Top Performer Spotlight: 2020 MIF Andrew Neil
September 13, 2018
As we head into the fall/winter season we will be publishing "Top Performer Spotlights" on players who stood out at past PBR California events, PBR officially scouted events and tournaments, and/or the summer circuit. In this edition we'll take a look at 2020 MIF/P Andrew Neil, a highly ranked player in the California 2020 rankings and committed to Saint Mary's College.
I first came across Neil last spring when scouting his teammate, 2019 SS Kyren Paris. Neil was pitching that day and though undersized as a right-handed pitcher, I liked what I saw... a quick arm, moxie, a slippery breaking ball, and lots of competitiveness. So I wrote his name down and went back to paying attention to Paris. After Neil's first at-bat, he had my attention. This is the blurb of notes I wrote: small, ath body, nice hack, inside, EZ, + LWR 1/2 rhthm, H3, quick, ath lift, lots flair & conf, FB ok ASR, CB works well off FB action, is willing to go in, quik brk CB, uses for outs.
Let's take a closer look at 2020 infielder Andrew Neil of Freedom HS in Oakley, California.
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Rising Stars Showcase | CA | 09/23 | Corona Santiago HS |
| Central Coast Open | CA | 10/07 | Cabrillo College |
| Senior Games (Invite Only) | CA | 10/13 | JSerra High School |
| Los Angeles Open | CA | 10/20 | Maverick Field |
TOP PERFORMER SPOTLIGHT
QUICK TAKE
Didn't get to see him play infield the first day I came across him because he was pitching and he threw a CG. At the underclass games Neil stood out as the top all-around player, with tools, polish, playability, and energy, all of which are traits of players who thrive at the college level, and beyond. Neil is the starting 2nd baseman for Freedom HS and I can only presume that he would be the shortstop if his teammate wasn't one of the top draft prospects in California. In any case, they form what may be the top middle infield combination in Northern California, and perhaps the state.
SCOUTING REPORTS
8/25/18 - Saint Mary’s College commit, 5-foot-10, 155-pounds, one of the top 2020 players in Northern California. Compact athletic build. The hit tool is a standout tool right now and plays up as a left-handed hitter. Short stroke with plus bat speed and high level barrel contact skills. Can pull hands in and still drive the ball as well as lashing balls pitched middle and away. Real quiet in the box with a small load, hits from an initial crouch, very quiet in the box and sees the ball well. Gap to gap, line to line now with extra base pop and should develop some homer power in the coming years, even at his size. Neil is also has base stealing skills and his instincts/reads on the bases can cause some havoc. Defensively has a strong arm that plays up the middle. Athletic actions in the infield and a quick release. Will play 2nd base as a junior and likely shortstop as a senior due to the presence of one of California’s top 2019 players at his school, SS Kyren Paris. Neil also pitches and certainly at the high school level he has a chance to be well above average. Quick short arm action like that of an infielder, high-3/4 slot, painted corners with the fastball, occasional riding action, change-up with good feel and finish, used change-up well in right on right at-bats. Curveball is an 11/5 shaped pitch that is a usable secondary pitch within his repertoire.
2/27/18 - St. Mary's commit, the 5-foot-10ish 155-pound Neil is a left-hand hitting infielder who happened to be pitching on this day. Didn't see him playing defense but saw a smooth and easy swing, works inside the ball well, good balance at the plate and good timing to contact. Spray type swing with chance to hit for average in college. Went CG though he's going to play and hit in college, he's a good baseball player on the mound, got up to 82 mph, quick breaking curveball, knows how to attack and clearly has feel for the game.