Today, we recap the top prospects from the Class of 2014 at the first Pre-Season Underclass Showcase in Dayton, Ohio at Sinclair Community College. We will recap the top players from the Classes of 2015-2017 as well as the best of the rest over the next two days.

These prospects have earned invitations to the Top Prospect Games in June at Prasco Park. This invitation only event, which attracted over 110 scouts in 2012, will feature the top prospects from the Class of 2014 and 2015 in the State of Ohio.


Derek Varner, 3B/2B, Turpin HS, Class of 2014

Projects to be a solid third baseman to offensive second baseman in future. The 5-foot-11, 182-pound prospect shows solid infield skills with hands and feet. Good arm strength (81 mph) from all angles. Has excellent quick release and actions. Needs to improve 7.63 60-yard time and overall balance to play shortstop. Righty bat hits from slight open stance. Triggers hands from chest. Shows power potential. Has some loop in swing. Squares the bat on the ball very well. Will enhance future power with improved hand swing finish and consistent lower body torque.

Tyler Gullett, 3B, Keystone HS, Class of 2014

6-foot-2, 190-pound athletic player with strong, solid frame and excellent raw skills. Registered a showcase best 6.91 60-yard dash with solid arm strength (81 mph) across the infield. Projects as more of a third baseman or perhaps a corner outfielder. Good feet and arm strength from all angles. Needs to improve accepting ball more consistent. Right-handed bat hits from upright stance. Triggers hands from his shoulder and has obvious hand strength. Has good hand finish. Improving his lower body torque will make him definite power bat type in the future. Has transferred to Keystone High School from St. Ignatius HS. 

Andrew Burton, IF/RHP, Middletown HS, Class of 2014

Shows good projection with his skills. Ran 6.98 60-yard dash. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound prospect has good middle infield actions with hands and feet. Accepts ball well with some body balance. Solid arm from all angles (81 mph). Righty hitter that hits from slight open stance. Makes contact from chest trigger. Shows strength in swing. Should develop nicely with improvement in achieving more top hand in swing along with consistently keeping his backside load. On the bump, he pitched from the stretch with moderate arm speed through upper 3/4 slot. Fastball was fairly straight at 81-82 mph with slurvy tilt breaking ball (68-70 mph) and good arm action on 73 mph change-up. 

Levi Boyer, C, Carlisle HS, Class of 2014

5-foot-11, 185-pound catcher with solid, durable frame. Shows good receiving skills with quickness and accepting ball. Would like to see improve balance in blocking. Shows quick release (splits 2.06-2.12). Needs to clean up his footwork and improve some directional issues. Ran well for a catcher, posting a 7.37 60-yard time. Righty bat hits from open stance. Definite power potential. Triggers hands from the shoulder. Would like to see improved lower half torque and hand swing finish to promote power 

Cameron Johnson, IF, Tippecanoe HS, Class of 2014

Very athletic, three-sport athlete. This 5-foot-11, 160-pound infielder ran 7.27 60-yard dash. Shows good balance and hands with decent arm strength (75 mph). Projects better at this time as third baseman or offensive second baseman. Right-handed bat that hits from open stance. Triggers hands from shoulder with some bat speed into zone. Gets some lower half torque with good hand finish. Needs to keep consistent front side square. Interesting follow heading into the spring.