2020 Border Battle Reports
October 30, 2017
Tim Kay
PBR Tennessee Director of Scouting
On Saturday, October 21, Tennessee and Kentucky brought some of their best uncommitted prospects in the state to play a 9 inning doubleheader. The two teams split the battle, consisting of a lot of talented pitching and offensive talent.
To read up on this year's participants, see below (hitters sorted by exit velo, pitchers sorted by FB velocity):
POSITION PLAYERS
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Elijah Williams OF / LHP / Spring Hill , TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.28, Position Velocity: OF-81, Exit Velocity: 97
6-foot-0, 200-pound, LHH shows CF tools w/ high level bat-speed. Medium, athletic profile w/ present strength, projection. Advanced body for young age. Offensively, hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Bat waggler w/ front foot rhythm. Shift of weight, stride w/ deep hand load. Generates elite bat speed through the zone. Pull oriented approach w/ projectable all fields power. Took a strong BP. Tools to hit, just needs reps. Plus runner glides both home to first and in CF. Defensively, shows plus range w/ good bat reads. Covers a lot of ground. Projectable above average arm strength. 5 tool player, will make a big jump with reps after missing last spring, must see player in the class.
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Lawrence Sutton OF / SS / Lawrence County, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.41, Position Velocity: IF-82, OF-78, Exit Velocity: 86
6-foot-1, 175-pound, RHH shows positional versatility w/ the chance for 5 tools. Medium, athletic frame w/ some present strength, physical projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Bat waggler. Shift of weight, knee to knee leg kick w/ deep load. Load stays tighter in BP than in game. Adjusts size of leg kick depending on what he is looking to do. Generates bat speed through the zone, barrel stays in zone for long time. Projects to hit for average w/ pull power as body matures. Has a 2-strike approach. Average runner now projects above average w/ aggressiveness on the bases. Defensively, took reps in the OF and at SS. Projects as a CF w/ above average speed, good routes, projectable average arm strength. On the dirt, shows athleticism w/ average arm strength, plays through the ball well. Developing hands and feet. Intriguing player w/ potential for 5 tools as frame matures. Definite follow into the spring.
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Home-1st: 4.53, Position Velocity: OF-81, Exit Velocity: 86
5-foot-8, 160-pound, LHH showed his above average hit tool, going 2-4 w/ 2 walks in game action. Short, stocky frame w/ present lower half strength, some physical projection. Offensively, hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Controlled bat waggle. Stride to open w/ proper load. Simple, repeatable swing. Generates bat speed through the zone. All fields, LD oriented approach. Gap power w/ pull HR power coming as he gains strength. Barrel control, understands the hitter he is w/ patient approach. High offensive baseball IQ, bunted for a hit in game w/ 4.1 down the line. Average runner underway. Defensively, projects as a corner OF. Still learning to trust his fly ball reads. Average arm strength w/ efficient release. Hit tool is a carrying tool, intriguing to see how the rest of the skill-set develops into the spring.
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Chase Hoover C / RHP / Dickson County , TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.91, Pop Time: 2.25-2.28, Position Velocity: C-70, Exit Velocity: 84
6-foot-1, 180-pound, RHH showed advanced receiving tools w/ bat speed and projectable pull power w/ patient approach, drawing two walks in game. Medium, athletic profile w/ lot of projection remaining, some present lower half strength. Offensively, hits from a straight on, crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Bat waggle. Shift of weight, toe turn and proper load. Generates bat speed through the zone w/ slight uppercut swing. Pull oriented approach projects for pull power. Legs along for the ride, when taps into them, will increase in game power. Defensively, presents quality low target for his pitchers w/ quiet glove. Can present the same target within his action stance, will come with reps. Advanced receiver for age, will get his pitchers lots of strikes. Moves well behind the plate. As a thrower, has a slight hitch in his throw w/ developing arm strength. Very intriguing defense first catcher w/ good bat profile, intriguing follow into the spring.
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Ryan Tressler RHP / OF / Davidson Academy , TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.53, Position Velocity: OF-80, Exit Velocity: 84
6-foot-1, 165-pound, RHH shows bat speed w/ projectable frame. Medium, athletic frame w/ lot of physical projection, some present strength. Offensively, hits w/ a slightly crouched, straight on stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, leg kick w/ short hand load. Pull heavy approach, struggled w/ timing on this day. Jumps at the baseball w/ some length in swing. Quieter swing in BP, just needs to translate that timing into game. Below average runner projects average. Defensively, moves well in the OF w/ projectable arm strength, profiles in a corner position.
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Ben Willcoxon SS / RHP / Sevier County, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.72, Position Velocity: IF-85, OF-84, Exit Velocity: 84
5-foot-9, 180-pound, RHH showed a patient approach w/ no swing and miss while finding a couple barrels in game. Short, athletic frame w/ present strength, some physical projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Stride and proper load. Repeatable swing, short to the ball. Patient approach, understands his zone and rarely expands. Drew 2 walks in game. Swing works better in game as opposed to BP, cleaner w/ more consistent load. Worked out in the IF and OF, profiles better in the IF. True SS actions w/ plus hands, above average feet and arm strength. Not tested in game, projects to have range to both sides. Moves well in the OF w/ carry to target. Very intriguing middle infield profile w/ high level glove.
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Wylie Ritter 1B / Montgomery Bell Academy, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.56, Position Velocity: IF-75, Exit Velocity: 84 (LH), 83 (RH)
6-foot-1, 210-pound, SHH shows above average hit tool w/ developing power. Medium, athletic frame w/ proportional strength, projection. Switch hitter repeats same swing from both sides of the plate. Straight on, slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location. Toe turn, stride and proper load. Generates bat speed through the zone. Feel for barrel w/ repeatable swing. Present gap power, projects for HR power as body fills out. Similar defensive look to Fall Top Prospect Games w/ a reliable glove. Struggled to throw on this day. Projects as a bat first 1B w/ feel to hit and power.
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Nathan Lewis C / RHP / Scotts Hill, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 5.03, Pop Time: 1.94-1.97, Position Velocity: C-78, Exit Velocity: 83
5-foot-9, 180-pound, RHH is elite thrower behind the plate w/ projectable power at the plate. Short, athletic frame w/ projection remaining, some present strength. Offensively, hits w/ a wide, slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location. Bat waggler. Shift of weight, short stride w/ proper hand load. Pull oriented approach w/ pull power. Struggled w/ timing on this day, projects to hit. Elite catch and throw, threw out 2 runners in game, including 1.62 pop to third base. Arm strength w/ carry to target, accuracy on the bag. As a receiver, presents a solid target for his pitchers w/ quiet glove. Feel for framing. Has a feel for boxing balls, will improve w/ reps. Big time catcher to follow into the spring.
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Ross Pendergrass OF / RHP / Rhea County, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.78, Position Velocity: OF-81, Exit Velocity: 83
6-foot-3, 190-pound, RHH shows power at the plate w/ barrel feel. Tall, athletic, well-proportioned build w/ lot of projection, some present strength. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, leg kick and short hand load. Mixes in a toe tap at times. Generates bat speed through the zone. Struggled w/ timing on this day, projects to hit for power when he hits the ball out in front. All fields approach w/ lot of line drives. Projects for pull power. Projects as a corner OF w/ carry to target. Intriguing 2-way talent in the 2020 class.
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Grayson Cole RHP / OF / Mt Juliet, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.84, Position Velocity: OF-86, Exit Velocity: 82
6-foot-2, 170-pound, RHH shows projectable pull power w/ patient in-game approach. Tall, athletic, projectable frame w/ lot of physical projection remaining. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, upright stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Short bat waggle. Shift of weight, knee to knee leg kick and short hand load. Generates bat speed through the zone. Pull oriented approach w/ projectable pull power. Had a strong BP, pulled off of the baseball in game. As hips stay on direction a little longer, will increase plate coverage and overall offensive ceiling. Drew 2 walks in game, understands his zone. Projects as a corner OF, moves well w/ carry through target. Strong 2-way talent in the 2020 class.
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Caleb Hawkins C / SS / Stewarts Creek, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.59, Pop Time: 1.97-2.00, Position Velocity: C-78, IF-82, Exit Velocity: 82
6-foot-2, 170-pound, RHH reached base 3 times while showing tools to catch. Tall, athletic profile w/ lot of projection, some lean strength. Offensively, hits from a crouched, slightly open stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Bat waggler. Shift of weight, low hand load and stride. Uses lower half well in swing, everything is connected. Generates bat speed through the zone. All fields approach w/ lot of line drives, present gap power. Swing works better in game then in BP, engages lower half better. Defensively, shows quick, middle infield type release w/ arm strength to carry to target. Presents a good target for his pitchers w/ easy receiving. Quiet behind the plate. Moves well. Intriguing mix of receiving skills w/ catch and throw ability. High level 2020 catcher to follow.
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Briggs Rutter C / Zion Christian, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.78, Pop Time: 2.03-2.06, Position Velocity: C-79, Exit Velocity: 81
6-foot-1, 175-pound, RHH reached base 3 times while showing tools to catch w/ arm strength. Medium, athletic frame w/ proportional build, lot of projection. Offensively, hits from a crouched, open stance w/ back shoulder hand location and high back elbow. Bat waggler. Leg kick w/ short hand load. A little more hand separation would create better attack angle to baseball. Barrel stays in zone for long time, shows feel for contact w/ some barrel feel. Pulled off at times. Pull oriented approach w/ projectable pull power. Defensively, presents a big body w/ good low target for his pitchers to throw to, can present target a little earlier. Quiet glove behind the plate w/ feel for receiving. Moves well behind the plate. As a thrower, shows projectable arm strength w/ carry to target. Efficient release w/ throws on the bag. High level defensive catcher projects to hit, high level 2020 follow into the spring.
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Dylan Dickert RHP / 3B / Seymour, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.90, Position Velocity: IF-84, Exit Velocity: 80
6-foot-1, 175-pound, RHH shows the tools to play 3B w/ some bat speed. Medium, athletic frame w/ some lean strength, lot of projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly crouched, slightly open stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Bat waggle. Shift of weight, stride to open and proper hand load. Pull heavy approach w/ some bat-speed through the zone. Struggled to cover the outside part of the plate due to hips flying open. Tools to hit w/ small mechanical fixes. Defensively, shows soft hands w/ good feet and arm strength w/ carry through target. Projects to stay at 3B. An intriguing 2020 2-way prospect w/ bat growth coming.
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Carter Edge C / OF / McCallie, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.85, Pop Time: 2.06-2.09, Position Velocity: C-78, Exit Velocity: 78
6-foot-0, 150-pound, RHH shows above average defensive tools w/ projectable frame. Medium, athletic profile w/ lot of projection, little present strength. Offensively, hits w/ a slightly crouched, straight on stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Has front toe turned in. Some hand rhythm. Leg kick to slightly closed w/ deep hand load. Slight hitch as ball is coming before swing starts. Pull oriented approach w/ lot of line drives. Legs along for the ride in the swing. Defensively, presents a good target for his pitchers w/ feel for receiving. Quiet behind the plate w/ ability to steal strikes. As a thrower, shows an efficient release w/ arm strength w/ carry to target. Threw out a runner in game. Intriguing defense first catcher w/ lot of projection, interesting follow for the 2020 class.
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Home-1st: 4.94, Position Velocity: IF-76, Exit Velocity: 75
5-foot-10, 145-pound, RHH had a strong 2 games, reaching base 5 of 6 times w/ patient approach. Medium, lean approach w/ projection. Little present strength. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ bat resting on back shoulder. Shift of weight, stride and little hand load. A little more hand separation would create a better attack angle to the baseball, little steep through the zone right now. Shows a 2-strike approach w/ getting foot down early. Up the middle approach w/ lot of line drives. Projects for gap power as he adds muscle to his frame. Defensively, shows above average hands w/ good feet. Can engage his lower half better defensively to create more arm strength. Some tightness in hips will loosen up as he matures. An interesting 2020 middle infield follow.
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Ryan Wells SS / RHP / Eagleville, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.60, Position Velocity: IF-83, Exit Velocity: 75
5-foot-11, 168-pound, RHH showed all fields approach w/ no swing and miss against high level pitching. Medium, athletic frame w/ some present strength, projection. Offensively, hits from a crouched, straight on stance w/ hands even w/ neck. Some lower half rhythm. Shift of weight, knee to knee leg kick and proper load. Arm bar. Feel for contact w/ projectable bat speed. All fields approach w/ lot of line drives. Defensively, shows reliable glove w/ good feet, arm strength w/ carry through target. Projects to stay at SS as body matures. Was coming off of a sickness, has posted better run times and exit velocities at prior events. Intriguing 2020 follow.
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PITCHERS
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Cole Heath RHP / C / Davidson Academy, TN / 2020
Max FB: 87, FB: 83-87, CB: 69-71, CH: 73
6-foot-2, 181-pound, RHP showed present velocity w/ projectable arm speed and body. Tall, athletic frame w/ some present strength, projection. Pitches from the stretch only. Balance point into hip drive and H ¾ release. Proper finish w/ lightning quick arm, some effort in throw w/ downhill plane. Breaks hands lower in stretch as opposed to wind-up, creating some timing issues where arm is ahead of body. Straight FB shows occasional arm side run. Medium downer CB flashes proper rotation w/ average depth. Gets loose at other times. CH w/ arm-speed, fade and sink. Projects to command w/ easy to repeat mechanics, consistent arm slot. Generated 23 % swing and miss (3 of 13). High level 2020 follow w/ present velo.
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Grayson Cole RHP / OF / Mt Juliet, TN / 2020
Max FB: 85, FB: 83-85, CH: 75-77, SL: 73-77
6-foot-2, 170-pound, RHP showed 3 average or better pitches w/ 42 % swing and miss rate (5 of 12) while striking out 4 in 2 innings. Tall, athletic, projectable frame w/ lot of physical projection remaining. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into first base side of rubber. Leg kick into hip drive and H ¾ release. Glove side can be stronger, is just along for the ride right now, occasionally affects direction to the plate. Quick arm w/ downhill plane. FB shows cut to glove side, run to arm side. Flashes ride through the zone when fingers stay on top. ¾ tilt SL flashes late break w/ above average depth. True swing and miss pitch when right. CH w/ arm-speed, late fade. Projects to command w/ repeatable delivery. High level 2-way follow w/ lot of potential on the mound.
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Elijah Williams OF / LHP / Spring Hill , TN / 2020
Max FB: 84, FB: 77-83, CB: 69-71, CH: 68
6-foot-0, 200-pound, LHP shows arm speed w/ feel for spin. Medium, athletic profile w/ present strength, projection. Advanced body for young age. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ rocker step into plant foot. Leg kick into hip drive and L ¾ release. Quick arm w/ some effort in throw. Still learning to repeat mechanics, gets rushed down the rubber at times, throwing off timing. Straight FB, shows occasional cut. ¾ breaking ball is a slurve, flashes tight rotation w/ average depth. Slowed arm down on CH w/ some fade. Just needs reps on the mound to get in the strike zone more consistently, learn to repeat and trust mechanics. High level 2-way follow into the spring.
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Ross Pendergrass OF / RHP / Rhea County, TN / 2020
Max FB: 84, FB: 79-83, CB: 69-72, CH: 68-72
6-foot-3, 190-pound, RHP shows projectable arm strength w/ prototypical pitcher frame. Tall, athletic, well-proportioned build w/ lot of projection, some present strength. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ a rocker step into the first base side of the rubber. Leg kick into hip drive and H ¾ release. Finishes upright. Quick arm w/ near stab in the back. Downhill plane when finishes w/ some bend. FB w/ arm side run, occasional sink. Flattens out when elevated. Medium downer CB flashes proper rotation, average depth. Flashed above average depth w/ tight spin. Still learning to repeat. CH w/ arm-speed, sink. Projects to control the baseball, just needs reps within his delivery. 33 % overall swing and miss rate (4 of 12). Very intriguing 2020 2-way follow.
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AJ Montijo RHP / 1B / Silverdale Baptist Academy, TN / 2020
Max FB: 84, FB: 80-84, CB: 69-71
6-foot-4, 190-pound, RHP showed advanced control for a young arm, helping him strike out 6 in 3 innings w/ a 39 % swing and miss rate (7 of 18). Tall, athletic, prototypical pitcher frame w/ long limbs. Projectable w/ some present strength. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ a rocker step into plant foot on first base side of rubber. Leg kick to hip drive and H ¾ to ¾ release. Low effort throw w/ repeatable mechanics. Extension w/ drive down the mound. FB shows occasional arm side run, ride through the zone. Feel for adding and subtracting depending on the situation. Medium downer CB flashes knee buckling w/ tight rotation. Gets short at other times. DNS CH. Advanced feel for the strike zone, especially locating to the glove side. Keeps the ball down and stays out of the middle of the plate. High level 2020 righty w/ a velo jump coming.
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Dylan Dickert RHP / 3B / Seymour, TN / 2020
Max FB: 84, FB: 80-83, CB: 60-64, CH: 69-70
6-foot-1, 175-pound, RHP struck out 4 in 2 innings, showing an intriguing 3 pitch mix. Medium, athletic frame w/ some lean strength, lot of projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ a rocker step into plant foot. Balance point into hip drive and H ¾ release. Quick arm w/ some downhill plane. Repeatable mechanics w/ some effort in throw. Straight FB shows occasional short arm side run, occasional ride through zone. Slow CB, but not a loopy CB. Big downer w/ proper shape, rotation. Can steal a strike, generate swing and miss with it due to velocity differential. CH w/ arm-speed, fade and sink. Projects to command, just needs more reps to continue learning to repeat delivery. Generated 36 % swing and miss overall (4 of 11). High level 2020 2-way follow, just scratching the surface on the mound.
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Ryan Tressler RHP / OF / Davidson Academy , TN / 2020
Max FB: 82, FB: 78-82, CB: 70, CH: 72-74
6-foot-1, 165-pound, RHP shows quick arm w/ projectable frame. Medium, athletic frame w/ lot of physical projection, some present strength. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ rocker step into drive foot set-up. Balance point into leg drive and over the top release. Quick arm w/ some downhill plane. Extension. Straight FB w/ ride through the zone. Gets on hitters due to extension. 12-6 medium downer CB. Inconsistent rotation. Straight CH w/ arm-speed. Projects to command w/ more reps due to repeatable mechanics. An intriguing two way follow in the 2020 class.
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Ricky Guthrie RHP / Rhea County, TN / 2020
Max FB: 82, FB: 80-82, CB: 69-71
6-foot-3, 200-pound, RHP showed strike throwing ability from low slot w/ knee buckling CB. Prototypical pitcher frame w/ present strength in lower half, projectable. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ a short rocker step into setting up on first base side of rubber. Balance point into leg drive and near sidearm release. Repeatable mechanics w/ quick arm. FB shows arm side run w/ occasional sink. Early life. Occasional straight. CB is true out pitch, showing 12-6 late break w/ above average depth. Tight spin w/ feel for where he wants to put it. DNS CH. Strike thrower projects to command. Very intriguing 2020 follow into the spring.
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Ryan Wells SS / RHP / Eagleville, TN / 2020
Max FB: 81, FB: 77-81, CH: 76-77
5-foot-11, 168-pound, RHP showed strike throwing ability w/ difficulty to elevate (83 % groundball rate). Medium, athletic frame w/ some present strength, projection. Pitches from full wind-up w/ big rocker step into setting on third base side of the rubber. Balance point into hip drive and H ¾ release. Easy to repeat delivery w/ low effort throw. Straight FB. DNS breaking ball. CH w/ arm-speed, some fade and sink. Projects to command w/ repeatable mechanics. Interesting 2-way follow.
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Bracken Rice RHP / 1B / Rossview, TN / 2020
Max FB: 80, FB: 77-80, CB: 65-69, CH: 71-74
6-foot-0, 160-pound, RHP shows plus CH w/ projection, 3 average or better pitches. Medium, athletic frame w/ present strength in lower half, lot of physical projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ preset back leg. Short rocker step into balance point, leg drive and low ¾ to ¾ release. Still learning to repeat release point. High effort throw w/ lot of limbs coming at you, deceptive. Generates some downhill plane w/ quick arm. Fastball shows occasional arm side run, occasional straight. Medium downer CB flashes tightness w/ late break. Feel for spin w/ ability to manipulate shape. CH w/ arm-speed, fade and sink. Generated 75 % swing and miss (3 of 4). Late depth and sink. Controlled his off-speed stuff better on this day, struggled to find zone w/ FB. Projects to throw strikes as learns to repeat delivery. Very intriguing 2020 follow who shows the off-speed pitches, just waiting for physical development to the fastball.
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