Top Performer Spotlight: C/OF 2023 Danny Witters (Walter Panas)

April 23, 2020
Tim Hunter
VP of Operations

It was a historic preseason here in New York with our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff covering 700+ players at showcase events, all February long. The dust has settled and we are now ramping up our efforts in player rankings, scouting reports, and recap articles. While the outcome of the 2020 HS season is on hold, the Prep Baseball Report (NY) will continue to provide unrivaled coverage for the amateur baseball players in the Empire State.

As we continue our follow up of the Preseason Tour, we will be highlighting "Top Performer Spotlights" on players who recently stood-out at our preseason events. Stay tuned with us for the latest information on the 2020 spring season and beyond.

Scouting Report

Physical: 5-foot-9, 160-pounds. Tall athletic frame. 7.6 runner in the 60; 4.31 home-to-1B.
Offensively: RHH. Tall upright stance, feet shoulders width apart, bent at the knees, slightly open, high hands, long large leg kick into simple load action Upward bat path, hands get through the zone, long swing but gets barrel to the ball. Contact up the middle, line drives pull side. 86 MPH raw exit velocity.
Defensively: 2.02-2.08 pop times. OF: Starts low with a wide base, fields the ball inside his glove foot, gets a running start to release C: Low stance, feet off center with left foot in front, strong stick, quick footwork gaining ground on throws down to the bag. Long arm swing with a 3/4 arm slot C: Short arm swing, Low 3/4 arm slot. C - 74 MPH. OF - 77 MPH.

Standout Skill

To me, Witters catching ability would be his strong point and what stood out most. He has put up some impressive numbers at some events during catcher workouts. He does tend to have an angled set up when making throw downs, just want to watch how much your turning your body because you chest is the target for the pitcher and angling make blocking that much harder. Quick left-right replace with his feet, smooth transfers, and low throws that are all consistently around the bag.

Player Projection

Witters looks to have the athletic ability to play both OF and C, but I think the speed factor will slow him down trying to cover some ground in the OF to other players. His quick transfer behind the dish with a good firm glove are reason i think he's suited best for catcher. Witters also has a strong bat with some pop for a young player, definitely keep an eye out as he develops more.

Quick Hit
"Athletic frame, solid and athletic frame. Narrow stance to a big leg kick, hands stay high with a long finish. Shows some pop, tendency to work middle of the field to slightly pull-side gap. Waits back on the ball during OF workout and fields it inside glove side foot. Shuffle step to gain momentum into the throw, consistent low throws to target."

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