Top Prospects Games: 2018 Uncommitted Pitchers

June 8, 2017

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

The Top Prospects Games are June 13^th and 14^th at Fayetteville High School this event will feature 80 of the top prospects from across the state of Arkansas, in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 classes. This event features players from all corners of the state, with advanced skills. There are a few committed players competing in the event; this group are high level athletes with advanced skills. Below you will find a group of arms that should stand out over the two day event.

Ty Johnson 2B / RHP / Clinton, AR / 2018

Rankings State Rank:31 POS:1

Johnson is a 5-10 155-right-hander, which pitches from a sidearm, arm slot. He has shown advanced pitch-ability locating three quality pitches for a strike. His fastball works 81-83 mph. He compliments his fastball with slider with late movement and a change up with arm side run.

Will Richardson RHP / 1B / Woodlawn, AR / 2018

Rankings State Rank:13 POS:6

Will Richardson is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound RHP. He works from a Low 3/4 arm slot with a quick clean arm and he gets good extension. He locates his fastball on both sides of the plate at 82-84 mph with late sink and touched 86 mph. His changeup is a polished pitch thrown 71-73 mph with arm side run. He also locates Frisbee breaking ball consistently 72-75 mph. He repeats his mechanics consistently with balance and rhythm. Richardson has a projectable frame and an advanced feel to pitch

Bennett Shoptaw RHP / SS / Little Rock Christian Academy, AR / 2018

Rankings State Rank:15 POS:7

Shoptaw is a 6-foot-1 175-pound right-hander with an athletic frame and build. He uses a short quick arm action from a ¾ arm slot. He repeats his mechanics consistently without a distinct balance point. He finishes tall to the plate. His fastball works 82-85 mph with slight run. He uses a 70-73 mph 11/5 curveball with late break as his secondary pitch. Overall Shoptaw is a solid two pitch right-hander with a feel to pitch.

Johnson, Richardson, and Shoptaw have had a buzz around their name, with consistent recruiting buzz for the last year. Names on the rise are 2018 RHP Alex Langley and 2018 RHP Braydon Todd.

Alex Langley RHP / 3B / Riverview, AR / 2018

Rankings State Rank:27 POS:12

Langley is a 6-foot-3 215-pound right-hander with a large frame and an average build. He competes in the strike zone with a fastball which works 82-84 mph and has been up to 85 mph. He complements the fastball with a curveball thrown 72-74 mph with 11/5 shape and late break. He projects to a high ceiling as he has a quick arm, with some unrefined mechanics.

* Langley is an high level student, with great test scores

Braydon Todd RHP / OF / Arkadelphia, AR / 2018

Rankings State Rank:36 POS:16

Todd is a 6-foot 180-pound right-hander with an athletic frame and build. He had a solid spring leading Arkadelphia to the state tournament. He showed advanced arm strength flashing a fastball up to 88 mph. He pitched 83-86 mph. He has short arm action and repeated mechanics. He also showed the ability to command a solid curveball with 11/5 action. Overall a solid athlete with a quick arm and feel for two pitches.