Atlantic Risers - NS Preseason ID

April 7, 2021
Patrick Westhaver
PBR Atlantic Scouting Director

Finally, we were able to get one of our Preseason events off the ground in Nova Scotia at the end of March and get a first hand look at some of the talent in the province. A great day overall with lots of gains and positive changes in players, we take a look at 5 prospects who really caught our attention as a staff and made some noticeable improvements to their game.

Complete NS Preseason Statistics

To view the Positional Stats, Click Here.
To view the Pitching Stats, Click Here.
To View the Blast Stats, Click Here.

ATLANTIC RISERS

Ryan Avery SS / C / Halifax West , NS / 2022

Report: Avery impressed with his all around athleticism when we initially saw him in the fall. Predictably so, he highlights our risers as he looks even more polished behind the plate and in the field. Avery improved his pop time from 2.04 - 2.06 to a personal best of 1.95. His footwork and attack is more fluid from shortstop and his infield velocity ticked up from 77mph to 80mph. Pair these increases with a 82 exit velocity and an already impressive 7.19 sixty time and there is a lot to like here.

Nolan Cheeseman OF / RHP / Sir John A MacDonald, NS / 2022

Report: When we saw Cheeseman in the fall he was a flyer running a 6.84 sixty time and a defensive wizard tracking down balls in the outfield. The next step was adding strength to his game. Well, he visibly and physically has done that. His outfield velocity has exploded from 77mph in the fall to 87mph now, and the exit velocity increased from 81mph to 83mph. This would be a name we’d recommend you keep an eye on if you need a sound defensive outfield with plus speed.

Carter Higgins 2B / OF / Cobequid , NS / 2023

Report: When we saw him in the fall we were intrigued by the size at 5-foot-10, 175-pounds and a flash of raw tools. Since then Higgins’ got stronger in every aspect). We still are unsure where he will stick on the diamond, but we feel quite comfortable where it is he’s going to hit. The hands are quiet, the lower half works and there is consistent loud contact. Increases were flashed across the board as he went from 68 to 76mph in the infield, from 72 to 78mph in the outfield, and from 80 to 86mph at the dish. He’s a 2023, stay tuned.

Rory MacDonald RHP / C / Citadel, NS / 2023

Report: In the fall when we saw MacDonald it was as a pitcher / catcher, he’s now transitioned to a pitcher / infielder. Long-term he projects on the mound, however the swing was significantly improved. The exit velocity went from 69 to 74mph, but more importantly the fastball velocity was up to 79 from 76mph. His curveball 66-67mph has depth with good fell for it, and at 6-foot, 170-pounds this will be an arm we suspect will climb into the 80’s in no time.

Keegan Wade-Parker 1B / RHP / Park View , NS / 2022

Report: Talk about putting in work, Wade-Parker got after it since the fall. He’s quite visibly improved the physique, and currently sits at 6-foot-2, 225-pounds. Since the fall, the swing is so much more refined, and he possesses serious pop. On the day of the event the exit velocity jumped from 84 to 86mph, but he’s been clocked at a personal best of 96mph. The infield velocity skyrocketed from 66 to 79mph with improved range and hands. He projects as a middle of the order corner infielder that you’ll want to know moving forward.