Robby
Merkov

Athletic frame at 5-foot-11, 160-pounds. Ran a 7.40 60 yard dash. Offensively – Wide, balanced set-up with some knee bend. Takes a short, controlled forward stride as hands pull back to load. Hands stay tight to the body and get on plane with the pitch early. Level barrel path thru the zone. Hits against a firm front side. Stays balanced thru low, 2-handed finish. Exit velocity was 76 MPH. Defensively – Maintains body control while tracking ball in OF. Feet stay active while working thru the ball. Uses a side shuffle to create momentum. Long, loose arm action with ¾ release. Arm strength was 74 MPH.

Merkov stands in at 5-foot-11, 155-pounds with a lean athletic frame. Ran a 4.76 home to first. Offensively- Righty sets up square to the pitcher with his feet wide outside shoulder width. Shows a slight knee bend with an upright torso holding the bat above the back shoulder using little pre-pitch bat movement. On pitch, his trigger is a quick knee raise in to stride forward while his hands move back into the hitting position. Utilizes good lower body rotation getting his whole-body frame involved in the process of the swing. Shows quick hands into the hitting zone with a level barrel path throughout into a high two-handed finish. Demonstrated line drive ability up the middle and to the pull side during batting practice round. Recorded an exit velocity of 81 MPH. Defensively- Good approach and footwork getting to and underneath the baseball. Shows a good long outfielder arm swing throwing downhill towards target. Fluid crow hop mechanics gaining ground throughout the movement. Was accurate on all throws and recorded a positional arm velocity of 78 MPH.

Preseason All-State (February 20, 2017)