By Sean McCann 
Prep Baseball Report - Kansas

Today’s unsigned senior spotlight is Shawnee Mission South HS shortstop Austin Giannola.  The 5-foot-10, 145-pound athletic infielder is ranked #35 in the Class of 2014 Prep Baseball Report Player Rankings and is the top uncommitted infielder in the state.  He currently has a number of offers from area junior college and Division II programs with more visits scheduled in the next month.

Giannola plays for the KC Barnstormers organization and was invited to play in the talent-rich Get Hits 4 Education All-Star Game this past August.  He is a very good student that is a National Honor Society member, currently carries a 3.80 GPA and registered a 25 ACT.

KC Barnstormers founder Karl Carswell, who also has 15 years experience as an MLB scout, issued this report on Giannola:

“Austin is the type infielder pitchers and pitching coaches love because he makes the routine play. Because of his speed and quickness he has the ability to range behind second base and make plays.  He also ranges well to his right.”

“Austin has trained and played with wood bats for the last four summers and, although he is not physically imposing, has always shown gap to gap power,” Carswell added.

“He has the skill set and speed to lay down a bunt for a hit and an advanced hitting approach that allows him to drive the ball into the backside and frontside gap.  He steals bases with instincts and plays the game hard at all times.”

“Austin's best quality is his leadership ability, he has evolved into a coach on the field and in the dugout.  He always knows the right times to coach, encourage or push his teammates.”