over the plate and hang his slider when he loses his timing, as his arm drags. Control: 50 | Command: 40
Overall: Has the velocity and movement on his fastball, a secondary that's at least average and two pitches he can develop into a true third offering. Still waiting to make his debut in affiliated ball. Stuff to dream on and his lack of height is becoming less of a detriment and more of an asset. Very limited public profile.
OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Spot Starter
Risk: Extreme
