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Houston County

Drew Burress, OF, 2023
Georgia Tech Commit.  It’s extremely tough to find a player with the perfect mix of tools and intangibles, but this is exactly what you’re getting with Drew. Whether he will sign or choose to take his talents to The Flats doesn’t matter, this is simply one of the lowest risk players in the class. As I’ve said before, instincts and baseball IQ are his biggest separators. They allow him to get incredible jumps in CF, wreak havoc on the basepaths, and read pitchers like a book. His elite IQ is like peanut butter and his instincts are like jelly, giving him a distinct advantage over everyone on the field. The impressive pitch recognition and plate discipline allow him to take the ideal amount of risk at the plate. I liken it to a cornerback who is dependable in coverage but knows just when to risk it for the pick. He’s going to hunt FB’s and will swing & miss at times, but the risks he takes typically produce at a satisfying clip in the form of XBH’s. Burress has no problem taking walks and using his speed to produce runs, which is why the whiff rates aren’t a concern to me. When he gets aggressive at the plate it isn’t just some meathead pull side approach, he will be aggressive on the outer half FB’s if the pitcher shows that tendency. I can understand why there are Clint Frazier comps being thrown around, but feel Burress separates himself there with a natural inside out swing that Frazier didn’t have at the same stage, A/AVG or better defense in CF, and much more arm strength. Drew won’t be drafted where Clint was in HS, but I feel extremely confident putting my money on him being a Rd 1-2 guy in college. He can be a big plus at a premium defensive position with an A/AVG glove and excellent arm strength+accuracy that has potential to lead the league in assists. You’ll get consistent power+speed production of 15-25 HR/SB and high OBP, making the peaks & valleys with the average obsolete. If a team decides to meet his number this July I feel it will be a good decision, as they are getting a carbon copy of Ramon Laureano who will bring the energy and toughness every day.

#GT ‘23 CF Drew Burress

Pitch recognition on this CB allowed for multiple advanced mid-swing adjustments here - slows load & hangs stride leg post toe tap to get on time, then dips back knee gradually post landing to match plane. 2 2B’s in this video‼️@PBRGeorgia @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/T3jmrc7sJK

— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) May 19, 2023