Bradenton, FL— On Saturday, Jan. 27th, 100 of the top high school prospects ranging from the 2018-2021 classes participated in PBR Florida’s second annual Preseason All-State which is the premier kickoff event for the 2018 spring high school season. Last year’s inaugural event boasted some of the top talent from throughout the state of Florida and this year’s event was no different. From draft talent, numerous Division I recruits, and some of the top uncommitted underclassman in the state, the Preseason All-State is one of the most highly viewed events in the state of Florida. With that talented group, we begin our breakdown with the Corner Infielders, starting with the top five, followed by the best of the rest. 

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HUNTER BARCO LHP / 1B / BOLLES, FL / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 1 / POS: 1 Although Barco didn’t throw this day, the two-way players offensive toolset is nearly just as impressive. He showed off his above average arm, topping at 92 mph from the outfield and e athleticism and footwork around the bag. Although the left handed arm is what has him currently No 1 overall in the 2019 class, his bat alone would also rank him up there as well. The left-handed hitter has a slightly open stance and uses the leverage and strong wrists and forearms to create well above average bat speed. He stay out over the front foot and consistently finds the barrel out in front creating well above average pull side power and that also shows up in the 103 mph exit velocity. If Barco does make it to campus, you could see him not only making a big impact on the mound but at the plate as well.

CARMINE LANE 3B / RHP / AMERICAN HERITAGE DELRAY, FL / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 83 / POS: 6 Standing at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, he has broad shoulders and a strong lower half. A frame that projects to add 10-15 pounds of muscle fairly easily. Defensively, he works calm and under control. Trusts his hands and creates quality angles. Was 87 mph across the infield and projects as a solid third base defender. Offensively there's a lot to like. The present strength and leverage work working there swing. He stands upright and trusts his hands, but swings with controlled aggression. He stayed gap-to-gap and consistently had hard contact. The swing works and there is much more power to come. Exit velocity was 97 mph. There's a big offensive upside up follow with Lane.

JOEY KINKER 3B / VENICE, FL / 2018 Florida Gulf Coast recruit. Big, strong 6-foot-2, 215 pounds. Moves well, especially for his size. Light on his feet, works with rhythm and the hands work. Quality funnel and trusts his hands. Topped out at 80 mph across the infield. Offensively, the big right hander uses a big leg kick trigger. While it can get him out of sync occasionally, when everything is on time, the swing is compact and generates above average bat speed with present pull power. As he continues to learn to get on time the power should become more and more consistent, especially with the present exit velocity of 98 mph.

AARON SALTSMAN 3B / OF / ROCKLEDGE, FL / 2021 Athletic build, 5-foot-9, 160 pound. Ran a 7.11 60 yard dash. Defensively, he works under control. Will benefit from some added rhythm and a quicker release, but there is a solid defensive foundation. Offensively, he shows the ability to get ball in the air consistently, with natural loft and slight uphill path which will translate to power as he continues to mature and get stronger. Flashed present bat-to-ball, hit skills. Ball jumps off bat well and that shows in the 92 mph exit velocity. Above average to plus present power for class. Extremely high offensive ceiling.

PARKER OPIE 3B / SS / EAST LAKE, FL / 2019 Uncommitted. Currently stands at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds with a solid build and strong lower half. Offensively, he starts from a wide base with a small leg kick for his load and some bat speed through the zone from the left side. His swing can get a little rotational at times and cut himself off, but when he stays fluid through the zone with a level path, he showed the ability to drive the ball with authority, especially to the pull side during batting practice. During gameplay he laced a ball deep into centerfield, driving in a run with an easy stand up double. Registered a 92 mph exit velocity in the cage. In the field, he makes the plays and has accurate throws to the bag that topped out at 78 mph. Interesting left handed bat that will be one to watch as he continues to refine his swing and stay more fluid through the zone. Clocked in at 7.39 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.

Now here's the best of the rest in no particular order:

PAXTON ELLISON 3B / RHP / MOUNT DORA, FL / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 81 / POS: 5 Stands at 6-foot-1, 190 pound with an athletic, well built frame. Defensively, he works under control, has some stiffness and could improve the first step, but the hands are sound and work out in front. Topped out at 83 mph across the infield. Offensively, he has a wide base and is slightly open. Working open to closed with a toe tap at times, but stays balanced and clears the backside. Has some length but there is present strength. Has an exit velocity of 92 mph and showed some power potential in batting practice.

CODY LEE 3B / RHP / LARGO, FL / 2018 Standing at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds he has your prototypical, big strong corner infield frame. Defensively he moves well, especially for the big frame. There is some stiffness, but shows lateral mobility and sure hands. Offensively, he stood out. He uses his long arms to create leverage, there is some arm bar and rotation, but sinks into the lower half and has natural lift. Uses the lower half well and shows present power. Has an exit velocity of 87 mph. Will be a quality power addition to someones 2018 class.

RYAN FISCHER 1B/OF / LAKE BRANTLEY, FL / 2019 Long arms, high waist, projectable frame with room to fill in at 6-foot-4, 186 pounds. Defensively, in the outfield he topped out at 80 mph with accurate throws. At first base,  moves well around the bag, hands work and is a solid defender. Offensively, the right handed hitter stands tall and slightly open. Uses a small leg kick trigger, tends to land a little short and could widen up to get more use of the lower half, but still clears the back side well and generates above average bat speed.  Trusts his hands, sinks into the back side and has natural leverage. Generated an exit velocity of 97 mph and has a chance to hit for above average power in the future.

NICOLAS MARTORANO 1B / C / WINDERMERE, FL / 2020 Uncommitted. Lean build that has yet to reach physical peak - lots of projection remaining. Showed bat-to-ball skills and had an approach at the plate. Stays balanced and sees ball well. Scrappy player that will benefit from added physical maturity. 86 mph exit velocity ranked well in comparison to some of the high-profile underclassmen.

GABRIEL FERRER 3B / SS / TNXL ACADEMY, FL / 2018 Uncommitted. Average build with present strength standing at 6-foot, 200 lbs. Aggressive approach at plate. Looks to hit. Hitter-ish actions with a feel for the bat. Stays in the zone for a long time and is able to adjust to the pitch well. Able to get ball in the air and should see some additional power with added strength. Registered a 93 mph in the cage. Fielding skills are sound around the bag and topped out at 84 mph on his throws across the infield.

BO PLANETA 1B / 3B / CALVARY CHRISTIAN (CLEARWATER), FL / 2020 Currently stands at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds with a tall, strong frame. Offensively, he starts from a slightly open stance with a big slide step for his load. Shows strength in his swing and looks to drive the ball with authority deep into the gaps. At times he can be inconsistent on his front foot landing, but when he gets his foot down and stays fluid throughout his swing, he makes hard, solid contact. Registered an 85 mph exit velocity in the cage. At first, he showed solid defensive actions by surrounding the ball out in front and making the accurate throws to second and third, topping out at 74 mph. Clocked in at 7.88 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.

WILLIAM KILDUFF 1B / RHP / CHILES, FL / 2019 Uncommitted. Currently stands 6-foot-1, 180 pounds with a lean projectable frame and room to grow. Defensively at the first base position he showed the ability to receive the ball well. He recorded an infield arm velocity to third base of 73 mph. Offensively, during batting practice he showed the ability to use his lower half well to get through the ball with some power potential. He registered an exit velocity of 87 mph in the cage. Clocked in at 7.94 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.

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