Prep Baseball Report

Underclass Games: Quick Hits


PBR Alabama Staff

Other than a little rain in the morning before the event, Mother Nature was very kind to us for Tuesday's Underclass Games that was held at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, AL. It was the perfect venue for this event, as we are already looking forward to going back on June 30th for the Top Prospect Games that already features a loaded roster.

It was a great crop of young, uncommitted talent with impressive position players and a solid mix of some projectable arms that went through the workout. Today, we will highlight some of the top performers from the pro-style workout and who stood out to our scouts in the gameplay portion of the event. 

Keep an eye out in the coming days for event-related content such as statistical leaders and full write ups on all players in attendance. 

 

Quick Hits

 

'23 3B/RHP Matt Manley, Madison Academy

A member of last summer's Team Alabama at the PBR Junior Future Games, Manley has continued to make strides over the last year and it showed at this event. Swung it well in BP and it translated into gameplay where he had three hits off of some quality arms. Solid defender. Jumped up on the mound and was 81-84 mph and even bumped 85 mph once.

Hitting

Pitching

'23 OF/RHP Banks Langston, Russellville

A rising sophomore with good bloodlines that stood out at the plate and on the mound. Another member of last summer's Team Alabama at the PBR Junior Future Games. Solid BP round with a line drive approach to the gaps. 87 mph from the OF. 6.87 runner at the event. Hopped on the mound and was consistently 82-83 mph and topped out at 84 mph with some arm side run into RHH's. Breaking ball is a plus pitch with late, down action at 70-71 mph.

Hitting

Pitching

'23 SS/C John (Jabe) Boroff, Macon East

Flawless during the game portion of the event, going 2-2 at the plate. Swung it well during BP with gap to gap pop and an exit velo of 87 mph off a tee. Best pop time was 2.10 behind the plate.

'22 SS/RHP Frederick Wessel, Randolph

Have seen him at multiple events over the past couple of years and only gets better at each look. Added some notable strength to his frame that has suited him well. Easy, simple swing from the right side with pull side juice. More power than you would think. Rangy defender that moves well to his back hand and glove side with good arm strength across the diamond at 84 mph. Up to 83 mph on the mound with above average secondary offerings.

'23 SS/2B Peyton Watts, Oxford

One of the more impressive bats at the event. Love his swing from the left side, it's loose and under control with significant juice to the gaps. Chance for more power once the frame progresses. Sure handed defender up the middle with a chance to stick at SS once he adds more arm strength. Love the upside on this rising sophomore. A big winner from yesterday's event.

'23 SS/2B Miles Mitchell, Helena

A great day at the yard for this rising sophomore. Quiet, short swing from the right side with constant line drives back up the middle during his BP round. Will only get better with more strength to his frame. Soft hands on the infield that moves well. One to keep an eye on during the summer circuit.

'23 OF/3B Devin Howell, Ohatchee

Another rising sophomore from the event that performed well the bat during gameplay. Recorded two hits during scrimmages. Moves well in the outfield.

'24 3B/RHP Braden Booth, Bob Jones

An already physical player that has stood out and previous events and showed no change on Tuesday. Some present strength in his frame with definite pull side pop to left field during his round of BP. Quiet approach at the plate that looks to lift on each swing. Potential for power.

'23 3B/RHP Payne Bryan, Springville

A physically imposing player that uses his strength to his advantage at the plate. Looked comfortable at the dish during his round of BP that drove line drives to the gap. 90 mph exit velo off the tee. Going to be one to watch in the coming years.

'23 SS/2B Sam Silas, Holtville

A stocky build at 6-foot, 160 pounds that is one of the top ranked SS's in our '23 class. From the right side, Silas showed a pull side approach with balls driven to the gaps during BP. Swings with some intent and the bat stays on plane throughout his stroke. 85 mph exit velo off the tee. Solid defender up the middle with sure hands and more arm strength on the way.

'23 SS/2B Sam Robertson, Oxford

This rising sophomore had one of the better days, both statistically and on the field, of the day. The Yellow Jacket middle infield looks to be in good hands with Robertson & Watts. Pull side approach with lift in his swing and some already present power. A player that already passes the eye test as a '23. 90 mph exit velo off a tee. Advanced defensively up the middle that has a good chance to stick at SS but can move to 3B or 2B if needed. Arm strength is already there with more coming at 85 mph. Ran a 6.64 at the event on a laser. Expect him to make another rise in the coming '23 Player Rankings.

'22 C/3B Brooks Bryan, Opelika

One of the top catchers in the '22 class in Alabama, Bryan put his power on display during his round of BP at the event. Keeps showing up at PBR showcases and tournaments and continues to rake from the left side. The power is impressive, but what was most exciting was that Bryan showed no fear of hitting for the same juice to the backside gap. An event-best 94 mph exit velo. Continues to get better defensively with good receiving skills behind the plate to go along with 2.01-2.09 pop times. Already garnering some D1 offers and interest.

'23 C/RHP Tanner Potts, Holtville

One of the top performances during the gameplay portion of the event. The rising sophomore had two doubles during the scrimmages and looked comfortable in the box. Physical build with some pull side pop.

 

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