Starting Nine: Top Prospect Games
July 1, 2019
The Top Prospect Games took place on June 11-12 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. This invite-only event featured 120 of the top 2020-2022 prospects across the state of Tennessee. The prospects participated in a pro-style workout followed by a simulated game in front of PBR Tennessee Scouting Staff and college coaches. The Starting Nine gives an in-depth analysis of the event's most intriguing position player prospects.
Kameron Johnson OF / OF / Heritage, TN / 2020The 6’1 165-pound outfielder flashed multiple tools and instincts throughout the day. Johnson impressed in the morning recording the fastest 60 of the event with a 6.41 time, then followed with the top outfield velo of the event (84 mph) during the evaluation segment. Offensively, Johnson has a balance stance with good bat speed and rhythm. In the live game action, Johnson doubled and walked while also stealing two bases.
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Jared Vetetoe C / OF / Davidson Academy, TN / 2021The 6’1 180-pound prospect showed his skills and versatility at the Top Prospect Games working out at catcher and corner OF. Vetetoe game impressed leaving his name all over the category leaderboards with top 5 finishes in: 60 time (6.62), Pop Time (2.01-2.06), OF Velo (79 mph), and Catcher Velo (76 mph). Vetetoe displayed a smooth swing from the left side showing hit and power tools, which carried over to the game with two base hits including a HR off the scoreboard.
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Blake Barton C / SS / Grace Christian Academy, TN / 2021The 6’0 185-pound backstop displayed ample amount of production during the Top Prospect Games. Barton recorded three hits during play (2 singles and a triple) while also stealing a base (6.99 60 time). Barton (RHH) showed good balance and timing with a moderate leg kick while trying to do damage at the plate. Behind the dish, Barton managed his pitchers and the game well, while showing good blocking and quick throw downs.
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Sam Kirkpatrick SS / 2B / Montgomery Bell Academy, TN / 2020The 5’10 175-pound middle infielder doesn’t project as the most toolsy player of the event, but he stood out with his intangibles and gamer attitude. Kirkpatrick logged a 6.81 60 time and the 2nd best INF velocity at 89 mph, which allows him to be versatile defensively (Logged innings at 2B, SS, 3B, OF). At the plate, he showed an athletic stance with great balance and average bat speed. In the game, he collected two extra base hits and showed fluid fielding movement patterns, while playing a vocal, all out style of game.
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Spencer Williams SS / 2B / Heritage, TN / 2021The 5’10 160-pound switch hitting shortstop showed to be a sure handed defender with a rare offensive skill set. On defense, Williams displayed soft, smooth hands with exceptional footwork and athletic motions with an average arm. At the plate, Williams projects as a table setter with the ability to spray the baseball to all fields, and he looked more comfortable from the left side by showing more natural pop (Exit Velo L: 84, R: 82). Given size and arm may be better suited at 2B at the collegiate level.
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Riley George 2B / OF / Webb School of Knoxville, TN / 2021The 5 foot 10, 150-pound utilityman displayed a short compact swing from the right side with the ability to spray the ball to all fields. Defensively, George showed good hands with smooth transitions with a short 3/4 arm action and versatility by showcasing well in the OF segment. In live play action, George went 2 for 3, highlighted by turning on a up and in 91 mph fastball and barreling it to left center for a standup double.
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Jayden Davis SS / RHP / Cookeville, TN / 2022The 5 foot 9, 160-pound 2-way prospects showcased well on both the bump and in the field. Although one of the smaller players of the event, Davis displayed soft hands, excellent movement patterns defensively, and a strong arm (84 INF Velo). At the plate, the right side swinging Davis utilizes a balanced stance w/ a small leg kick and bat path staying in the zone for an extended time. On the bump, Davis sat 79-81, topping 82 with good late life and high spin paired with a 69-71 mph sharp breaking ball with good shape and 11/5 action.
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Cameron Lee SS / 2B / Summit , TN / 2021The 5 foot 11, 160-pound SS flashed a plethora of tools throughout the event finishing in the top five finishes in 60 (6.67) and INF Velo (86 mph) plus top 20 in exit velocity overall (87 mph). Lee uses an athletic stance with a moderate leg kick with good bat speed, looking to spray the ball to all fields. Defensively, Lee showed above average hands with good range and strong arm. On the bump, Lee displayed a quick, loose arm action sitting 81-83 with a 70-71 breaking ball and 75-76 changeup w/ arm side fade.
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Avery Robertson C / OF / Briarcrest Christian School, TN / 2021The 5 foot 11, 195-pound backstop showed great pop from the right side and sound defense behind the dish. Robertson has a balanced, slightly crouch batting stance with a small stride. He showcased fast bat speed with good power (89 Exit Velo) and lift, especially to the pull side. Behind the plate, he made smooth transfers with a short arm action. In live game play, Robertson went 1 for 3 with a solo HR off the Left Field Porch. Robertson ran well for his size (7.07 60 Time), and showed some versatility as a corner outfielder.
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Coaches needing more information, please contact Colton Provey ([email protected])