Showcase Rewind: Georgia Top Prospect Games

Harrison Aulds OF / RHP / First Presbyterian Day , GA / 2020

Checking in at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, Harrison can only be described as powerful. He is balanced and quiet in his approach at the plate and has plenty of power to hurt the baseball inside his zone. He displayed an impressive exit velocity of 94 mph, driving balls in both the batting practice and live game portion of the event. Defensively, Aulds has plenty of range and arm to play all three outfield spots. He has a good combination of measurable ability and present baseball acumen to his compact, stocky, strong game.

Dwight Banks SS / 2B / McEachern , GA / 2020

Banks is a long rangy infield prospect with some throwback feel to his game at 6-foot-2 160 pounds. This kid is one to keep an eye and has as much of a chance to gain ground over the coming years as anyone. His measurables are all played up by his length. His range is greater than his 7.4 flat 60 time would indicate. His feet work well and he gets to more baseballs than you would think. His arm strength is average now with a 79 mph positional velocity, but look for that to improve as the wiry Banks grows into his man strength. At the plate, Banks has more of a straight away opposite field approach, and has not yet learned to use his significant leverage to his advantage pull side yet, but when that comes looks for this kid to start putting up some numbers.  It is smooth leverage over bat-speed at this time, but Banks has a solid approach, good feel for the bat-head and staying inside the ball. Actions to stay in the dirt, with a strong offensive foundation. He is man strength away from growing into some power. Will be fun to watch this one progress.

Tanner Bastings RHP / Paulding County, GA / 2020

At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Bastings is a big kid. He comes at hitters from a lower slot and hides the ball very well. His fastball (85 mph) and slider (69-73 mph) play up on that deception. He repeats a simple delivery and is a strike-thrower. The slider plays off length over depth, and the fastball seems to get on hitters quick. He’s an interesting reliever-type prospect at the next level, and is well-equipped to glide through a lineup one time through.

Brayden Broome SS / OF / Ringgold, GA / 2020

Broome seems to get better every time I see him, and at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, he has an excellent frame and has room to get even stronger. His game is smooth both in the box and defensively. He relies on fluid actions and good rhythm for the game. The bat has really started to come and he does it with an upright stance, with high hands and a leg lift that he picks up and puts down without getting too far out on his front side. The power during batting practice played better than his exit velocity of 86 mph would indicate. He’s an up-the-middle defender who can play both center and shortstop, and plays both with an easy gait and fluid actions. Watching Broome reminds me of a young Jordy Mercer, both in terms of actions, body, and strength at this age. Broome has a chance to make big strides over the next year and is one to keep a close eye on.

Jarrett Burney SS / 2B / North Gwinnett, GA / 2020

5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder, strong frame. Ran a 7.19 laser-timed 60. Offensively, open setup, toe-tap stride, hands separate on load, remains balanced through contact. Line drive type hitter, look swing, hands get caught inside at-times, throwing off timing, can drive the ball when timed up, 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action, some stab on back-side, ¾ slot, 81 across the infield. Fields position athletically with smooth actions, showed good body control to both sides, clean footwork.

Donovan Cash 3B / 2B / Northgate , GA / 2020

At 5-foot-10, 185-pounds Cash packs has plenty of strength and surprising agility to the hot corner. He plays quick and low to the ground on defense. His arm plays with 82 mph across the diamond. He runs & moves well enough for a corner profile turning in a 7.21 60 yard time. At the plate Cash whips the bat through the zone, really throwing his hips and generating power. He posted an impressive 94 mph exit velocity at the event and showed impressive pop during batting practice and during the live game portion. Cash profiles as a solid defender at third-base with all the tools to hit in the middle of a lineup at the next level.

Jack Davis C / 1B / Parkview, GA / 2020

Davis is a tall/lean catching prospect, listed at 6-foot-4, 180 pounds. He has the build to grow into good strength in the future and handle the rigors of the position well. At the plate, Davis has a quiet setup with a slight leg lift, giving him good balance and the ability to use his leverage to all fields. His smooth swing produced and exit velocity of 90 mph, with more to come as he fills out his large frame. Defensively, Davis has the flexibility to play low to the ground behind the plate and he possesses an accurate arm and still has projection to add to his present arm strength. He is a strong catching prospect right now with even more room to grow. Davis is an interesting two-way prospect with more to come.

JD Day SS / 2B / Gordon Lee, GA / 2020

Cleveland State commit. Stands 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, right-handed hitting middle infielder, strong lower half. Offensively, open setup, toe-tap stride, hands load back and cock, shifts weight back, utilizes lower half well. Drives the ball, predominately gap-to-gap, showed the ability to turn on pitches and hit for power to the pull-side, 91 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.21 laser-timed 60. Defensively, short arm action to 3/4 slot, accurate on throws, good rhythm, 80 across the diamond. Fields position athletically, quick footwork, clean on exchanges, good feel for the middle.

Noah Gilbert LHP / LHP / North Forsyth, GA / 2020

Gilbert is a deception lefty who has good size, at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. He works out a high ¾ slot with his fastball, which tops out at 81 mph, and he hides the ball well. He almost turns his back to the plate with his delivery, which makes it a tough look on batters. Gilbert repeats his delivery and appears to be a strike-thrower, as he is under control and is not afraid of contact. His curveball has shape and lands it at 67-68 mph. Gilbert has a quality look to his changeup, but will occasionally drop his slot and tip hitters. Right now, he’s a strike-throwing finesse type pitcher at the next level.

Demirez Grier SS / OF / Sandy Creek, GA / 2019

Faulkner University recruit. 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and outfielder, lean, athletic frame, quick-twitch muscle. Ran a 6.63 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, leg kick timing trigger, barrel starts on shoulder, separates from body on load, good balance throughout. Line drive type hitter, showed good barrel control, finds gaps in the defense, flashed the ability to elevate the ball to the pull-side, 86 mph exit velocity. Defensively, is a good enough athlete to man short or center, has a soft glove and clean actions. From the outfield, arm works long and loose to a high ¾ slot, throws carried with accuracy at 88 mph. On the infield, shortens arm swing up a bit, uses multiple slots, good body control, 80 across the diamond.

Jacob Harper C / Paulding County, GA / 2020

Harper is a steady, smooth defender who hits with a methodical approach. He checks in at 6-foot, 170 pounds, and works with a good baseball clock. Behind the plate, he is a quiet receiver of the baseball and possesses an accurate arm, producing a top pop time of 2.04 at this event. At the plate, Harper is also quiet and produces some pull-side power (82 mph exit velo), but his offensive game is more about being on time rather than pure bat speed. His feel for the bathead and rhythm serve him well at the plate. Harper plays the game with some throwback feel and an even-keeled demeanor.

CJ Harrison RHP / OF / Winder-Barrow , GA / 2020

This athletic looking medium-framed right-hander has a fast arm. He offers sinking life down in the zone, from his high ¾ slot. The 6-foot, 180-pound righty uses a compact arm action and an uptempo delivery for added deception, which makes his 90 mph that much tougher to square up. His curveball has big shape, as it jumps up out of his hand. Harrison’s changeup projects well, due to his hand speed, and as he uses it more and he’ll learn to finish the pitch. Harrison is an aggressive arm who should find a good fit at the next level.

Jake Haynes RHP / SS / Prince Avenue Christian School, GA / 2020

Standing in at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, Haynes has an excellent pitcher’s frame. He pitches with a heavy 84-88 mph fastball from a high ¾ slot, and also showed a little more later in the tournament, running his fastball up to 89 mph. When he stays over the rubber he gets through his slight stab a little more consistently. His curveball flashes shape at 71-73 mph and also features a changeup at 72-74 mph. This is a good-bodied kid with some nice upside to an already maturing arsenal.

James Heramb-Eckert SS / RHP / Grovetown, GA / 2020

5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitting shortstop, lean, athletic frame, fleet-footed, ran a 6.89 60. Offensively, open setup, short stride, short hand load back, remains balanced. Line drive hitter, short, quick swing, smooth rhythm, 83 exit velocity. Defensively, short, quick arm action, ¾ slot, good body control and timing. Fields position athletically, quick and clean footwork, soft hands, fields out front, clean transfers, 85 across the infield. 

Andrew Herrmann LHP / Campbell, GA / 2021

Hermann is another deception lefty from this showcase, who checks in at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds. His size, uptempo finish, and the way he throws his strong front-side at hitters, gives him above-average deception. He can use his fastball to both sides of the plate topping out at 86 mph. His curveball offers shape and he’s shown the ability to land it for strikes. Hermann’s deception and maintained hand speed allow his changeup to play up, too. He knows who he is as a pitcher and is aggressive in his ability to attack hitters. He could be a valuable left-handed pitcher at the next level.

Jayce James LHP / OF / Lakeside, AL / 2020

At 6-foot-1, 170 pounds,  James attacks hitters from a high ¾ slot. The athletic lefty will pitch to both sides of the plate with his mid-80s fastball flashes cut action on occasion. He maintains hand-speed and slot on his changeup and it is a swing-and-miss pitch for him. James’ curveball is used as a get-me-over type to steal early strikes. He also has the ability to go in and away glove side with his fastball and lengthen the plate with his above-average change. James has all the equipment to be a quality starter at the next level, and though he does not have above-average size, he still offers some projection in his athleticism. He knows how to pitch.

Preston Joye SS / 2B / Fellowship Christian, GA / 2020

5-foot-11, 178-pound switch-hitting middle infielder, athletic with strength throughout frame. Offensively, balanced setup, toe-tap stride, hands cock on load, remains balanced throughout, . Gap-to gap type hitter, can drive the ball from both sides of the plate with a smooth swing and quick hands, barrel path has uphill tendency, gets into his lower half better from the right-side resulting in more power, 87 exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.19 laser-timed 60. Defensively, short, quick arm action from a ¾ slot, accurate on throws. Moves well, fields position freely with soft hands, quick footwork and transfers, 80 across the infield.

Jake Killingsworth C / Headland, AL / 2020

The stocky and strong Killingsworth had a good showing at this event and the tournament that followed. He displayed big bat speed, whistling the barrel through the zone that resulted in a bunch of hard contact with top exit velocity of 99 mph. He is compact to the baseball and long through, showing a fluid elevated finish. Killingsworth shows the ability to have power to all fields and is a threat every time he steps into the box. Defensively, he posted a very respectable 2.01 pop time, and his throws topped 79 mph to second. He projects as an offense-first backstop at the next level, but will be able to keep working out of the crouch, showing some quickness and the ability to stick a pitch when he needs too.

Bryson King SS / 2B / Haralson County, GA / 2020

5-foot-10, 135-pound right-handed hitting shortstop, lean frame. Offensively, open setup, hands load back to near arm bar, low leg kick timing trigger. Long swing, barrel path works uphill generating some loft, good rhythm, 85 exit velocity. Defensively, arm action is short to a ¾ slot, kept throws around bag at 75 mph. Moves well up the middle, short choppy approach to the ball, clean on transfers. Ran a 7.47 laser-timed 60.

Thomas LeMaster LHP / 1B / Peachtree Ridge, GA / 2020

Checking in at 6-foot, 175 pounds, this lefty works from a high ¾ slot with his fastball and breaking ball. He gets deception from working with these two pitches out of the same slot. LeMaster is also able to repeat his delivery effectively and his arm works well. It looks like if he’s able to use his backside more he’d be able to gain power, too. LeMaster is a finesse lefty with shape to his breaking ball, but will slow his arm due to starting the pitch early and behind him and he’s not always able always finish it. With added strength, LeMaster projects as a tough-look for lefty bats, with his combination of fastball and breaking ball, but he’ll need to develop more of a third pitch to be an effective starter at the next level. 

Austin Little RHP / 2B / Walnut Grove, GA / 2020

Checking in at 6-foot, 130 pounds, Little is a medium-framed right-hander with fast arm. He runs his fastball up into the low- to mid-80s (sat 83-85 mph) with compact arm action from an overhand slot. His breaking ball shows good depth at (67-70 mph) and he also shows feel for a fading change at (73-74 mph). At times, Little will rush and front shoulder will fly, when he stays on-line and does not rush, his velocity climbs.

William Lybrook C / 1B / The Westminster Schools, GA / 2020

Harvard commit. 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed hitting catcher, long, lanky frame with plenty of room to fill out and tap into overall strength of build, ran a 6.93 60. Offensively, balanced setup with slight bend in knees, knee knock stride, hands load deep into back-side, finishes high and on his back-side. Takes a pull approach at the plate, looks to elevate the ball for power, barrel path works uphill through the zone, 84 exit velocity. Defensively, traditional catcher’s arm action, short, over-the-top, quick release, throws carried and were on-line at 78 mph from the crouch. Showed flexibility in lower half, good receiver, quick on transfers, clean footwork, recorded a best pop time of 2.08.

Dominick McIntyre OF / 3B / Peachtree Ridge, GA / 2020

One word comes to mind watching McIntyre play: impact. It’s not just the impact speed that he produced during his 60-yard dash (6.57), it is the way that speed plays during the game. He showed the ability to be on base and pressure the defense as soon as he left the box. McIntyre is an aggressive runner with instincts, and he shows the good doubles-type power to all fields and always leaves the box looking for three. Defensively, his arm plays best in center and left fields. He is also serviceable defensively in the infield, but his speed makes give him more value in the outfield.

Caleb Mowery C / 3B / Ola, GA / 2020

6-foot, 165-pound switch-hitting catcher, medium sized frame with a lean build, room for more physicality. Offensively, balanced setup, leg kick timing trigger, hands load back, good balance, finishes on his back-side. Takes a line drive approach at the plate, barrel path is mostly level through the zone, can achieve loft and elevate the ball to the pull-side effectively. Defensively, flexible setup, arm is short and quick, over-the-top, occasional run on throws, 74out of the crouch. Quick on transfers, comes around the ball at-times, recorded a best pop time of 2.08.

Logan Nelson C / RHP / Cass , GA / 2020

6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed hitting catcher and corner infielder, strong frame, wide shoulders. Offensively, keeps it simple, balanced setup, no stride, hands load back shortly, remains balanced, spins off at contact. Takes a middle/pull approach, looks to turn on pitches, elevates the ball, uphill barrel path, 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, over-the-top slot, kept throws on target, 72 out of the crouch. Compact setup behind the dish, flexible throughout lower half, clean on transfers, can get long, clean footwork, pop time ranged 2.16 - 2.20. 

Rand Newton 1B / 3B / Alexander, GA / 2020

6-foot, 190-pound corner infielder, strong build. Offensively, balanced setup, leg kick timing trigger, hands load back, finishes low and on his front leg. Power hitter, generates hard contact in all directions, barrel path travels uphill through the zone, 87 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.39 60. Defensively, slings it from first with a near sidearm slot, throws carried across the diamond at 78 mph. Fields his position well, attacks the ball, fields out front staying behind the ball, clean transfers, smooth glove hand.

Dillon Nohr OF / 1B / Harrison , GA / 2020

5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, durable build, strength throughout frame. Offensively, simple setup, balanced, no stride, shifts weight back on load, remains balanced. Gap-to-gap hitter, barrel works uphill through the zone, 85 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 6.90 laser-timed 60. Defensively, arm action is long with a clean arm swing on the back-side, high ¾ slot. Fields position well, approaches with short steps, clean on transfers, 82 from the outfield. 

Jaylen Paden SS / RHP / Decatur, GA / 2020

The athletically built, wiry strong Paden checks in at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, and plays the game with a high motor. Offensively, he has sneaky power (87 mph exit velocity) and knows how to hunt pitches. His set-up is balanced, though he will get to his front side and pull-happy at times. He shows feel for the bathead and good recognition on secondary pitches. On defense, Paden has plenty of arm (88 mph across the field) for shortstop and has the ability to play the middle infield at the next level. Though he is not a burner, (7.08) he is quick with a good first step. He anticipates on the bases and in the field. He is aggressive with all three of his pitches, and he’s able to repeat well and execute his arsenal effectively and consistently. Paden’s high ¾ slot allows his arm to work loose and free. His fastball topped out at 89 mph, and there’s more in tank on its way, due to his hand-speed and athleticism. His curveball has shape to it at 76-77 mph. Also is located a change-up with late fade. This athletic two-way player still has upside even though he is not large in stature. His lack of fear and willingness to challenge hitters is a separator for him going forward.

Joseph Salvo C / 3B / Buford, GA / 2020

Salvo is a compact, strong-bodied catching prospect, checking in at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. He poses a strong accurate arm producing a positional velocity of 78 mph, but his agility and flexibility behind the plate also leads to an impressive 1.89 pop time. Salvo relies on good footwork and a quick transfer to execute these catch-and-throws. At the plate, he has a sound and balanced approach. Salvo loads his hands to shoulder height, getting the barrel to a good launch position, and shows solid gap-to-gap type power from there. His exit velocity was a consistent 86 mph off the tee. The Buford backstop’s actions are compact and sound on both sides of the ball. Salvo projects as a defense-first catching prospect with strong leadership qualities.

Garrett Staton SS / 3B / North Forsyth , GA / 2020

Staton is a very interesting shortstop/third base prospect who poses a strong build at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. Staton moves well to his left and shows the ability to come and get the baseball, on the move. He has all the measurables as well, posting a 6.81 mark in the 60-yard dash, combined with an 89 mph top velocity across the infield. He has plenty of arm and his feet work well in the dirt. While Staton can get it done on the defensive side of the ball, he has excelled at the plate over the last year, and it was easy to see why. He sets up with hands loaded slightly above his shoulder and gets maximum leverage to put his size and strength to work. He showed well with the ability to stay on pitches on the outer half and drive the baseball. He produces consistent hard contact with feel for the bathead, and has enough thump in his bat to do some damage, as he produced and exit velocity of 92 mph off the barrel. Staton profiles well at the next level and has enough versatility to be used in a variety of capacities early in his career, giving him much value to a team at the next level.

Charlie Tull C / 1B / Harrison , GA / 2020

Geoffrey Watkins RHP / 1B / Lassiter, GA / 2020

Watkins is a tall and lanky righty, at 6-foot-6, 195 pounds. He creates good leverage in his delivery and uses a high ¾ slot to deliver the baseball. His arm works off-line slightly and with a low front side, this costs him some deception. He has a power pitcher’s delivery with regard to his hip load, and with added strength, you can see Watkins coming into even more velocity. We have had Watkins in the upper-80s in the past and believe he at least regains that kind arm strength, considering he was more 84-86 mph at the May event. He is showing the ability to spin a quality breaking ball for strikes and plays up off of his fastball because they come out of the same tunnel. His change is a distant third pitch at this time, but will really benefit from getting a higher and stronger front side and giving hitters more to look at.

Graham Yntema LHP / Parkview, GA / 2020

Checking in at 6-foot-3, 213-pounds, Yntema has great size from the left side. He has a repeatable, deliberate delivery from a ¾ slot. The Parkview southpaw offers a three-pitch mix with his fastball that is up to 84 mph, curveball that works in the 69-72 mph range, and changeup, 77 mph. Yntema projects as a bottom-of-the-zone lefty who should throw a heavy fastball, because of the way it comes out of his hand. He has a promising arsenal and size that should make him an intriguing prospect as he continues to learn how to command at the bottom of the zone.