First Future Games Invitation Accepted
February 6, 2020
Brett Thorney
Arizona Scouting Director
PBR Future Games is set for July 29th-Aug 1st
Prep Baseball Report's one-of-a-kind event will feature the best uncommitted 2022 prospects and select 2023 prospects from our 40-plus state coverage area. The Future Games will take place on Wednesday, July 29th through Saturday, August 1st at LakePoint in Cartersville, GA.
The Future Games is the premier summer scouting event for Class of 2022 prospects and select 2023 prospects. Last year, more than 320 college coaches from all over the country were in attendance. The Prep Baseball Report services are subscribed by more than 800 colleges and pro scouts.
Players will also receive maximum visibility from college coaches all over the country, in addition to being promoted through the Prep Baseball Report multimedia platforms.
Each state team will play three games. On Wednesday, all position players will be put through a showcase workout in which they will run 60s, take batting practice and be evaluated at their primary position.
'22 C Derek Smith of Horizon High School is your first member of Team Arizona.
Smith bursted onto the scene last summer with his standout performance at our Top Prospect Games. He once again showed why he is considered one of the top uncommitted catching prospects in the state of Arizona with his showing at the Preseason All-State Games at Arizona State a couple weeks back. Smith is a high ceiling catching prospect with a wide variety of tools. At 6-foot-two 180-pounds, there is plenty of room to add more strength in his athletic frame. He hits from a balanced controlled approach with some power potential. Defensively, Smith is the sort of catcher you look for when you talk about projection. This athletic long limbed catcher stays in control of his movements and moves quickly behind the plate. He has soft hands receiving and his arm will build up as the season moves forward. He's also a multi-sport athlete currently trying to make run in the basketball season. We are excited to see Derek Smith compete in this prestigious event this summer.
SCOUTING REPORT
Large lean frame at 6’2” 175lbs, proportional strength with long limbs, good athleticism from catcher position, consistent accurate arm at 76mph, pop times ranging from 1.9-2.07, exchanges on side of body, more follow through available, no issue blocking balls with good mobility from longer frame, hits from balanced athletic setup, rock back knee turn trigger, slightly forced hand separation, above average pop, LD contact with 87mph exit velo, high level prospect to follow.
6-foot-2, 165-pound frame. Lean, developing body. Tons of room for projection/maturation in long limbs. The right-handed hitting catcher shows rhythm in set-up, and ability to create leverage; 83 mph exit velo. In BP Smith struggled with timing, leading to an up and down round, but the body and hands make for an intriguing offensive 2022 prospect. Behind the plate, posted pop times of 2.06-2.15 with 70 mph velocity. Continued physical development will improve arm strength and bring times down. Ran 7.58 60-yard dash.