Hitting the road early Tuesday morning, I would arrive at IMG to check out day one of the National Classic. The first round featured Flanagan, Florida Chrisitan and Coral Reef from Florida as well as several other teams from around the state. All three Florida teams would move on with help from some already well known names.

Coral Reef would start for Team Florida Future Games participant, Shawn Perez. Perez, who looks leaner and more athletic, also has lowered the slot some. The velocity has made a nice jump and worked mostly 86-89 mph. He also showed a sweeping slider at 73-75 mph and a fading changeup at 81 mph. Overall, the stuff continues to improve, the command was spotty at times, but is trending upward.

Former #TeamFL Future Games participant, FIU commit Shawn Perez looks leaner and more polished. Showed three pitch mix, topped at 89. @sr_reefpic.twitter.com/kTo8v2ErTR

— Doug Freeman (@DougFreemanPBR) March 26, 2019

 

Coral Reef faced off against Rock Bridge from Missouri, and despite falling short of the comeback 7-6, had one guy who really stood out. Third baseman, 2020 Missouri State Spencer Nivens. Nivens doubled in the first at-bat and showed a compact, level swing with bat speed and present athleticism.

Like the overall actions from 2020 Spencer Nivens. Athletic defender, doubled in first at-bat. Two strike groundout here, but shows bat to ball skills and high offensive ceiling. @PBRMissouri pic.twitter.com/eyH4zQzU2q

— Doug Freeman (@DougFreemanPBR) March 26, 2019

 

Carlos Perez, the 2020 catcher who is committed to Miami, continued to show why is one of the top players in the 2020 class. Leading Florida Christian to a 4-1 win, he has a presence behind the plate. Durable frame with strength and flexibility, the hands work and shows overall advanced defensive actions. He is also confident in the box, stands tall and is aggressive through the zone with above average present bat speed and power.

Miami recruit, 2020 C Carlos Perez just misses a home run. Physical catcher, above average defender with present strength. @FCSPatriots pic.twitter.com/k4nJnEhwG4

— Doug Freeman (@DougFreemanPBR) March 26, 2019

 

Flanagam would run away with an 8-4 win, and while many guys played well. 2019 Stephen Schissler would go 4-4 would a triple and two runs scored. The center-fielder shows some twitchy athleticism.