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Middle Infield Analysis: Preseason All-State Showcase (Class of 2014)

March 1, 2013

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

williamsCoaches have long said that the key to team defense is strength up the middle. We have already evaluated the outfield and catching prospects at the Preseason All-State Showcase on February 23. Today we will take a look at the dozen Class of 2014 middle infielders in attendance.

  1. Ted Willliams, 2B/SS, Meadville HS

    Williams is a 5-foot-8, 140-pound prospect who can really pick it. The left-handed hitter has committed just two errors in two full seasons of varsity baseball. Williams showcased soft hands and a strong arm for a second baseman at 83 mph across the diamond. Offensively Williams is extremely consistent. He squared nearly every pitch in his round of batting practice lacing line drives to all fields with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. He turned in one of the top home-to-first times of the day at 4.03.

  2. Connor Kerns, SS/3B, Bishop Shanahan HS

    Kerns is a 5-foot-10, 190-pound prospect who is most likely destined to make the move to 3B. He showcased a solid 83 mph arm across the diamond and the ability to play through the baseball. Kerns has good feet and could easily transition to the corner infield position as he continues to grow physically. Kerns moves well for his size turning in a 4.19 home-to-first time. Offensively Kerns shows some power potential and the ability to stay behind the baseball. Kerns used a high elbow load and a solid lower half to create an 84 mph bat exit velocity.

  3. Devon Walker, 2B/RHP, DuBois Area HS

    Walker is a solidly built 5-foot-9, 160-pound prospect who made a name for himself. He is very solid defensively showcasing good feet, soft hands and a clean exchange. He displayed a solid arm at 79 mph and good range. Offensively Walker was equally impressive. He hits out of and open stance and strides to closed with good barrel whip and extension. Walker used an 86 mph bat exit velocity to drive baseballs to all fields. His performance on the mound later in the day solidified a significant future jump in the Class of 2014 rankings.

  4. Jake Nevin, 2B/SS, Council Rock South HS

    Nevin showed the ability to play through the baseball and a 76 mph arm across the diamond. He has good feet and turned in a 4.28 home-to-first time. Nevin had a very solid round of batting practice hitting from a slightly open stance. He displayed quick hands, good barrel whip and a bat exit velocity of 83 mph. The 5-foot-9, 150-pound prospect stays inside the baseball and uses all fields equally well.

  5. Ryan Creps, 2B/OF, Indiana Area HS

    Creps showcased well in all facets of the game. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound left-handed hitter has a flat bat path through the hitting zone and routinely squared the baseball during his round of batting practice. Creps hits out of a square stance with a simple stride and stays inside the baseball very well. His strong hip rotation and good barrel whip created a bat exit velocity of 85 mph. Creps turned in a 4.22 home-to-first time and displayed an 80 mph arm across the diamond.

Best of the Rest:

  • Dalton Garlock, 2B/3B, McConnellsburg HS

    Garlock is a 5-foot-7, 165-pound prospect who showed the ability to play through the baseball and a 71 mph arm across the infield. Garlock showed good feet defensively and turned in a 4.31 home-to-first time. He hits out of a square stance and has a very short load. Garlock barreled the baseball consistently and used a short swing path to create a 75 mph bat exit velocity.

  • Christian Hirt, SS/2B, Baldwin Whitehall HS

    Hirt is an athletic 5-foot-7, 150-pound prospect who turned in a 4.13 home-to-first time. Hirt has good feet and a 78 mph arm across the infield. He displayed the ability to play through the baseball and has a quick release that comes from a low 3/4 arm angle. Hirt has made adjustments at the plate this winter that have resulted in improved results. He showcased a 74 mph bat exit velocity and the ability to square the baseball consistently during his round of batting practice.

  • Connor McGinnis, SS/2B, Mars Area HS

    McGinnis is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound prospect who showcased a solid 77 mph arm across the infield and turned in a 4.50 home-to-first time. McGinnis showed the ability to play through the baseball and had some carry to accurate throws across the diamond. The right-handed hitter hits out of a square stance with a quiet set up. McGinnis routinely barreled the baseball with a 74 mph bat exit velocity.

  • Josh Pittman, 2B/SS, Central Catholic HS

     Pittman is a 5-foot-9, 155-pound prospect whose numbers don't jump off the page at you, but the more you see him the more you like him. The right handed hitter showcased a 78 mph bat exit velocity hitting out of a square stance. Pittman uses a short stride and trigger to get to extension consistently in a direct line. Pittman squared the baseball routinely in his round of batting practice and used all fields well. It is in the field that Pittman really shines. While his 72 mph arm is not overly impressive his effortless actions, soft hands and quick release are. Pittman plays through the baseball very well and has more arm strength in reserve if needed.

  • Trent Sipes, 2B/SS, Hollidaysburg HS

    Sipes is a 5-foot-7, 140-pound prospect who has clean actions and soft hands. Sipes showcased a quick release and a 75 mph arm across the diamond. The right-handed hitter used a square stance and a 75 mph bat exit velocity to consistently barrel the baseball. Sipes has the potential to be a quality top of the order hitter.

  • James Striebig, RHP/2B, Dallastown HS

    Striebig showcased well in all facets of the game showing his versatility as a two-way player. He turned in a 4.28 home-to-first time and showed some carry on throws of 77 mph across the diamond. The 5-foot-11, 145-pound junior used a short swing path and a 72 mph bat exit velocity to consistently barrel the baseball.

  • Bobby Suder, 2B/RHP, Central Valley HS

    Suder showcased considerable improvements in nearly every facet of the game since we last saw him in August. The 6-foot, 180-pound prospect has put on 10 pounds and gotten stronger. He showcased a 4.22 home-to-first time and a 76 mph arm across the diamond with a quick release. Suder uses a high leg kick to trigger his swing while generating an 80 mph bat exit velocity. He squared most balls during his round of batting practice displaying good extension and the ability to use all fields.

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