2019 Preseason Preview: Middle Infield Analysis
January 30, 2019
The 2019 Preseason Preview took place January 26th at Keystone State Baseball Academy. Today we continue a series of articles analyzing the prospects in attendance with a look at those players that participated as middle infielders.
+ CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.
Top Prospect
Casey Caufield, West Chester Henderson HS (PA), Class of 2020, SS
5-foot-10, 155-pound left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Hands work very well through contact. Barreled everything in a solid round of batting practice while showing an ability to line baseballs to all fields. Registered a bat exit velocity of 82 mph and ran a 6.92 60-yard dash. Showcased active feet and the ability to play through the baseball defensively with 81 mph arm strength across the diamond. Projects at second base at the the next level with a short throwing motion and current size.
Additional Middle Infielders (in alphabetical order)
Cash Anspach, Annville-Cleona HS (PA), Class of 2022, 2B
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a toe-tap stride to begin. Lower half glide leads to some length in his swing, but there is enough athleticism to find the barrel with regularity. Registered a bat exit velocity of 74 mph and ran an 8.29 60-yard dash. Displayed developing defensive skills with 78 mph arm strength across the diamond.
Christopher Ayres, Malvern Prep (PA), Class of 2021, SS
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. A low hands load and some lower half glide results in some arm bar action, but Ayres displayed strength in his lower half and a feel for the barrel. Registered a bat exit velocity of 86 mph and ran a 7.00 60-yard dash. Flashed 77 mph arm strength across the diamond with an over-the-top arm slot best suited for third base. Also displayed the ability to play through the baseball routinely in the outfield with 82 mph arm strength to home plate.
Gabe Bunn, Wilson West Lawn HS (PA), Class of 2021, SS/RHP
5-foot-11, 140-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short lift-and-replace stride. Stays behind the baseball well and is able to create some back spin. Registered a 74 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.40 60-yard dash. Plays through the baseball routinely defensively with loose, accurate 80 mph arm strength across the diamond. The righty sat 78-80 off the mound with a long, loose arm action from a high 3/4 arm slot. Changeup at 70-72 is an above average pitch with excellent arm speed. Bunn also commanded a curveball with 10/4 rotation at 64-65 and a slider with shorter, tighter break at 70-72.
Sean Finn, Central Bucks South HS (PA), Class of 2022, SS
5-foot-4, 145-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Demonstrated a feel for the barrel while routinely staying behind the baseball. Registered a an 80 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.70 60-yard dash. Showcased a quick release with an ability to make throws from multiple arm slots defensively. Projects best as second baseman with 77 mph arm strength and current foot speed.
Blake George, Liberty HS (PA), Class of 2021, SS
5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Displayed balance throughout with a feel for the barrel and a bat exit velocity of 81 mph. Ran a 6.90 60-yard dash and showcased sound defensive mechanics with 74 mph arm strength across the diamond. Currently projects as a second baseman, but foot speed and athletic frame are indicators of more to come moving forward.
Brady Hood, Midd-West HS (PA), Class of 2020, 2B
5-foot-11, 135-pound right-handed hitter begins from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Showcased a line drive approach with average barrel awareness. Registered a 69 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.58 60-yard dash. Displayed developing defensive skills in the middle infield with accurate 67 mph arm strength across the diamond.
Evan Krall, Cedar Crets HS (PA), Class of 2022, SS
5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Showcased a balanced, simple swing with strength throughout that led to consistent hard contact. Registered a bat exit velocity of 77 mph and ran a 7.24 60-yard dash. Showed sound defensive mechanics with accurate 72 mph arm strength across the diamond. Likely a third baseman at the next level.
Carter Rieben, Downingtown West HS (PA), Class of 2020, SS/RHP
6-foot, 150-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a solid feel for the barrel and the ability to use all fields with a bat exit velocity of 78 mph. Ran a 7.14 60-yard dash and showcased a soft glove hand with an ability to play through the baseball defensively. Made throws from multiple arm slots with accurate 78 mph arm strength across the diamond. Sat 78-79 out of a high 3/4 arm slot on the mound. Changeup at 69-71 is thrown with good sell and curveball with 11/5 shape is commanded at 64-69.
Jacob Strech, Avon Grove HS (PA), Class of 2021, SS
5-foot-10, 140-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a heel raise stride. Showcased a solid feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 74 mph. Ran a 7.45 60-yard dash and displayed easy, relaxed actions defensively with a soft glove hand and accurate 75 mph arm strength across the diamond.
