Litsch's Lookback/Hatcher's Hotlist: Preseason Classic
February 23, 2022
The 2022 Preseason Classic has come and gone and was full of talent all around. The six day event featured many of the top 2022 Draft prospects in Florida kicking off their senior seasons in front of hundreds of pro scouts each day.
This Spring, we will be rolling out two weekly content pieces in Litsch's Lookback from our Scouting Director Jesse Litsch, as well as Hatcher's Hotlist from our Assistant Scouting Director Cayden Hatcher. Both Jesse and Cayden were locked in with coverage of the 2022 Preseason Classic. Take a look at who stood out to Jesse and Cayden last week.
Litsch's Lookback
2022 Elijah Green, OF, IMG Academy
Green, the highly touted prospect for this years draft did not disappoint. He put together great rounds of BP which led straight into the games. Hitting leadoff, he has good plate discipline while showing the ability to see multiple pitches. He stays through the zone nicely with extremely fast hands and tremendous power. His above average speed shows out not only on the basepaths but gets great jumps on balls in the outfield as well.
2022 Elijah Green @IMGABaseball
— Jesse Litsch (@JesseLitsch) February 17, 2022
Green makes this ball disappear into the night through the heavy wind and the rain for an absolute no doubter Grand Slam.
Gets gd extension with electric bat speed and does not miss it. EV 109 MPH#MLBDraft @ShooterHunt @NathanRode @prepbaseball pic.twitter.com/CXVb6EFvlI
Hatcher's Hotlist
2022 Brandon Barriera, LHP, American Heritage
There is a lot to like in this southpaw, headed to Vanderbilt and the Fastball has been up to 96 mph. Long limbs on Barriera allow him to throw from a ¾ arm slot with a long, loose arm action. At 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, there is still room for physical development which should project added velocity for Barriera. The Slider is a solid out pitch and was impressive at 2680 rpm spin rate which tunnels well with the heater. Barriera brings a lot to the table with his competitiveness and mound presence which makes him a very high draft follow and projected Day 1 guy for this year's 2022 MLB Draft.
2022 Brandon Barriera@_AHbaseball_
— Cayden Hatcher (@C_Hatcher_PBR) February 17, 2022
6’1” 170 lbs.@VandyBoys Recruit
Barriera up to 96 mph w/ FB🔥 at 2560 rpm. Wipe out SL at 2680 rpm.
Long/loose arm action from 3/4 slot.
FB: 92-95 T96
SL: 79-81
CH: 85#MLBDraft || #SpinWins @NathanRode || @ShooterHunt || @PBRFlorida pic.twitter.com/PFLypXxjSs