PBR Fall Showcase Player Spotlight: Zack Whitacre
September 11, 2018
This fall, we will be taking a closer look at each member of the PBR Fall Showcase Team, known as the Appalachian Aces. Today we highlight 2019 SS/OF Zack Whitacre (Frankfort), who is currently Uncommitted.
Kuykendall on Whitacre: "Zack can do it all. He's a very good middle infielder, and can also go out and track down fly balls in the gap. His speed is a huge strength. I've been very impressed with his all around game. I project him to be an everyday player at the next level"
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| West Virginia Fall College Prospect Showcase | WV | 11/18 | Pro Performance RX - Morgantown |
Scouting Report
8.26.18 - Whitacre was a standout at this event. He ran a 6.80-60, was clocked at 85 mph from the outfield, to go along with a 83 mph across the diamond. In the infield, he demonstrates soft hands and is very confident with his glove. He moves really well and played through the ball.
Offensively, Whitacre initiates his swing from a neutral position striding away from hands. Sound fundamentally, his bat stays in the hitting zone nicely. His body stays compact and he uses his mid section well.
With his speed, he projects nicely as either a CF or MIF at the college level. Has already qualified for Promise Scholarship.
10.08.17 - Whitacre a 5-foot-10, 160-pound SS/RHP from Frankfort HS hit .406 with 41 hits and 48 runs scored as a freshman. Whitacre went on to hit .349 with 29 hits and 22 runs scored as a sophomore. He worked out of high 3/4 slot off mound with FB sitting 79-80 mph and being relatively straight. CB at 67-69 had 12-6 shape and at best sharp break with moderate depth. CH 71-73 was thrown with excellent sell and considerable arm side fade. As Whitacre's best pitch on this day it was commanded down and away to arm side. Delivery was repeated well. There is first base fall in follow through.
Whitacre initiates swing from neutral aggressively striding away from hands while staying neutral. Bat is on plane early and maintained late in hitting zone. There is some head movement and intermittent front knee softness. Hands are quick and work directly to baseball. Overall swing mechanics translated to 85 mph exit velocity and played in bp with routine squaring of baseball.
Defensively, at primary SS position Whitacre flashed quick, soft and confident glove hand. Arm strength of 83 mph across plays on left side of infield. A commitment to creating good angles and hops through attacking and playing through baseball existed.