Caden
Shanks

Lipscomb Commit, A dynamic 2 way from the Volunteer State that has shown well all summer whether on the dirt, in the batters box or on the mound. His ability to play SS and make consistent contact from the left side along with hopping on the mound and sitting 88/92 is going to make him extremely valuable at the next level. Offensively, Shanks shows a simple & easy LH swing that packs efficient swing mechanics that will consistently give him the best chance to hit and make routine contact. His ability to hold his hip hinge in stride and control his forward move keeping his head still and “centered” allows him to see spin and adjust to different pitch locations. A clean + connected knob led path that enters from inside allows him to routinely make contact out front. On the dirt it’s an athletic MIF with the ability to range laterally and play on the run all while showing soft hands and an arm that can stick on the left side. On the mound it’s a repeatable operation with tempo throughout and controlled aggressiveness with the lead arm and stride allowing for ideal explosiveness into foot strike. A FB that jumps out of the hand at 88/92 paired with a sharp, 74/76 MPH SL with downer action that misses barrels. It will be extremely interesting to see where Caden ends up at the next level because he’s dynamic on both sides of the ball.

Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. Proportional, athletic frame w/ lower half strength. Good athleticism.
Hits: LHH. Narrow, taller and upright stance, higher placement with the hands. Relaxed. Good bat speed. Slightly open stance, small leg lift to start the swing, allows the barrel to work with easy pop to all parts of the field.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 87.1 MPH. 342' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-86 mph.Quick and shorter arm action, accurate throws.
Defense: Clean and fluid actions to the ball, comfortable moving both ways.
Run: 6.92 runner in the 60.

Uncommitted. 6-foot-2, 167-lb lean, wiry frame w/ projection and good athleticism. Slow tempo delivery w/ strong balance into drop n’ drive stride w/ closed foot landing. High front side glove w/ quick arm working up to 3/4 slot. Some rawness to delivery, but quiet early and repeats well w/ athleticism & knack for competing. FB at 86-89, T90 w/ slight arm side life (1967-2025) and maintains plane at time (T 2230 rpm). Mixed CB at 71-75 w/ sharp 11/5 action and lite bite (T 2335 rpm). Flashing improved spin qualities and more of a swing n’ miss offering while landing for strikes and throwing back door to LHH. Showed flashes w/ CH at 78-79, killing spin and working down in the zone for potential third offering. Tossed two frames at 2022 PBR Future Games, allowing one run and striking out three.

Upperman had an up and down season last year, but they had several players that posted some stout numbers. They have high hopes in the fresh looking 3A, and should have the pieces to push into the postseason. Shanks will be right in the middle of it. He started at SS as freshman and handle a good chunk of the pitching duties. He featured a FB up to 87 w/ nice breaking ball while handling the stick from the left side at the top of the order.