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Summary
A Virginia commit and three sport athlete for Spotswood High School, Nicely is an outstanding athlete with a very promising grasp on pitching. He's a dual-threat quarterback for Spotswood's football team and his gridiron highlights show his impressive quick-twitch athleticism and big time arm strength. He was also an integral part of the school's basketball squad as a forward.
Though he carries just 170 lbs. on his 6'2" frame, Nicely can already crank it up to as high as 91 MPH and should have more left in the tank. Reports on his command are encouraging and his pitchability has been praised. In terms of secondary stuff, Nicely throws a curveball and changeup which reports suggest are in their early stages at this point. His athleticism can only help as he continues to round out his arsenal, and will give the Astros' player development staff plenty of leeway when making tweaks to his mechanics.
Nicely is the kind of prospect that typically attends college, but given the applause heard when the Astros called in their pick, and the amount of college players taken by the club on day two, I get the gut feeling he will sign and report to the GCL. He's a project, that's for sure, but he has more than enough upside to justify a selection in round ten.
MLB Floor
Considering how raw Nicely is, it's entirely possible he never reaches the majors.
MLB Ceiling
Nicely's combination of strong left handed velocity potential and upside with his command likely gives him the upside of a mid-rotation starter if he is able to progress.
Video
Unavailable.