Daniel
Pierce

UGA Commit. 6-foot, 165 pounds. This just might be the most valuable player for his team in the entire state, and he’s an underclassmen. Before the GHSA playoff schedules came out, I already knew where I was going for the first series. “Playoff Pierce” was a given. Why do I call him that? Last year in Rd 1 (about 10 lbs ago) with a 60% healthy quad, is where the legend of Playoff Pierce was born. He faced a tall task in Florida State commit LHP Brett Barfield, and most FR would get absolutely dominated in this scenario. But that was exactly the opposite of what happened. The pure hitter treated D1 stuff like child’s play, mashing 2 backspin 2B’s in the right center gap with a Kirk Gibson-esque limp around the bases each time. The best way to find a good hitter is to see how they respond to quality pitching, and he does that better than 99% of hitters in the country. Fast forward to Rd 1 a year later, and Playoff Pierce had morphed into superman. This time he was fully healthy, and his elite pitch recognition and all-fields approach had only gotten better. He started off with a 2 RBI single up the middle where he had to decelerate on a high quality 75 mph CB. Next AB the same inning!? Deja Vu from last year with a backspin barrel into the right center gap, but this one went for a 3 RBI 3B! 5 RBI’s in one INN! With 10 lbs of added strength since last spring, he was now at a different level of athleticism. The arm strength is already MLB average, and you can see his carry in effortless warm up throws from SS. The speed is MLB Avg as well, and he’s surely 15 lbs from his physical ceiling. This tells me he’ll be at worst an A/AVG runner, and he already moves like one when at top speed. Pierce would produce 2 more barrels in G2, one for a 2 RBI inside the park HR. I could write a book on Daniel’s swing mechanics, but will save that for a featured article. Just know his perfect timing, balance, forward move, and ability to manipulate the swing path would make many big leaguers jealous. Oh yeah, he also is one of the best pitchers in the class and sat 86-88 with a nasty mid 70’s SL! The legend of Playoff Pierce continues.

Underclass Games - Infield Analysis 

Positional Profile: SS/2B Some of the most advanced bat to ball skills in the class.
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Projectable build, high waisted with broad shoulders, lean strength throughout, lots of room.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open setup, smooth rhythm as he shifts weight quickly and loads hands, short stride, good balance. Swing is short and explosive to the zone, accelerates through the zone with extension, ball jumps off bat to all fields, good feel for the barrel and the ability to manipulate.
Power: 90.6 max exit velocity, averaged 84.3 mph. 352’ max distance. Advanced feel all around.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short, loose arm action, quick arm speed , athletically uses multiple slots effectively, easy carry with more to come.
Defense: Athletic defender, plays through the ball with smooth fluid footwork, fields out front, soft glove, clean on exchanges.