East Tennessee Preview Write-ups
January 31, 2018
Tim Kay
PBR Tennessee Director of Scouting
On Saturday, January 27th, the East Tennessee Preseason Preview occurred. This brought a number of very talented players together, some in their first PBR events and others getting updated information to their profiles and information out to college coaches.
To read up on this year's participants, see below (hitters sorted by exit velo, pitchers sorted by FB velocity):
HITTERS
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Home-1st: 4.69, Position Velocity: IF-72, Exit Velocity: 94
6-foot-4, 250-pound, RHH shows impactful bat for both average and power. XL tall, strong frame w/ some physical projection remaining, moreso in tone than added weight. 250 pounds looks closer to 230. Bulldog. Offensively, hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Stride to square w/ proper load. Generates bat speed through the zone w/ extension. Quiet head allows barrel feel. Repeats his swing. Ball makes a different sound off his bat. Shows HR power to all fields. Projects to hit for average and power, profiles as a middle of the order bat. Defensively, moves well for his size w/ soft hands and an idea how to use his body defensively. Shows a feel for scooping the baseball and adding value on the defensive side. High level uncommitted player is a must see for any school looking for a middle of the order bat.
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Chad Marsh OF / OF / McCallie, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 3.93, Position Velocity: OF-79, Exit Velocity: 87
5-foot-9, 180-pound, RHH showed an improved OF velocity while continuing to show his big power bat. Short, athletic build w/ some present strength, some projection. Offensively, hits from a narrow, straight up stance w/ front toe pointed inward and back shoulder hand location. Bat waggle. Modified toe tap w/ stride into square then stride forward w/ proper load. Proper bat path w/ bat speed through the zone, natural loft. Explodes on the baseball. Big power ceiling. Learning to repeat the same swing and stay on balance. Defensively, moves well in the OF w/ arm strength w/ carry to target. A big power bat to see in the ’19 class this spring.
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Dane Beard 3B / RHP / McCallie School, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.23, Position Velocity: IF-79, Exit Velocity: 87
5-foot-11, 183-pound, RHH showed intriguing all-around skills in a corner infield package. Medium, athletic frame w/ some present strength, some projection. Offensively, hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, short stride stays open w/ proper load. Will improve direction and power by getting closer to square and keeping his hips online for as long as possible. Good bat path w/ extension at times through the zone. Doubles hitter w/ the ability to hit both gaps. Defensively, has some stiffness in the hips, but moves well w/ soft hands and arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Dakotah Danner C / RHP / Montgomery Central, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.53, Pop Time: 1.91-1.94, Position Velocity: C-73, Exit Velocity: 87
5-foot-10, 185-pound, RHH continues to show an intriguing all-around catcher package. Short, athletic w/ well-proportioned frame, some present strength, some projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, knee to knee leg kick and proper load. Maximizes his bat speed through the zone by having his upper and lower half synced. Extension w/ natural loft. Quiet head for barrel control. Defensively, moves well behind the plate w/ soft glove and presents a quality target. As a thrower, features quick feet w/ good arm strength and carry to target. A very intriguing 2019 catcher.
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Cade Elliott LHP / OF / Daniel Boone, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.45, Position Velocity: IF-74, Exit Velocity: 86
6-foot-6, 225-pound, LHH shows physical frame w/ better bat-speed than exit velocity indicated. XL tall, well-proportioned w/ present strength, some physical projection still remaining, mostly in the upper half. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, very slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Toe tap w/ proper load. Proper bat path w/ extension through the zone. Easy bat speed w/ natural loft. Big power ceiling. Easy to repeat swing projects to hit for average. Intriguing all-around offensive ceiling. Defensively, shows solid hands w/ good feet. Bat first offensive prospect has the chance to play both ways at the next level.
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Nathan Keough OF / RHP / Maryville, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.35, Position Velocity: OF-74, Exit Velocity: 85
5-foot-9, 175-pound, RHH showed intriguing bat speed when swing was synced up. Short, athletic frame w/ some present lower half strength, some physical projection remaining. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, very slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, bit of a knee to knee hanging stride and proper load. Slight hitch in swing where hands drop, but does not always do it. Generates bat speed through the zone when on time. Intriguing bat speed when upper and lower half are synced up, still learning to repeat the same swing. Moves well in the OF w/ arm strength w/ carry to target and some length in release.
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Harrison Travis C / 1B / Soddy Daisy, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.56, Pop Time: 1.91-1.97, Position Velocity: C-77, Exit Velocity: 85
6-foot-2, 195-pound, RHH showed much improved, consistent pop times. Tall, well-proportioned frame w/ some present strength, some projection. Prototypical catcher build. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, short hip rotation, stride to closed and proper load. Cut himself off on this day offensively. Showed similarly to what we have seen in the past offensively, showing above average power w/ the ball jumping off the bat. Projects to hit for average and power. Defensively, moving much better behind the plate than the last time we saw him in October. Presents a big body w/ a good, low target. Shows an idea for pitch framing w/ strong wrists. Still learning to get under the low pitches. As a thrower, release has improved w/ arm strength w/ carry to target. Given the strides he has made defensively, is a must see entering the spring.
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Linden Alford OF / SS / Chattanooga School for the Arts and Science , TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.13, Position Velocity: OF-77, Exit Velocity: 85
5-foot-8, 180-pound, RHH showed 8 mile per hour improvement in exit velocity from when we saw him in the fall. Short, stocky build w/ physical lower half, some upper body projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, stride to square and short hand load. Proper path w/ improved bat-speed and extension through the zone. Stays on his backside well to create the proper angle. Compact swing w/ little wasted movement. Occasionally gets rotational, will improve w/ reps. In the OF, moves well w/ arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Isaac German RHP / OF / Clarksville Academy, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.13, Position Velocity: OF-81, Exit Velocity: 84
6-foot-1, 170-pound, RHH w/ projectable body and all-around tools package. Medium, athletic build w/ lot of projection, some present strength. Offensively, hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Short bat waggle. Shift of weight w/ proper stride and deep hand load. Hands can get too disconnected from the body at times w/ near arm bar. Will learn to repeat w/ more reps. Flashes extension w/ back-spin. Frame development will determine overall power ceiling. Defensively, moves well in the OF w/ arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Jack Julian C / RHP / Hixson , TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.46, Pop Time: 1.91-1.94, Position Velocity: C-76, Exit Velocity: 84
6-foot-3, 220-pound, RHH shows pro body w/ high-upside tools. Tall, athletic, physical frame w/ present strength, some physical projection remaining. Offensively, hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Stride w/ load w/ slight hitch as starts his swing. Front foot heavy hitter can get off balance. Natural loft w/ bat-speed through the zone. Big power ceiling, will hit for average as gains consistency w/ lower half. As a receiver, presents a big body for his pitchers. Can get a little loud with movements behind the plate. Can improve presentation of his target, sets up just off the corner w/ the middle of his body off the corner, by setting up on the corner, will make it easier for pitchers to miss in the strike zone. Agile w/ feel for boxing the baseball. Good glove w/ feel for framing. As a thrower, shows solid feet w/ good arm strength and solid release. Very intriguing unsigned catcher.
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John Combs C / 3B / Rhea County , TN / 2021
Home-1st: 4.63, Pop Time: 1.97-2.03, Position Velocity: C-71, IF-76, Exit Velocity: 83
5-foot-11, 180-pound, RHH shows advanced skill-set for a player entering their freshman year of high school. Short, athletic, well-proportioned frame w/ some present strength, some projection. Offensively, hits from a straight on, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, short stride and proper load. Explodes through the baseball. Can get long and off-balance, will improve w/ reps. When on time and on plane, has a high offensive upside. As a catcher, presents a good low target, but can show it earlier and bigger, as big part of the glove is angled downwards. Quiet behind the plate. Just needs reps catching above average stuff to profile as above average receiver. As a thrower, shows average release w/ short arm swing and solid feet. Arm strength will improve with maturation. On the infield, shows soft hands w/ solid feet and plays through the ball well.
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Tyler Hayes C / RHP / Knoxville Catholic, TN / 2018
Home-1st: 4.31, Pop Time: 2.03-2.09, Position Velocity: C-75, Exit Velocity: 83
6-foot-1, 215-pound, RHH shows line drive oriented approach. Medium, sturdy frame w/ present lower half strength, some physical projection remaining. Prototypical catcher build. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ bat resting on back shoulder. Drops hands to load w/ stride to square. Slight hip leak. Good bat path w/ some back-spin. Quiet head w/ some barrel feel. Pull oriented approach. More doubles power than HR power. Interesting offensive player. Defensively, presents a big body for his pitchers to throw to. As a thrower, shows solid feet w/ a slight hitch in his throw w/ arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Perry Casaday SS / 2B / Sullivan East, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.44, Position Velocity: IF-73, Exit Velocity: 83
5-foot-11, 165-pound, RHH shows exciting offensive ceiling. Short, athletic, well-proportioned frame w/ some present strength, some projection. Offensively, hits from a very slightly closed, slightly crouched stance w/ front toe turned inward and back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, mini leg kick and proper hand load. Extension through the baseball. Generates bat speed through the zone w/ proper path, natural loft. Feel for back-spin. Stays through the zone w/ lower half. Intriguing offensive ceiling w/ potential for average and power. Defensively, plays through the ball well w/ solid hands, arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Cooper Whitt SS / 3B / Knoxville Catholic, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.00, Position Velocity: IF-76, Exit Velocity: 83
6-foot-0, 170-pound, RHH shows intriguing all-around skillset. Medium, athletic frame w/ some present strength, lot of projection. Can get significantly stronger. Offensively, hits from an open, very slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Short bat waggle. Stride to square w/ short hand load. Proper bat path w/ extension, flashes back-spin. Stays through the ball w/ lower half, well synced swing. Projects to hit for average. Ultimate power ceiling will be determined by frame development, present doubles power, projects for pull HR power. Defensively, shows good hands and feet w/ arm strength w/ carry to target. Plays through the ball well.
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Jackson McDavid RHP / 1B / Dobyns-Bennett, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.41, Position Velocity: IF-75, Exit Velocity: 83
6-foot-3, 175-pound, RHH shows projectable frame w/ power. Tall, athletic build w/ some present strength, lot of physical projection. Just scratching the surface of his frame potential, lot of growth coming. Offensively, hits from a straight up, slightly closed stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Short bat waggle. Small shift of weight, toe tap w/ mini leg kick and short load. Proper bat path w/ natural loft. Size of mini leg kick after toe tap varies. When on time, shows ability to drive the baseball. Pull oriented approach w/ power. Defensively, shows solid hands and feet w/ loose arm strength. Some stiffness in the hips, would benefit from agility work to help loosen them and increase flexibility.
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Home-1st: 4.35, Pop Time: 2.00-2.06, Position Velocity: C-71, Exit Velocity: 81
6-foot-0, 200-pound, RHH shows tools to stay behind the plate. Medium, sturdy build w/ present lower half strength, some upper half projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location. Shift of weight, knee to knee leg kick and proper load. Some length. Generates bat speed through the zone. Working on repeating lower half, will get out of control with the leg kick at times and land open w/ hips leaking. Tools to hit w/ back-spin. Defensively, begins w/ good target, but tendency to creep upwards as pitch is delivered. Solid hands w/ idea of how to receive. Gets stabby at times to his gloveside. Learning to use his feet correctly as a thrower, arm tends to be behind and forced to drop to a sidearm angle. Developing accuracy.
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Ryan Potts OF / Jefferson County, TN / 2020
Home-1st: 4.15, Position Velocity: OF-76, Exit Velocity: 77
5-foot-10, 185-pound, RHH shows bat speed better than exit velocity indicates. Short, stocky build w/ present strength, some physical projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, mini leg kick and proper load. Generates bat speed through the zone w/ extension, feel for back-spin. Body is synced up well, allowing him to use all his strength at point of contact. Projects to hit for average and power. Defensively, moves okay in the outfield w/ arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Tyler Lewis 2B / SS / Sevier County, TN / 2018
Home-1st: 4.51, Position Velocity: IF-74, Exit Velocity: 76
5-foot-9, 160-pound, RHH shows gap to gap approach. Short, athletic frame w/ lean strength, some physical projection. Offensively, hits w/ an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location. Shift of weight, mini knee to knee leg kick and proper load. Slight hip leak. Still head w/ barrel feel. Line drive oriented approach w/ ability to use all fields. Doubles power. Defensively, shows good hands and feet w/ arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Home-1st: 4.20, Position Velocity: IF-65, Exit Velocity: 76
5-foot-9, 175-pound, RHH shows a repeatable swing w/ line drive approach. Short, athletic frame w/ present lower half strength, some upper half physical projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location. Shift of weight, knee to knee leg kick and short hand load. Uses all his strength to meet the baseball w/ feel for backspin. Lands slightly open w/ hips leaking slightly, correcting this will allow him to use all fields more consistently. Intriguing offensive player with better bat speed than exit velocity indicates. Defensively, shows good hands w/ solid feet and 2B arm strength.
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Jacob Jennings 2B / SS / Soddy Daisy, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.31, Position Velocity: IF-78, Exit Velocity: 75
5-foot-9, 170-pound, LHH shows barrel feel. Short, athletic frame w/ some present strength, some physical projection. Offensively, hits from a narrow, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Short bat waggle. Shift of weight w/ proper stride and load. Quiet head w/ feel for barrel. Better bat speed than exit velocity indicates. Up the middle approach w/ gap power. Projects to hit for average w/ doubles power. Defensively, shows good hands w/ ability to play through the baseball. Solid feet w/ ok range. Arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Home-1st: 4.17, Position Velocity: OF-77, Exit Velocity: 74
5-foot-11, 145-pound, RHH shows good bat path. Medium, skinny frame w/ little present strength, some physical projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly closed, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, short stride and deep hand load. Good bat path to the ball w/ natural loft. Up the middle to pull oriented approach. Learning to sync up lower half and upper half consistently, repeat the same swing every time. Projects to hit, just needs to get stronger. In the OF, projects in a corner w/ arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Tyler Meyers 3B / RHP / Bearden, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.43, Position Velocity: IF-74, Exit Velocity: 74
5-foot-9, 155-pound, RHH shows repeatable swing w/ gap to gap approach. Short, athletic frame w/ present lower half strength, some physical projection. Offensively, hits from an open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Short bat waggle. Thigh high leg kick w/ proper load. Balanced w/ slight bat wrap. Quiet head allows barrel feel. Gap to gap approach. Some length w/ occasional early wrist roll-over. Average over power. Defensively, shows good hands and feet w/ quick release. Arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Juan Mercedes SS / 3B / Chattanooga School for the Arts and Science, TN / 2018
Home-1st: 4.41, Position Velocity: IF-78, Exit Velocity: 73
5-foot-10, 150-pound, RHH shows middle infield defensive tools. Short, athletic profile w/ little present strength, some projection. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Bat waggle. Knee to knee leg kick w/ short load. Legs are just along for the ride. Some length in swing w/ occasional bat wrap. Singles hitter projects for gap power as incorporates legs into his swing. Defensively, shows middle infield defensive ability w/ soft hands, good feet and arm strength w/ carry to target. Natural defender.
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Emery Peterson SS / 2B / McMinn County, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.20, Position Velocity: IF-76, Exit Velocity: 73
6-foot-3, 160-pound, LHH shows feel for barrel. Tall, athletic frame w/ lot of projection, little present strength. Offensively, hits from a straight on, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Little bat waggle. Shift of weight, short stride to gain a little ground and short hand load. Good path w/ natural loft. Feel for barrel w/ gap to gap approach. Projects to hit for average w/ gap power. Defensively, plays through the ball well w/ good feet, solid glove and arm strength w/ carry target. Physical development will determine ultimate ceiling.
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Aaron Johnson 3B / OF / Meigs County, TN / 2019
Home-1st: 4.28, Position Velocity: IF-70, Exit Velocity: 73
6-foot-1, 165-pound, RHH swings it better than exit velocity indicates. Medium, athletic frame w/ lot of projectability, some present strength in lower half. Just scratching the surface of his physical potential. Offensively, hits from a slightly open, very slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Bat waggle. Short knee to knee stride w/ proper hand load. Hips leak slightly. Generates bat speed through the zone. Some stiffness in the swing. Swing designed to hammer pitches up in the zone. Projects to hit as frame develops w/ feel for backspin. Defensively, stiff movements w/ soft hands. Would really benefit from agility work to help loosen up his hips. Plays through the ball well w/ arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Will Graham RHP / SS / Hillsboro, TN / 2018
Home-1st: 4.61, Position Velocity: IF-69, Exit Velocity: 72
5-foot-8, 155-pound, RHH shows repeatable swing. Short, athletic frame w/ physical projection, a little present strength. Offensively, hits from a straight on, slightly crouched stance w/ back ear hand location. Mini leg kick w/ short hand load. Some bat and body rhythm. Pull oriented approach w/ occasional early roll-over of the wrists, hip leak. Line drive-oriented. Defensively, moves well in the IF w/ solid hands and feet. Glove tapper w/ arm strength w/ carry to target.
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Nate Curtis C / 3B / McMinn, TN / 2022
Home-1st: 4.81, Pop Time: 2.34-2.38, Position Velocity: C-65, Exit Velocity: 66
5-foot-11, 150-pound, LHH shows a good bat path as he waits for his body to develop. Short, athletic frame w/ lot of projection, some present lower half strength. Offensively, hits from a slightly closed, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location. Stride w/ very short hand load where hands end up stomach high. Gets through the zone w/ natural loft. Lower half works well in swing w/ an idea of using all fields. Young receiver presents quality low target. Learning to handle premium stuff while developing the ability to stick pitches. Moves well behind the plate w/ feel for boxing the baseball. As a thrower, learning to coordinate upper half w/ lower half. Developing arm strength. Raw tools to develop, waiting on physical development.
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PITCHERS
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Caleb Warta RHP / SS / Knight's Academy, TN / 2021
Max FB: 85, FB: 83-85, CB: 76-77, CH: 77-78
5-foot-11, 160-pound, RHP showed 2 mile per hour improvement from when we last him in November. Medium, athletic frame w/ some present lower half strength, lot of projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ back foot preset on first base side of rubber w/ short rocker step. Stomach high leg kick w/ hip drive into over the top release. Lightning quick arm w/ high velo ceiling. Repeats w/ high effort delivery. FB w/ ride through the zone. Flashes arm side run. Short downer CB flashes, occasional spinner, occasional swing and miss. Will get more consistent w/ reps. Firm straight CH w/ arm-speed. Around the zone, projects to control. Very exciting 2021 arm w/ big ceiling.
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Ethan Mealer RHP / 3B / Forrest , TN / 2019
Max FB: 85, FB: 82-84, CB: 64-65, CH: 75-77
6-foot-1, 185-pound, RHP shows projectable frame w/ quick arm. Medium, athletic frame w/ high-waist. Some present lower half strength w/ lot of projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ rocker step into first base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick w/ short hip turn into leg drive and low ¾ release. Front foot lands closed facing third base dugout. Repeats mechanics w/ quick arm, some effort. Explodes at hitters w/ extension. FB w/ occasional arm-side run, occasional ride through the zone. Medium downer CB w/ late bite, above average depth. CH w/ arm-speed, late sink. Pounds the zone, projects to command. Big 2019 arm, must see this spring.
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Jack Julian C / RHP / Hixson , TN / 2019
Max FB: 85, FB: 83-85, CB: 73-74, CH: 76-79
6-foot-3, 220-pound, RHP shows prototypical size and lightning quick arm. Tall, athletic, physical frame w/ present strength, some physical projection remaining. Prototypical pitcher build. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ a big rocker step into the first base side of the rubber. Stomach high leg kick w/ leg drive into over the top release. High effort throw w/ some head violence. Super quick arm w/ big velocity ceiling. Learning to repeat timing, occasionally gets going too quickly with the lower half. Straight FB w/ ride through the zone. Short downer CB flashes proper rotation. Firm straight CH. Around the zone w/ 3, pitches w/ intent w/ the FB. Big 2019 arm, must see this spring.
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Cade Elliott LHP / OF / Daniel Boone, TN / 2020
Max FB: 85, FB: 83-85, CB: 66-72, CH: 73-75
6-foot-6, 225-pound, LHP shows prototypical size and easy velocity. XL tall, well-proportioned w/ present strength, some physical projection still remaining, mostly in the upper half. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into the middle of the rubber. Chest high leg kick w/ hip turn into leg drive and H ¾ release. Repeats w/ quick arm. Long arm action in back. Uses lower half well. Needs to work on maintaining strong glove side, glove is a bit out of control. Straight FB w/ ride through the zone, gets on you due to extension. Big downer CB w/ above average rotation, late bite. Out pitch. CH w/ arm-speed, fade and sink. Around the zone, projects to command. Intriguing mix of 3 pitches w/ projection. One of the better lefties in the 2020 class.
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Brogan Beckner LHP / OF / Dobyns Bennett , TN / 2019
Max FB: 84, FB: 82-83, CB: 64-66, CH: 76-78, SL: 65-67
6-foot-4, 185-pound, LHP shows easy velocity w/ super quick arm. Tall, athletic frame w/ lot of growth potential. Prototypical pitcher build. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into back foot setup on third base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick into leg drive and H ¾ release. Downhill plane w/ extension. Gets down the slope. High effort throw w/ lightning quick arm. FB shows consistent arm side run. CB is medium 12-6 downer w/ late bite, put-away pitch. Slurvy SL was more of a shorter, power CB. Has been firmer in the past, blended with the CB on this day. CH w/ arm-speed, a little fade. Firm. Sprayed the zone on this day, projects for control. A very intriguing 2019 lefty who will make a jump in velocity this calendar year.
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Max FB: 82, FB: 79-81, CB: 64-66, CH: 71
6-foot-2, 160-pound, RHP shows an intriguing 3 pitch mix w/ some projection. Medium, athletic frame, long and lean w/ high waist. Projectable w/ room to add a lot of muscle. Pitches from the stretch only from the third base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick w/ a little hip turn into leg drive and H ¾ finish. Rotational throw. Repeats. FB w/ short arm-side run. CB w/ proper shape, above average depth. CH w/ arm-speed, fade. Around the zone w/ 3, tends to miss down. Projects to command. An intriguing follow into the spring.
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Jackson McDavid RHP / 1B / Dobyns-Bennett, TN / 2020
Max FB: 82, FB: 80-81, CB: 66, CH: 65-67
6-foot-3, 175-pound, RHP shows quick arm w/ projectable frame. Tall, athletic build w/ some present strength, lot of physical projection. Just scratching the surface of his frame potential, lot of growth coming. Prototypical pitcher build. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into first base side of the rubber. Leg kick w/ knee even w/ chest into leg drive and H ¾ release w/ upright finish. Glove gets to the right spot, but can get there in a more efficient way that will add a tick. Quick arm w/ loose arm stroke. FB is straight w/ occasional ride through zone. Medium downer CB w/ proper rotation. Developing feel for the CH, will occasionally slow his whole body down. Around the zone with 3, projects to fill the zone. Very intriguing 2020 arm that will make a jump this calendar year.
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Dane Beard 3B / RHP / McCallie School, TN / 2019
Max FB: 81, FB: 79-81, CB: 71-73, CH: 76-77
5-foot-11, 183-pound, RHP flashes ability to pitch to both sides of the plate. Medium, athletic frame w/ some present strength, some projection. Pitches with a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into back foot setup on first base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick w/ little hip turn into a drop and drive and L ¾ release. Short strider w/ upright finish. Glove gets to the correct position, but can move more efficiently and help keep on direction. Lands slightly closed w/ his front foot. FB w/ some arm-side run and sink. Short downer gets a little slurvy at times. Firm straight CH is developing. Around the zone, developing ability to pitch with intent.
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James Hermes RHP / 1B / Knoxville Catholic, TN / 2018
Max FB: 81, FB: 79-81, CB: 73, CH: 69-70
6-foot-5, 215-pound, RHP continues to show projectable frame w/ velocity upside. XL tall, athletic w/ some physicality. Projectable w/ lot of growth. Pitches with a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into setting up on first base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick w/ hip turn into leg drive and H ¾ release. Quick arm. Uses lower half well in his delivery. Future velocity growth will be from frame maturation. Glove side can be stronger, will help keep on direction. FB w/ short arm-side run, occasional ride through zone. Slurvy CB was closer to a SL on this day w/ more side to side life vs. up/down. CH w/ arm-speed, fade and sink. Around the zone w/ 3, projects to command. A must see senior this spring if looking for an arm.
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Landon Lewis RHP / 1B / McCallie , TN / 2020
Max FB: 80, FB: 77-80, CB: 67-69, CH: 75-77, CT: 70-72
6-foot-5, 195-pound, RHP w/ prototypical pitcher build and lot of projection. XL tall, athletic, high-waisted w/ long limbs. Lot of projection, nowhere near his frame potential. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into first base side of the rubber and hands over his head. Chest high leg kick w/ short hip turn into hip drive and H ¾ release. Creates downhill angle. Small stab in back. Rotational throw. Some head violence. FB w/ short arm-side run. Medium downer CB w/ proper shape/rotation, average depth. Cutter moves like a SL w/ short ¾ tilt. Late breaker. Firm CH w/ some sink. Around the zone, developing command. Intriguing follow into the spring as the body matures.
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Tyler Meyers 3B / RHP / Bearden, TN / 2019
Max FB: 79, FB: 77-78, CB: 65-66, CH: 70-72
5-foot-9, 155-pound, RHP shows feel for spin. Short, athletic frame w/ present lower half strength, some physical projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into third base side of the rubber. Hip high leg kick w/ short hip turn into leg drive and H ¾ release. Rotational throw, stays connected to the rubber. Efficient delivery, repeats. FB is straight w/ occasional arm side run. Medium downer CB w/ late bite, potential swing and miss pitch. CH w/ arm-speed, fade, late sink. Around the zone, pitches w/ intent w/ FB, developing command of off-speed.
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Isaac German RHP / OF / Clarksville Academy, TN / 2020
Max FB: 79, FB: 77-79, CB: 65-69
6-foot-1, 170-pound, RHP showed improved fastball velocity since we saw him last fall. Medium, athletic build w/ lot of projection, some present strength. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into setup on the first base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick into hip drive and ¾ release point. Jumps at hitters, can stay connected to the rubber a little longer to drive. Lands closed w/ toe facing on deck hitter on 3rd base side. High effort throw. Some head violence. FB shows short arm side run. Medium downer CB w/ average depth. Around the zone, developing FB command.
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Dakotah Danner C / RHP / Montgomery Central, TN / 2019
Max FB: 79, FB: 77-79, CB: 61-64, CH: 64-69
5-foot-10, 185-pound, RHP shows repeatable delivery w/ quick arm. Short, athletic w/ well-proportioned frame, some present strength, some projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into foot setup on third base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick w/ hip turn and leg drive into over the top release. Glove side can be stronger, is just along for the ride. Quick arm. High effort throw, repeats delivery. FB is straight w/ occasional ride. CB is big downer w/ late bite, flashes as swing and miss pitch. CH w/ arm-speed, some fade and sink. Pulls the string. Around the zone, projects to command. 3 pitch mix intrigues.
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Asa Blake RHP / 1B / Cleveland , TN / 2019
Max FB: 79, FB: 77-79, CB: 62-65, CH: 64-70,
6-foot-2, 190-pound, RHP shows intriguing 3 pitch mix. Tall, athletic build w/ high waist. Some present strength, very projectable. Prototypical pitcher frame. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into back foot setting up on first base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick into hip drive and H ¾ release. Uses body well in delivery, maximizes his strength. Lands slightly open. Repeats. Drifts forward at leg kick, creates timing issues. FB w/ occasional short arm-side run, some heaviness. Medium downer CB w/ late break, above average depth. CH w/ arm-speed, fade and sink. Around the zone, projects to command, flashes ability to pitch w/ intent. 2019 arm to follow into the spring, as likely to take a velo jump at some point this calendar year.
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Tyler Hayes C / RHP / Knoxville Catholic, TN / 2018
Max FB: 78, FB: 75-78, CH: 76-78, SL: 70-71
6-foot-1, 215-pound, RHP shows intriguing stuff from low slot. Medium, sturdy frame w/ present lower half strength, some physical projection remaining. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into first base side of the rubber. Thigh high leg kick into leg drive and submarine/sidearm release point. Drifts towards the hitter instead of driving w/ the back leg. Will improve timing and maintain arm-slot. Occasionally gets sidearm w/ fingers on side and submarine w/ fingers under the ball. FB shows arm side run. SL w/ late ¾ tilt, swing and miss pitch. CH is nearly identical to FB, same life and velo. Around the zone w/ feel for pitching w/ intent. Low slot righty intrigues w/ potential to help in bullpen right away as a freshman in a specialist role.
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Emery Peterson SS / 2B / McMinn County, TN / 2019
Max FB: 77, FB: 74-77, CB: 60
6-foot-3, 160-pound, RHP shows projectable arm speed. Tall, athletic frame w/ lot of projection, little present strength. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step into back foot set-up on the first base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick into leg drive and H ¾ release. Glove tapper w/ late hand break occasionally affects timing. High effort throw uses all his energy towards the plate. Some head violence. Lands slightly open, throws slightly across body. Straight FB w/ occasional ride through the zone. Medium downer CB w/ proper rotation, late bite. Projects as a swing and miss pitch. Thrower right now developing feel for the strike zone. Just waiting on physical development, as checks all the other boxes.
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Hayden Frank LHP / OF / McMinn County , TN / 2021
Max FB: 75, FB: 74-75, CB: 62-66, CH: 65-67
6-foot-1, 155-pound, LHP shows projectable frame/arm speed. Medium, athletic frame w/ long limbs, high waisted. Very projectable, just scratching the surface of his physical potential. Pitches from the stretch only on the third base side of the rubber. Starts w/ weight on backside into hip high leg kick, leg drive and H ¾ release. Front leg driven vs. back leg. Good arm speed w/ loose arm swing. Repeats delivery w/ low effort throw. FB shows short arm side run. Medium downer CB flashes tightness. CH w/ arm-speed, fade and sink. Around the zone w/ the FB, developing consistency in the off-speed pitches. Projects to pound the zone. Intriguing young lefty.
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Will Graham RHP / SS / Hillsboro, TN / 2018
Max FB: 75, FB: 73-75, CB: 60-64, SL: 64-68, SF: 69-70
5-foot-8, 155-pound, RHP shows feel for spin. Short, athletic frame w/ physical projection, a little present strength. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ back foot preset in the middle of the rubber. Short rocker step into chest high leg kick, leg drive and H ¾ release point. Throws slightly across his body w/ front foot landing facing 1st base on deck circle. Back leg along for the ride. Repeats. FB shows occasional arm side run/sink. Big downer CB w/ proper shape, rotation. Comes up slightly out of hand. SL shows ¾ tilt w/ average depth. Clear separation between 2 breaking balls. SF w/ occasional late dive, occasional straight. Around the zone w/ all 4, shows ability to pitch w/ intent on the FB. Projects to command.
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Max FB: 74, FB: 72-73, CB: 61-62, CH: 61
5-foot-11, 145-pound, RHP shows feel for spin. Medium, skinny frame w/ little present strength, some physical projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ rocker step into foot tap and reset on the first base side of rubber. Chest high leg kick w/ proper hand break and leg drive into L ¾ release. Glove side can be stronger, is just along for the ride. Front leg driven vs. back leg driven. Repeats w/ low effort delivery. FB shows short arm-side run. CB w/ proper shape/rotation, above average depth. CH w/ arm-speed, occasional sink. Around the zone, feel for pitching w/ intent on the FB. Projects to command.
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Austin Mitchell RHP / SS / Sequatchie County, TN / 2020
Max FB: 73, FB: 71-73, CB: 60-63, CH: 64-67
6-foot-2, 150-pound, RHP shows projectable frame. Tall, long and lean w/ some present strength, lot of projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ medium rocker step into foot reset on the third base side of the rubber. Chest high leg kick w/ hands head high into hip drive and ¾ release point. Lands w/ front foot facing third base dugout. Repeats delivery w/ loose arm action. Uses legs well in delivery, just needs to get stronger. FB w/ occasional arm side run. Big downer CB w/ proper shape, rotation. Late bite. Projects as knee buckling pitch. CH w/ arm-speed, fade, occasional sink. Around the zone, projects to command. Intriguing 3 pitch mix just waiting for physical development.
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Hunter Smith LHP / 1B / Sequoyah, TN / 2018
Max FB: 72, FB: 70-72, CH: 67-68, SF: 63-68, CT: 62-66
5-foot-11, 220-pound, LHP shows 4 pitch mix w/ strike throwing ability. Medium, stocky profile w/ present lower half strength, some projection. Pitches from a full wind-up w/ short rocker step towards third base w/ foot reset in the middle of the rubber. Balance point w/ hands head high into leg drive and H ¾ release. Front foot driven delivery, can get lower half involved more to generate more velocity. Some stiffness in the arm. Low effort throw w/ easy, repeatable delivery. Fastball w/ arm-side run, sink. Cutter is developing, shows occasional short cut. Splitter w/ inconsistent dive, occasionally straight.. CH w/ arm-speed, fade. Around the zone w/ all 4, projects to command.
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