By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

JUPITER, FL - The first day of the World Wood Bat Championships had plenty to see, with some highs and lows and some rain in between. We will stick with only the highs here. Also providing in-depth coverage here is National Supervisor Nathan Rode, National Crosschecker Shooter Hunt, Texas Scouting Director Toby Bicknell and Florida Scouting Director Doug Freeman and Mike Maerz. Be sure to check out their content as well.

class of 2018

+ 2018 RHP Lyon Richardson (Jensen Beach HS, FL), a Florida recruit who is currently ranked No. 19 overall, came in relief for the Braves Scout Team/Warhawks and flashed premium present velocity with, it seems, more to dream on as he begins to fill into his lanky 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame. Working from a high-3/4 slot with a short, ultra-quick arm, Richardson sat 91-92 mph in the first inning, and settled in at 88-91 in the second inning. He also spun a tight 75-mph breaking ball with depth, which he consistently threw for strikes. With his arm speed, athleticism and high-ceiling frame, Richardson should continue to add velocity in coming years.

+ 2018 RHP Austin Becker (Big Walnut HS, OH), a 6-foot-6, 185-pound Vanderbilt recruit, started for the Evoshield Canes on Thursday and worked three innings, yielding two hits with one strikeout and one walk. The No. 11 overall ranked 2018 prospect topped at 93 mph, and pitched at 88-90 throughout. He also wrinkled in a mid-70s slider.

+ 2017 Antonio Menendez (Herndon HS, VA), a long and lanky 6-foot-4, 190-pound Wake Forest recruit, is a two-way talent, but showed intriguing upside on the mound. The right-hander works from two angles, but was most effective when he was dealing somewhere between a low-3/4 and sidearm slot. He has an athletic arm, long and loose, with a tailing fastball that ranged between 84-86 mph. He also threw a sweeping slider at 74 mph.  ...