On Deck Preview: Preseason All-State-Downstate

What to expect: Armani is a slick fielding shortstop who has displayed great foot speed all over the field. He has been timed at 6.7 seconds for his 60 yard dash and as a left handed hitter that adds a huge upside to his game. With some flash in his glove and ability to motor around the diamond, he will be an eye catcher any time he steps on the field.

What we’d like to see: To be an every day player on the left side of the infield in college, arm strength is a necessity. Armani has shown up to 83 mph across the diamond, but for him to take the next step it would be beneficial to see that number increase. With such good hands he is able to make up for some lost time with such a quick release, but a combination of the two would really solidify his game on the defensive side of the ball.

What to expect: Andrew is a stand out player, standing at 6’2 and over 200 lbs, and he creates some major buggy-whip in his swing. His power numbers offensively have been seen up to 97mph with his exit velo and a 79 mph bat speed. Those two numbers combined to be lethal for opposing pitchers. He is not your typical power hitter who is slow footed, Andrew gets around the bases well for a large athlete. He has been clocked at 6.9 in the 60 yard dash.

What we’d like to see: It is hard to ask much more from Andrew when it comes to offensive power numbers, but we believe it is not out of the question to see him jump into the 100 mph club this pre season. Increasing his exit velo and his barrel efficiency  would prove to be imperative for his game moving forward. This way he can put that power on display day in and day out.

What to expect: Gregory has an advanced physical frame to go along with great feel for the barrel. He takes on a widened out and simple, Joey Votto like, approach. This allows him to consistently barrel up pitches all over the zone. He displayed glimpses of power with a 93 mph exit velocity. Defensively he seems to be a solid defender with good rhythm allowing him to lock down the hot corner.

What we’d like to see: There is a lot of upside to Gregory’s game but the biggest area we would like to see improvement with his defensive internal clock. The game becomes very fast at the college level and for him to maintain a spot on the left side of the infield he must pick up his pace. He can do this with a jump in arm strength and his lateral mobility. Those two areas always can improve and we are excited to see the improvements he has made going into this preseason.