SWMO Prospect ID Results
June 22, 2011
Written by Ethan Silverman
The SWMO Prospect ID Showcase at Price Cutter Park in Ozark, MO featured a lot of high-end prospects. While there were several strong performances, Drew Bridges, stole the show. The athletic RHP/INF from Carthage HS showed incredibly well in all facets of the game. The Class of 2013 Bridges threw an event best 84 mph off the mound, while displaying a powerful left handed swing. With his performance, Bridges will be climbing the Class of 2013 player rankings and is poised for a great summer season and a breakout junior campaign.
A look at the Top Performers from the event:
1. Drew Bridges, RHP/INF, Carthage HS, Class of 2013: The strong bodied 6-foot-3, 215-pound left handed hitting Bridges demonstrated raw power to hammer the ball from the left centerfield gap to the right field line. With an explosive lower half and level swing, Bridges should be one of the top hitters in the Class of 2013. On the mound, RHP Bridges had the top arm with an 84 mph fastball. His high ¾ arm slot and quick arm action allowed Bridges to throw all pitches consistently for strikes, down in the zone. Bridges also has fastball like arm action on a 70-72 mph changeup with some late arm side run. A 62-65 mph late moving curveball is a legitimate out pitch.
2. Winston Rasmussen, C, Har Ber (Arkansas), Class of 2013: At the plate, Rasmussen put on a power display, smashing three balls over the left center field fence. Rasmussen has a strong lower half and demonstrated above average bat speed to drive the ball gap-to-gap. Behind the plate, the athletic 6-foot, 195-pound Rasmussen showed to be a solid receiver with good balance and instincts. His accurate 2.21 pop time was among the top times for all catchers.
3. Kolby Follis, OF, Bolivar HS, Class of 2013: Follis showed great speed, posting an event best 6.70 time in the 60. The speed was evident in Follis’s ability to quickly get to the ball in the outfield, and a clean exchange firing 80-82 mph on his throws. At the plate, the undersized 5-foot-9, 165-pound Follis showed surprising power and a level swing driving the ball gap-to-gap.
4. Trey Turner, C/OF, Neosho HS, Class of 2014: The only Class of 2014 participant, Turner put himself on the radar by excelling in all facets of the game. Behind the plate, Turner had an event best pop time of 2.15 with consistently quick, accurate throws. In the OF, Turner was quick to the ball and showed some carry on his event best 83 mph throw. At the plate, Turner showed a smooth load and good weight transfer to produce consistent line drives. As he grows and gets stronger, Turner has the potential to be an impact player.
5. Ryan Stevens, RHP/MIF, Kickapoo HS, Class of 2013: RHP/MIF Ryan Stevens showed well on the mound, in the field, and at the plate. On the mound, Stevens used a quick, loose arm to throw an easy 80-81 mph fastball. Stevens threw his 65-68 mph 11-to-5 curveball and 72-75 mph change up consistently for strikes. As he gets stronger, Stevens should see an increase in velocity. At the plate, the 5-foot-8, 160-pound Stevens had an aggressive approach and produced a level line drive swing, spraying the ball gap-to-gap. In the field, Stevens used athletic movements, soft hands, and a quick transfer to deliver accurate throws.
6. Drew Pearson, C, Cabool HS, Class of 2013: The athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pound catcher fired a 2.18 pop time with a quick, clean exchange to second base, while demonstrating athletic actions behind the plate. Offensively, Pearson showed good bat speed and extension while primarily pulling the ball to the left side. Pearson has the tools and potential to be a consistent power hitter and major producer.
7. Landan Ruff, OF, Parkview HS, Class of 2013: The lanky 6-foot-3, 175-pound Ruff has the size and potential to be an impact player. In the outfield, Ruff showed the ability to stay behind the ball and catch it coming forward while delivering accurate 77-79 mph throws. At the plate, Ruff has a balanced stance and consistently drove the ball gap-to-gap. With a bit more of a load and more extension, Ruff should see more power production. Ruff also ran a 7.18 in the 60.
8. Chance Wolfe, C, Clever HS, Class of 2013: Chance Wolfe impressed with good mechanics at the plate and advanced catching ability. At the plate, the wiry and athletic 6-foot, 150-pound Wolfe showed quick bat speed, a strong lower half, and an aggressive approach; driving the ball gap-to-gap. Behind the plate, Wolfe was confident in his receiving and blocking, while posting an accurate 2.32 pop time.
9. Lucas McDonnald, C/OF Reed Springs HS, Class of 2012: The versatile McDonnald show athleticism both behind the plate and in the outfield. Behind the plate, the 6-foot, 150 pound McDonnald showed advanced receiving and blocking techniques, while working well through the ball. His pop time was 2.19, and he had the fastest 60 time for the catchers, 7.39. In the outfield, McDonnald demonstrated athletic actions while coming through the ball on both fly balls and ground balls, and his throws showed some carry at 80-81 mph. The left handed hitting McDonnald has a level swing that produced some line drives.
10. Chandler Hall, Kickapoo HS, Class of 2013: The lean 5-foot-11, 155-pound athlete showed off his tools in the field and at the plate. In the field, Hall showed excellent hands and a strong, accurate arm (80 mph) across the diamond. Offensively, he displayed good rhythm and balance while showing some bat speed.