OK Summer Open: First Baseman Analysis

September 7, 2019
Andy Urban
Oklahoma Scouting Director

PBR OK hosted the third annual OK Summer Open at Central Oklahoma University. Nearly 75 players showcased their skill in front of the PBR OK staff and multiple colleges.

Complete Roster: Click Here

Complete Pitching Stats: Click Here

Complete Position Stats: Click Here

Check out the five first basemen from the event, here.

Cole Abbott RHP / 1B / Bixby, OK / 2022

Featured a large 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame with present strength and long, heavy actions. The right-handed hitter begins with a tall, open stance utilizing a high leg-kick to initiate a flat barrel path with weight shift into the zone. Showcased a whippy 85 mph bat-exit velocity with a strong lower half. Hits into a stiff front side with some visible fluidity in the hips. The first baseman displayed adequate feel around the bag while playing with a low center of gravity. Range to both sides coupled with a soft glove hand allowed for easy transfers and an accurate 76 mph arm-strength across the infield. Utilized a short takeaway and repeatable, high ¾ arm-slot. Registered an 8.01 60-yard dash.

Bryson Akins 1B / OF / Keota, OK / 2021

Demonstrated a projectable 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame with a lean frame showcasing long, raw actions. The right-handed hitter begins from a wide, even stance utilizing a quick leg-kick to initiate his swing. Displayed a violent flat barrel path through the zone yielding a 79 mph bat-exit velocity with some whip. Sudden drive from the lower half into a stiff front side allowed for some barrel speed. Recorded a 7.82 60-yard dash. The primary outfielder generated momentum using long actions during defensive evaluations with accurate 68 mph arm-strength out of a high-effort, high ¾ arm-slot. Played with a low center of gravity allowing for an easy change of direction.

Trent DeSmet 1B / 3B / Union, OK / 2020

Showcased a long and large 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame with advanced strength and room to add more on a proportional frame. The right-handed hitter begins from a balanced, slightly open stance utilizing some bat-wiggle coupled with a leg-lift to initiate his swing. Generated a slightly uphill barrel through the zone creating backspin to the pull-side on bat-exit velocities of 88 mph. Demonstrated feel for his hands, appearing to show comfortability in his current rhythm at the plate. Recorded a 7.70 60-yard dash. The primary first baseman displayed average footwork lacking momentum through the baseball. Registered an accurate 68 mph arm-strength across the infield from a short, high ¾ arm-slot.

Weston Rouse LHP / 1B / Fort Gibson , OK / 2023

The 6-foot-3, 193-pound first baseman featured a large developing frame with adequate actions throughout his game. The left-handed hitter begins from an even stance utilizing a controlled toe-tap to initiate a flat barrel into the hitting zone. Demonstrated a line drive approach with advanced feel for hands that stay inside the baseball consistently. Registered a 73 mph bat-exit velocity and recorded an 8.41 60-yard dash. Showcased adequate feel around the bag at first coupled with feet that set up advantageous hops. Smooth transfers using a soft glove hand allowed for accurate 66 mph arm-strength from a ¾ arm-slot.

CAYDEN BLANTON1B / RHP / BURKBURNETT, TX / 2022

A durable 6-foot, 185-pound frame with some strength throughout. Offensively, the right-handed hitter bats from a slightly narrow, balanced, and even set-up with rhythm in his high set hands. Uses almost no load with a moderate leg kick and long stride before launching his hands on a flat path through extension with some barrel strength. In BP, shows a middle to pull and flat approach, mostly barrels, 84 mph exit velo. Moves well with his bigger frame, runs a 7.2 60. Defensively, shows deliberate, clean, and confident actions. Throws with a quick and moderate arm stroke coming through an over the top slot with excellent accuracy at 69 mph.