PBR Future Games: Illinois Showcase Recap

July 30, 2015

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Day one of the PBR Future Games took place today with a position player workout at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana. Team Illinois position players ran 60’s, participated in defensive evaluations, and took batting practice on the field in front of 150 plus college coaches. Here is a look at some standouts from today for Team Illinois:

Ryan King- Small framed, athletic, switch-hitting shortstop stood out in every portion of the showcase. Ran a 6.65 60 yard dash. Showcased some of the best hands at the event. Quick transfer, easy arm strength from an over-the-top slot. Throws were true, had carry and clocked at 81 mph from across the diamond. Made the slow roller play look easy. Offensively, in batting practice flashed plus bat control, spraying line-drives all over the yard. Projects to hit for a high average at the next level.

Alek Thomas- Ultra athletic 5-foot-10, 157-pound left-handed hitter continued to showcase his offensive prowess during batting practice. Loose, quick hands and easy bat speed at the plate. Showed off his pull-side pop by putting his last swing of the day easily over the right-field fence. Also, registered an exit velocity of 93 mph. Defensively, smooth athletic actions in the outfield and a long, loose arm action. Also, ran a 6.74 60.

Branden Comia- 5-foot-10, 172-pound right-handed hitting shortstop might be the biggest overall riser on day one for Team Illinois. Offensively, his bat stood out as one of the top 2018’s at the Future Games. Advanced hitter, routinely found the barrel and drove balls with authority. Ball jumps off the bat, aggressive through the zone. Defensively, smooth, athletic actions. Balanced, under control and fluid feet. Over-the-top, short arm action, clocked at 81 mph across the infield.

Zion Pettigrew- 6-foot, 165-pound, toolsy right-handed hitting shortstop has plenty of arm strength to stay on the left-side of the infield at the next level. He was clocked at 88 mph across the infield. Quick arm from an over-the-top arm slot. Plus carry on his throws from deep in the hole. Offensively, the right-handed hitter had an exit velocity of 91 mph. Loose, really athletic hands. Pull-side hitter, attacks the baseball.

Merrik Eddington- Physical 5-foot-11, 215-pound imposing right-handed hitter had an event best 99 mph exit velocity. Also, took one of the most eye-opening batting practices of the day. Consistently, showcased pull-side pop by barreling baseballs deep to left and left-center field. Excellent balance and bat speed. Defensively, continued to impress being clocked at 80 mph from the crouch. Eddington had pop times ranging from 1.94-2.11.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of stats in PDF format.

Tomorrow we begin the games portion of the event. A full schedule and pitching rotations can be found HERE

For a full Illinois Future Games Roster CLICK HERE

PBR Future Games: Illinois Showcase Recap

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