Quick Hits: State Games (2023 Class)
September 28, 2022
The PBR Louisiana staff had a good feeling about what we were going to see at this past Sunday's State Games. From uncommitted seniors looking to find a home, to rising freshman trying to make a good first impression; there was talent all over Turchin Stadium on Sunday and talent from every single class. Today, we continue our post-event coverage of the State Games with another edition of Quick Hits. This piece focuses on some of the prospects, in the 2023 class, who stood out for either their performance during the workout, gameplay, or both. Over the coming days, we will roll out several editions of Quick Hits that will focus on the 2024, 2025, and 2026 classes, but today is all about the seniors below!
2023 Class
Trent Anderson SS / 2B / West Monroe, LA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 122 / POS: 23
Athletic and lean 5'10" 150 lbs. frame that will continue to fill out as he matures. The West Monroe product walked away as a staff favorite on Sunday. He started his day off by posting a 7.04 (laser) in the 60, but his speed played up during gameplay. During Game 1, Anderson went a LONG ways from shortstop to his forehand side to make a highlight reel play, where he spun around and fired a strike to 1st base. That was hands down the most impressive defensive play of that game. At the plate, Anderson looks to be your prototypical two-hole or bottom of the order bat, thanks to his ability to take quality at-bats, work the count, and make consistent hard contact. We're really looking forward to following him this spring, on what look's to be another loaded Rebels squad. |
Steven Spalitta C / SS / Fontainebleau, LA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 28 / POS: 4
Physical 5'11" 180 lbs. frame with a strong lower half. Spalitta undoubtedly had the best day of any position player at this year's State Games. Catchers usually do not offer much value in the "run tool" area, however Spalitta is a little different most traditional backstops, as he posted a 6.71 (laser) 60 on Sunday morning. That speed showed in game as well, as Spalitta got down the line well and even stole a couple of bags. Offensively, however, is where the Fontainbleu product really shined. He took one of the loudest BP rounds on Sunday, using a simple and repeatable swing that was short and compact to contact with a tight turn, which allowed him to drop a heavy barrel. Spalitta recorded a max exit velocity of 97 mph and a max bat speed of 85 mph. In game, the swing produced and in three at-bats, Spalitta recorded two hits and his lone out was scorched right at the centerfielder. College recruiters in the market for an impact left-handed bat, can circle Spalitta's name as a must follow. |
JC Vanek 1B / LHP / Barbe , LA / 2023As we mentioned leading into the State Games, Vanek has been one of the Bucs most consistent bats the past two seasons and he looks poised to have another good year at the plate. On Sunday, Vanek took a quality round of BP, as he was able to show the ability to drive balls to either gap that resulted in a max exit velocity of 94 mph. He collected three quality at-bats during Game 1 as well. He grounded out hard to the second baseman in his first at-bat, before having a long second at-bat, in which he fouled off several pitches before delivering a sacrifice fly to left field with a runner on third base and less than 2 outs. Vanek saved his best at-bat for last, which was one that went for a double, deep to the opposite field gap, to cap off a stellar showing offensively on Sunday. |
Dylan Biddick OF / RHP / Lafayette , LA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 10 / POS: 2
Stocky 5'10" 179 lbs. frame. This was the first opportunity that we've had to see Biddick up close at one of our events. The Lafayette High product's overall tool set won't jump off the page, but he produces in game, which is what matters at the end of the day. Biddick, along with Spalitta, had one of the loudest rounds of batting practice on the day, as he finished with the third highest max exit velocity at 98 mph. In his first at-bat, in Game 1, Biddick roped a fastball down and away down the left field for a stand up double. Look for Biddick to once again lead the Lions offensive attack this spring. |