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On the Recruiting Trail: Class of 2016 Middle Infieders

November 13, 2014

By Greg Williams
PA/WV Director of Scouting

A busy summer and fall has led to a flurry of college commitments among high end talent in the Class of 2016. With the early signing period scheduled for November 12-19 its time to focus on this year's junior class. In the coming days we will take a look at some of the top prospects in the 2016 class that remain uncommitted in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Today we focus on middle infielders.

Top Uncommitted Middle Infielders

West Virginia


+ SS Dante Bonamico (Bridgeport) helped the Indians capture a West Virginia 2A title in 2014. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound left-handed hitter has the ability to drive the baseball to all fields and the foot speed to put pressure on defenses in every at bat. Bonamico is a fluid defender that covers a great deal of territory and makes plays on the move look routine. He is currently ranked No. 3 in West Virginia's Class of 2016.

+ SS Paul Witt (Jefferson) is a 6-foot, 160-pounder that has been an offensive force for the Cougars over two years of high school action. The right-handed hitter hit .317 as a freshman and improved to .443 in 2014. Witt drove in 25 and scored 33 runs during a standout sophomore campaign. He has shown above average defensive skills and plenty of arm strength to remain of the left side of the infield. Witt is ranked No. 6 in his class.

Pennsylvania


+ SS Matt Tarabek (Hempfield Area) is a 6-foot, 170-pound prospect that represented Team Pennsylvania at the 2014 PBR Future Games in August. Tarabek flashed one of the top infield arms at the event at 88 mph across the diamond. The 6-foot, 170-pound middle infielder showcased the ability to play the ball on the move and made plays from several arm angles during the course of the event. Tarabek showcased a 91 mph bat exit velocity and displayed the ability to drive both gaps during his round of batting practice on scout day. He is ranked No. 16 in the PA Class of 2016.

+ SS Danny Long (Pennridge) is physical 5-foot-11, 180-pound shortstop that may be slotted for a move to the hot corner if his frame continues to fill out. The right-handed hitter was the top overall prospect in attendance at the PA Underclass Games in June. Long flashed the athleticism and arm strength (83 mph) to man the shortstop position until his physical frame dictates a move. The junior ran a 6.87 60-yard dash and flashed serious pop in his bat during batting practice from a square stance. Long gets to extension repeatedly and the ball jumps off his barrel as evidenced by his 90 mph bat exit velocity. The two-way prospect rounded out his impressive two day performance by sitting 86-87 from a high 3/4 arm slot. His 11/5 breaking curveball showed tight rotation at 76 mph and Long attacked the strike zone early in the count. He is ranked No. 17 in the PA Class of 2016.

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