New England Procase Quick Hits
February 12, 2018
Some of the top players in the northeast congregated in Connecticut to showcase their skills in front of approximately 15-20 professional scouts at PBR New England’s Procase. The talented 2018 draft-hopefuls were joined by some of the top players in both the 2019 and 2020 classes, all with hopes of catching the eye of the scouts in attendance. Packed with talented, and mostly committed players, the Procase drew players from eight different states, and gave scouts an opening look at what to expect and who to follow throughout the spring. Though there were many underclass standouts who will be draft follows in coming years, this “quick hits” article highlights some of the higher level 2018’s, as well as some interesting players who may have drawn more interest because of the event.
HELIUM WATCH:
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Grant Lavigne 1B / 3B / Bedford, NH / 2018Lavigne’s swing looked even smoother than when I last saw him in Jupiter in October. The Wake Forest recruit was balanced throughout with an easy rhythm before impacting balls. His barrel continues to show the lag in the zone that allows him to drive the ball to all fields, and I found his swing to be more refined and smoother than in the fall. Effortless power, and while his frame is already long and physical (6-foot-3, 220-pounds), he still looks like he has room to fill out and get stronger.
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Dillon Lifrieri OF / SS / Wilton, CT / 2018Lifrieri, an Arkansas recruit, continued to impress coming off an outstanding showing at the Super 60. He ran a 6.6-60 on the laser with a few professional scouts having him in the high 6.5’s. His strong arm (93 mph) and athleticism combined with his speed will give him a chance to at least start off in centerfield in professional baseball. His hands worked fluently, and he produced firm contact in each round with a launch angle that could allow him to produce more power as he fills out.
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Theo McDowell RHP / SS / Salisbury, CT / 2018McDowell’s whippy-sling out a lower ¾ slot in an effortless bullpen definitely had the professional scouts perked up. He effortlessly worked 86-89 to the bottom of the strike zone with heavy sink at times. His long, wiry frame (6-foot-5, 165-pounds) looks like it will pack on 25-plus pounds with ease, and along with that weight/strength should come a jump in velocity. His slider worked 75-76 with tilt when thrown at its best, and looks like it could develop into a wipeout pitch in the future.
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5 MORE STANDOUTS: