All-State Games: 2019 Standouts - OF, C, Corner Infielders

Hammond has a ton of projection still left in his already strong, athletic 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame. The Houston recruit started the day by running a 6.99 60-yard dash. In the box, the right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open, stacked stance, then loads back easy as he triggers his hands back, creating good separation as he lands into a short stride. Flat, direct path to the ball with strength at contact and an exit velocity of 93 mph. Drove the ball well during batting practice with gap power and more to come. In the outfield, Hammond plays through the ball with rhythm, clean footwork and a quick exchange into a short over the top arm stroke with a top velocity of 80 mph. All-in-all, the junior is a projectable corner outfielder with a lot of offensive upside.

Balusek is strong left-handed hitter that has a bright future in college baseball with a projectable, broad shouldered, 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame. The Texas A&M Corpus Christi recruit has a tall, balanced, relaxed stance with quiet rhythm. Short, relaxed stride allows him to walk away from his hands into a good launch position. Fires his hips and transfers his weight with balance, generating good power (89 mph). Hands work well through the zone on a short, direct path with good barrel awareness and bat-lag as he whips the barrel loosely through contact. With his simple swing, barrel awareness and projectable power, I can see Balusek fitting into the middle of the order early in his college career. Above average defender at first base with soft hands out in front and quick transfer as he starts the double play at second base. Good footwork around the bag, can throw from different slots with an elbow dominant arm stroke.