By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

Sunday marked the 2017 Super 60, the 15th edition of one of Prep Baseball Report’s flagship events. There were 100 scouts on hand to see some of the top 2017s from our coverage area, as well as top 2018 OF Jarred Kelenic (Waukesha West HS, WI). The Super 60 is an unofficial kickoff to the spring season as college baseball and some high schools will start playing games in the coming days.

Another good crop of prospects used the day to show off their tools, starting with the 60-yard dash. OF Jack Schneider (Daviess County HS, KY) set an event record by running a 6.3. Four others—all outfielders—ran better than a 6.7 in Kelenic (6.61), Jacob Pearson (West Monroe HS, LA; 6.67), Zach Kokoska (Greater Latrobe HS, PA; 6.59) and Brad Czerniejewski (Lake Forest HS, IL; 6.54). To see more of the top measurable performances, check out our stats story.

The draft is just four months away and many of the players in attendance hope to hear their name called at some point. It’s important to note that it’s February and nobody is in midseason form. There is plenty of time to catch attention between now and June. With that being said, he are some highlights from Sunday in regards to the draft…

+ C Jake Taylor (Shawnee HS, OK) was everywhere last summer—from the Tournament of Stars to the Metropolitan Baseball Classic to the Area Code Games. He had a sturdy frame, but his performance never jumped off the page at the different stops. In Chicago, it was clear he did some offseason work in the gym as he looked stronger and the bat speed was improved. He was balanced at the plate with a short stride and direct path. He got his hands through quickly and the barrel stayed in the zone. He made loud contact and produced backspin. An Oklahoma State recruit, Taylor recorded the second-highest exit velocity at 104 mph. Behind the plate, his pop times ranged from 2.01-2.05 with 76 mph arm strength. He also ran a 7.18 60.