The Five: 2020 Hitters
December 13, 2018
TEXAS, USA - The Five is a new segment that we will bring to you every week, highlighting five players in a specific class and/or position. The Texas All-State Games was held in November at Baylor University. Over 100 of the top players from around the state were on display. Since then we have updated the 2021 Class Rankings, and this week we are finalizing the 2020 Class Rankings. For now, we bring you five hitters that have a chance to be impact bats.
Scouting Report
Rice is an strong, athletic outfielder with high end tools at 5-foot-11, 185-pounds. Started the day with a 7.17 60 yard dash. The right-handed hitter starts from an open, stacked stance, then loads with a leg kickas he triggers his hands and keeps his shoulders square, tilted over the plate. Slots the barrel into the zone as his front foot hits the ground, working on an uphill path that created lift and gap power with a top exit velocity of 95 mph. Moves easy in the outfield with confident footwork to cut distance. Plays throught the ball aggressively with a clean, quick exhange into an athletic crow hop. Fast arm provides for plus carry to the dish with a top velocity of 92 mph.
07.01.18
The right-handed hitter has a lean-muscular, athletic, quick-twitch frame at 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Rice moves well at both third base and in the outfield and has the arm strength to play both positions. In game one, he scorched a couple balls, a single to left-centerfield (4.5 on the turn), and a double down the left field line. Rice has the look of an all-around athlete that will be an impact player at the next level.
10.21.17
Rice has a strong, muscular frame at 5-foot-11, 184-pounds, and posted some of the top statistical scores in multiple categories at the Underclass Games. A right-handed hitter, starts from a tall, open stance, smooth load back using a toe tap as he triggers his hands. Strides forward as his hands stay back, maintaining balance and landing balanced with good separation. Simple weight transfer, generates high end bat speed (94 mph) with his overall strength, ball jumps off his bat with gap power. In the outfield, Rice has fluid footwork and rhythm through the catch with an athletic crow hop. Throws with accuracy from a high-¾ slot with loose arm swing and good hand speed (90 mph). On the infield, he plays with a bounce in his step as works through the ball with fluid footwork and soft hands. Threw 87 mph across the infield with a strong, quick arm stroke from a high-¾ slot. With his overall strength, projectable power and ability to play two positions, Rice will be a valuable addition to a recruiting class.
01.21.17
5-foot-11, 184-pound, strong frame. The right-handed hitter starts from an athletic, tall, neutral stance. He has a quiet load with a slight arm bar working into a short stride with good balance. Shows good strength at contact with a line drive approach and good extension through contact. Rice, only a freshman, posted one of the best exit velocities of the event at 86 mph off the tee. Behind the plate, Rice throws from a short, high-¾, natural catchers slot with slight length in his exchange. His pop times ranged from 2.02-2.44 to second base at 76 mph.