On Saturday and Sunday, Belmont hosted a showcase featuring many of the top travel teams in the state.  This showcase featured a slew of prospects in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 classes.  Also included within this showcase write up is information on the Coffee County High School team, who I saw on Monday. 

Batters Box

2018 C Gentry, Austin (Lewisburg, MS) – 5-9, 155-pound catcher grows on you the more you see him play.  Righty hits from a slightly open, upright stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Shift of weight, toe tap to slightly open w/ minimal hand load.  Gap to gap hitter type w/ bat head that stays in zone for long time.  Defensively, is a heady, athletic player who made a number of heads up plays over the course of two games.  Average arm strength w/ quick release, consistent 2.1 or better pops.  Can present a better target for his pitchers, but soft hands w/ feel for catching. 

2018 3B Kendrick, Steven (Munford) - 5-10, 185 pound third basemen shows potential power bat.  Righty hitter hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location and bat waggle.  Leg kick lands open w/ power load where hands drop and slowly make way back to proper height.  Pull heavy approach w/ above avg bat speed.  Power over average.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  Interesting power bat. 

2018 1B Wilson, Landon (Haywood Co.) - 6-6, 230-pound 1B w/ physical, defensive lineman build.  Lefty hitter hits from a slightly open, upright stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Toe tap to slightly open w/ hands dropping to chest level.  Generates bat speed, repeats swing well despite his long levers.  Pull heavy approach.  Size and strength combination intrigues.

Coffee County HS (Manchester, TN)

2018 RHP/C Tate, Nathanial - Max FB: 87, FB (84-87), CB (75-78), CH (79)
6-1, 160 pound two way player shows high upside offensively and defensively.  Offensively, he hits from an open, upright stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Some bat waggle.  Leg kick w/ load where hands drop just below his chest.  Above avg bat speed.  Learning to repeat swing every time.  Defensively, shows the tools to stay behind the plate w/ arm strength and accuracy, clocked him with two 1.97's between innings.  On the mound, shows upside w/ lightning quick arm.  Pitches from a full wind-up w/ lot of moving parts.  Does not engage lower half.  FB w/ consistent arm side run and sink.  Occasional ride through the zone.  CB flashes plus w/ tight rotation, late break, above average depth.  CH shows armspeed w/ little life.  Around the zone, still developing command.  Just scratching the surface of how good he can be.

2018 OF Langham, Jacob - 5-9, 165-pound OF w/ plus running speed and some feel for barrel.  The righty hits from an open stance w/ a slight crouch and back shoulder hand location.  Hanging leg kick w/ proper load.  Short to the ball w/ bat speed and gap to gap approach.  Plus runner who glides across the bases.  DNS enough for a defensive eval.  Intriguing speed first OF.

Cross Hit

2019 CIF Boze, Zach (Station Camp) - 6-2, 160-pound third basemen shows an intriguing body w/ bat speed.  Hits from a straight on, near upright stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Mini leg kick where lands slightly open w/ load where hands drop a bit.  Shows above average bat speed w/ some power.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  Intriguing 3B profile.

2019 C Curtis, Jacob (Franklin-Simpson, KY) – 6-2, 185-pound catcher shows big tools.  Righty hitter hits with an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Stride to square w/ proper hand load.  Near arm bar.  Above avg bat speed.  Pull oriented approach w/ power.  Defensively, shows premium arm strength w/ good release.  Presents a big body and good target for a pitcher to pitch to.  Moves well behind the plate.  Soft hands w/ feel for framing.  Big-time catching prospect.

2019 RHP/1B Jackson, Cooper (Station Camp) - Max FB: 80, FB (76-80), CB (68-71)
6-2, 175 pound 2-way player shows potential both ways.  In the box, the righty hits w/ an open, slightly crouched stance w/ hands at his belt.  Leg kick into proper load.  Generates above avg bat speed.  Gap to gap type hitter.  As a pitcher, attacks from a H 3/4 release.  Works from a full-windup w/ deliberate movements.  FB flashes arm side run, but mostly straight.  Mixes in side arm FB's, show a little run.  CB flashes above avg w/ tight rot, avg depth.  Mixes depth and tightness of pitch.  DNS CH.  Threw strikes, developing command.  Intriguing 2-way player.

2019 MIF Jennings, Gabe (Wilson Central) - 6-1, 165-pound SS shows lean, athletic body w/ performance (was 4 for 9 w/ 2B in 3 games I saw).  Righty hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Knee to knee mini leg kick w/ stride to square and proper hand load.  Repeatable swing w/ quiet head.  Generates bat speed.  Gap to gap approach.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  Intriguing middle infielder.

2019 LHP/1B Nelson, Chase (Hendersonville) - Max FB: 83, FB (78-82), CB (66-69), CH (76)
Intriguing 2-way prospect struck out 4 in 3 innings and hit a home run.  In the box, the lefty hitter hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Bat waggle.  Shift of weight, leg kick and proper load.  Some length and power.  Generates bat speed.  Power over average.  DNS defensively. On the mound, the lefty works from a full wind-up w/ controlled tempo and 3/4 to H 3/4 release point.  Quick arm w/ slight stab in back.  FB shows consistent arm side run.  Generated 47 % swing and miss on FB due to life and location.  CB is true 2 plane breaking ball w/ tight rotation, above avg depth.  CH was firm and straight.  Pounded the zone and pitched w/ intent, projects for above avg command.

2019 RHP Riley, Matt (Beech) - Max FB: 85, FB (78-84), CB (62-67)
6-3, 190-pound righty w/ uber projectable body, arm speed.  Pro body w/ projection, can add a lot more weight.  Pitches from full wind-up w/ over the top release.  Still learning to repeat delivery and keep arm on time.   Delivery is nearly all arm currently, just scratching the surface of what he can be.  Fastball flashes above average cut, flashes straight.  Big 12-6 CB breaks early out of hand, flashes average.  DNS CH.  Can control the ball at times, dependent on delivery.  Raw, but very high upside arm.

2020 OF Bradshaw, Luke (Lebanon) - 6-2, 180-pound OF shows big time bat speed w/ CF tools.  Lefty hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location.  Proper stride and load.  Projects to hit for both average and power.  Shows pitch recognition and plate coverage.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  Tennessee commit.

2020 RHP Heath, Cole (Davidson Academy) - Max FB: 86, FB (81-85), CB (69-72), CH (75)
6-2, 170-pound righty showcases a quick arm w/ above avg present velo.  Athletic build w/ projectable lower half.  Pitches from the stretch only w/ a H 3/4 release point.  Some head violence and effort.  Super quick arm.  Fastball shows occasional arm side run when down, occasional ride when elevated.  Medium downer CB is raw and developing, but flashes average.  CH w/ armspeed and a little sink.  Around the zone, projects to command.  Special arm w/ very high upside.

2020 1B Ritter, Wylie (Montgomery Bell) - 6-1, 190-pound switch hitter we saw from the left side only.  Hits from a straight on, very slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Crouch, shift of weight and deep hand load.  Above average bat speed in simple swing.  Shows ability to hit to all fields w/ gap to gap approach.  Still developing loft to reach power ceiling.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  Potential to be a special corner bat.

2020 OF Sutton, Lawrence (Lawrence County) - 6-1, 165-pound OF shows the potential for 5 tools.  The righty hitter hits from an open, upright stance w/ his hands even with the top of his helmet.  Short bat waggle.  Stride to slightly open w/ proper hand load.  Shows above avg bat speed.  Will unlock power ceiling when begins to hit the ball out front.  DNS enough for a defensive eval.  Very intriguing young hitter just scratching the surface.

2020 MIF Wells, Ryan (Eagleville) - 5-10, 165-pound true SS w/ bat speed.  Righty hits from a slightly open, crouched stance w/ back ear hand location in front of body.  Shift of weight, leg kick and proper load.  Generates bat speed.  All fields approach w/ gap power.  True SS w/ reliable glove, arm strength to stay at position.  Very intriguing middle infield prospect.

eXposure

2020 MIF Ebel, Gehrig (Baylor) – 6-0, 175-pound true SS showed premium bat speed.  Righty hitter hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ hands even w/ the logo on his helmet.  Bat waggle.  Leg kick lands slightly open w/ proper hand load.  Stays balanced w/ big bat speed.  Projects to hit for average and big power.  Defensively, showed true SS hands w/ ability to make all the plays.  Arm strength w/ carry through target.  Mississippi State commit.

2020 C Edge, Carter (McCallie) - 6-0, 160-pound catcher made a strong impression before leaving the game in the fourth.  Righty hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Shift of weight, stride onto toe and proper hand load.  Bat speed w/ pitch recognition.  Defensively, shows advanced receiving tools w/ soft hands and ability to handle premium stuff.  Developing feel for framing.  Boxes well w/ athletic movements.  Consistent 2.1 and better pop times.  Profiles as a very interesting defensive first catcher.

2020 OF Garland, Bradley (Baylor) - 5-9, 165-pound OF performed at 2 games I sat on, going 3 for 3 w/ 2 walks.  Lefty hits from a slightly open, upright stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Strides to open w/ proper hand load.  Still head w/ pitch recognition.  Barrel stays in zone for long time w/ bat speed.  All fields approach w/ potential for pull power.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  Intriguing young hitter.

2020 C Gilliland, Hayden (Heritage) - 5-11, 175-pound catcher shows big bat speed.  Lefty hitter hits from an open, upright stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Mini leg kick w/ little hand load.  Still learning to repeat swing.  Front foot hitter generates bat speed.  Power over average right now, projects for a potential special power bat.  DNS defensively.  Definite young power bat follow.

2020 RHP Hagenow, Ryan (Farragut) - Max FB: 84, FB (79-84), CB (67-71), CH (72-76)
6-4, 175-pound righty projects to have 3 above avg or better pitches.  Up-tempo delivery w/ 3/4 release point, repeats.  Quick arm that works, flashes extension.  FB shows arm side run w/ occasional sink.  CB flashes above avg w/ tight rotation, above avg depth.  CH w/ armspeed, occasional fade.    Both breaking pitches flash above avg, will get consistent w/ more reps.  Controls the FB, flashes ability to pitch w/ intent.  Generated 30 % swing and miss rate.  High upside right handed arm.

2020 C Moore, Clayton (Jupiter Christian, FL) – 6-1, 195-pound catcher shows physical, projectable body w/ bat speed.  Hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Shift of weight, proper hand load and mini leg kick where lands slightly open.  Bat speed w/ barrel in zone for long time.  Pull heavy approach w/ bat speed.  Behind the plate, presents a good target w/ a big body to throw to.  Gets a little loud with the glove pre-pitch, but shows soft hands w/ a feel for receiving.  Interesting catching prospect.

2020 LHP Patterson, Drew (Farragut) - 9/17/17 - Max FB: 79, FB (75-78), CB (68-71), CH (71-73)
6-3, 190-pound lefty pitcher shows quick arm w/ deception.  Full windup w/ no wasted movement.  Pitches w/ some effort from 3/4 release point w/ quick arm.  FB shows occasional arm-side run, occasional sink.  Medium downer CB is true slurve w/ inconsistent life.  Can be a CB that comes up of out of hand or a true SL w/ 3/4 tilt.  Can spin it, generated 60 % swing and miss on the pitch.  CH w/ armspeed, late fade, occasional sink.  Strike thrower w/ all 3 pitches projects to command.  Projects as a 3 pitch lefty w/ above avg breaking ball.

2020 OF/RHP Pendergrass, Ross (Rhea County) - Max FB (84), FB (77-83), CB (66-71)
6-3, 190-pound 2-way player shows tools offensively and on the mound.  In the box, the righty hits w/ a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Leg kick to square w/ proper load.  Mixes in a toe tap as well.  Pull heavy approach w/ bat speed.  Potential to hit for average and power.  On the mound, pitches from a full windup w/ arm speed from an over the top slot.  Raw delivery still learning how to consistently engage lower half, keep arm on time.  Gets downhill at times.  Fastball is straight, flashes extension and ride through zone.  Medium downer CB shows above average depth.  Very inconsistent on this day.  DNS CH.  Shows ability to throw strikes w/ FB, as delivery gets consistent, will have avg control.  Strong 2-way prospect.

Nashville Knights

2021 RHP Grimes, Tommy - Max FB: 83, FB (76-81), CH (73)
5-11, 160-pound righty showed above average arm strength for his age.  Pitching from a full wind-up, takes a pause when he takes his rocker step w/ repeatable mechanics, arm speed from L 3/4 slot.  Quick arm.  FB w/ consistent arm side run, occasional sink.  CH thrown from a higher arm slot w/ good velo differential.  Strike thrower still learning to pitch w/ intent.  High level arm.

Rawlings SE Prospects

2018 OF Spain, Garrett (Clarksville) - 5-10, 165-pound true center fielder w/ offensive projection.  Lefty hits from an open, very slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location and bat waggle.  Leg kick w/ knee to knee action to square w/ proper hand load.  Above avg bat speed w/ barrel feel.  Projects to hit for average w/ pull power.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  Austin Peay commit.

2019 RHP Carter, Kobe (Hendersonville) – Max FB: 83, FB (79-83), SL (69-73), CH (74-75)
5-7, 150-pound righty shows advanced feel for FB w/ life.  Short, athletic build.  Up-tempo full windup w/ some effort in throw from ¾ release.  Hits all his cues, repeats.  Consistent arm-side run.  Has an idea on how to get the FB in on righties to allow the life to play up.  1-7 SL flashes late break w/ avg depth.  Got a little loose at times, slurvy.  Developing CH w/ armspeed, some sink.  Attacks hitters w/ no fear, pounds the zone, especially w/ FB (28 of 33 for strikes).  Interesting arm to follow.

2019 MIF Cummings, Tyler (Penn Foster Home School) - Performer went 5-6 w/ a double at the 2 games I sat on w/ 67 % hard contact.  Short, athletic build.  Righty hits from a slightly open, upright stance w/ hands out in front of the body in a back shoulder hand location.  Slight bat waggle.  Slight shift of weight, stride to square w/ minimal hand load.  Line drive hitter w/ ability to work all fields w/ some barrel feel.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  

2019 MIF Harris, Brady (Gallatin) – 5-10, 160-pound true SS.  Righty hitter hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ some bat waggle, hip movement.  Leg kick to open w/ short hand load.  Adjusts w/ 2 strikes to a stride to open.  Generates bat speed.  Needs to work on staying closer to square to be able to work all fields.  Current pull heavy approach w/ doubles pull power.  Above avg runner has a feel for bunting, using speed on bases.  Defensively, profiles as a true SS w/ soft hands, arm strength.  Attacks ground balls to get his hop.  Very intriguing middle infielder.

2019 CIF Hayslip, Tarver (Friendship Christian) - 5-11, 210 pound corner infield shows short swing w/ developing power.  Righty hits from a straight on, very slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location.  Stride to slightly open w/ proper hand load.  Short to the ball in easy to repeat swing.  Pull approach. Flashes ability to stay on ball and drive it to opposite field.  Projectable home run power.  DNS enough defensively for eval.  Intriguing offensive tool package to follow. 

2019 CIF Layne, Hayden (Hendersonville) - 6-0, 185-pound corner infielder shows all the tools you look for in a collegiate 3B.  Athletic w/ projectable frame.  Righty hits from a straight on, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location and slight bat waggle.  Leg kick w/ deep hand load.  Can get too front leg heavy and get off balance.  Generates above avg bat speed.  Gap to gap hitter projects for power.  Avg runner runs w/ little effort.  Defensively, shows above avg arm strength w/ carry through target.  Made all the plays in a one game look.  All-around 3B profile.

2019 LHP Mullins, Hayden (Hendersonville) – Max FB: 89, FB (85-89), CB (73)
6-0, 170-pound lefty shows 2 potential plus pitches w/ arm speed projection.  Prototypical pitcher build w/ physical projection.  Strong lower half.  Up-tempo full windup w/ effort in throw.  Lot of limbs coming at you.  ¾ to L ¾ release w/ occasional extension, lightning quick arm.  Arm-side run on FB w/ occasional ride through zone.  CB flashes plus w/ above avg depth, tight rot.  True out pitch.  DNS CH.  Developing command of the zone, learning to get arm consistently on time, repeat slot.  Big upside arm has draft potential w/ development.  Auburn commitment.

2019 MIF Parliment, Joey (Gordonsville) - 5-8, 150-pound middle infielder performed in a 2 game look, reaching base in 6 of 8 plate appearances.  Hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Some hand rhythm.  Stride to open w/ deep hand load.  Pull approach w/ ability to generate bat speed.  More power than frame suggests.  DNS enough defensively for an eval.  Definite middle infield follow.

2019 RHP Terry, Chase (Gallatin) – Max FB: 81, FB (79-81), CB (66-69)
5-11, 200-pound righty showed strike throwing ability in 10 strikeout game.  Bulldog build w/ physicality.  Full windup w/ repeatable, short movements and H ¾ release.  Straight FB flashes cut/ride at different times, still learning to be consistent w/ finger placement at release.  12-6 CB w/ average depth.  DNS CH.  Feel for throwing for strikes.  Projects to above avg command w/ clean mechanics, present feel.

2019 C Vaughn, Nate (Hendersonville) - 6-1, 190 pound catcher w/ athletic, projectable build.  Righty hitter hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location and bat waggle.  Leg kick w/ hand load where hands get a little low.  Learning to keep lower half and upper half in sync.  Pull approach w/ gap power.  Defensively, shows tools to be quality receiver w/ soft hands, athletic movements.  Can get quieter behind the plate w/ better target for pitchers.  Intriguing catcher follow.