George
Rainer

Long Island Top Prospect (January 16, 2017)

Rainer, a 2018 right-handed hitting infielder,  stands at 6-foot-0 and weighs 170 pounds, ran a 4.37 from home to first. Offensively- Begins with a square lower half, shift of weight with a heavy bend with the back knee with the lead foot on the toe heel elevated, and hands begin in front of the back shoulder while the barrel of the bat is in a straight vertical position. Initiates the swing with leg lift, knee getting just below the height of the thigh, slight inward rotation of the lead knee and hands loaded straight back outside the back shoulder with the barrel of the bat, wrapped towards the pitcher, getting 45 degrees. Showed quick hands and a compact bat path to the ball during batting practice, driving the ball, middle in, well from the pull side line to the pull gap. Recorded an exit velocity of 80 MPH but has been as high as 86 MPH in the past, which could improve with better extension after contact.  Defensively-  Fluid athletic movements to the ball. Uses a pre-pitch step hop technique keeping the hands inside the body. Fielded the ball with a controlled aggression displaying an ability to create good hops with short choppy steps. Transfers the ball from the center of the body chest height. Showed the ability to throw from multiple angles with accuracy and throws showing good carry. Registered an arm velocity of 78 MPH, matching a personal best. 

Rainer is 5-foot-10 and a slender 155 pounds. He plays 2B/3B and runs a respectable 7.16 60 (shaving .02 seconds from July 2015). Offensively-  Hands tight to body at shoulder width to start. Knees bent and pointing in. Leg kick to get weight on back leg, but doesn’t have much of a stride. Not much hand separation and would like to Rainer extend through ball more in the coming year. Finishes above shoulders with one hand and has an 86 MPH exit velocity (up 3 MPH from July 2015). Defensively- Feet are quick and fluid as ball comes his way, has soft and quick hands, throws from a higher arm slot. Throws ball well on the run: 78 MPH infield arm velocity.

Athletically built 2018 grad who can handle multiple positions. Ran a respectable 60 at 7.18 along with 78 MPH arm strength and 83 MPH exit velocity. Offensively- George sets up off his back leg, slight shift of the weight with controlled load of hands. Gets aggressive lower half rotation, balanced swing to swing.  Bat path drags some into the zone but also stays with the ball post contact (extension). Defensively- George is active with his footwork into groundballs. Would benefit from some additional acceleration of feet during throwing footwork and cleaning up his transfer. Adequate left side arm. Projects more as a 2B/3B type but also filled in at 1B and behind the plate during games. Athleticism could also carry him to the outfield if need be.