Zane
Stokes

2B Zane Stokes (2022) has been high on our radar for some time, especially after his showing at multiple events last summer. These performances were eventually  good enough for him to earn an invite to the PBR Future Games. Holding it down up the middle for the Leopards at 2nd base, Stokes reached base in all of his plate appearances on Monday night. At 5-10, 170 pounds, the uncommitted junior has an easy & simple stroke from the right side, but still drives the ball with some authority at the plate. Tall, upright stance with some quick hands. Doubled twice to the pull side and single back up the middle (all below), while also walking in his four plate appearances on the night. Equally as impressive as a defender up the middle. Solid lateral range with ability to cover ground. Smooth hands with excellent footwork on the infield. Can play 3rd base and shortstop, but probably profiles as a 2nd basemen in the future. One of the top uncommitted players in the junior class in Alabama with plenty of interest from college programs.

5-foot-10, 165-pound athletic frame. During batting practice, the right-handed hitter had an exit velocity of 90 mph, showing his ability to drive the ball with power. Begins in a tall stance with a quick load, then uses a short stride before his swing. Bat speed was some, and displayed level swing plane. Found multiple barrels during his rounds. Gap to gap approach. In the infield, his position velocity was registered at 80 mph; had a clean exchange, athletic footwork and sure hands. Showed consistent accuracy. Performed well in the 60-yard dash, clocking a speedy time of 6.88.

Athletic looking ‘22 that starts from a slightly open stance and the hands set back in the stance. A low effort, maximum production swing. There is no wasted action in the hands or lower half which allows the swing to be well synced. Just a clean, pure swing. Handled the bat very well and drove the ball to all fields. Really like the solid offensive approach. The defensive game shows very nice skills as well and he moves very well getting to ground balls. Showed very nice lateral movement and solid ability to throw from a different arm slot. Very solid ‘22 grad.

 Another impressive looking ‘22 that showed an athletic set up at the plate and a simple, compact approach. The hands and barrel stayed short to the zone and he did a nice job of staying through the hitting zone as well. Nice bat speed and extension resulted in a middle of the field approach with some “whippiness” with the barrel. High finish with the barrel shows slight tilt in the swing path. There is some present strength with more definitely to follow in the future. Did a nice job working the glove through the ball at SS and showed nice flexibility in the hips. The transfer is quick and throws had carry on them as well. Like the makeup on Stokes.