Unsigned Seniors: Infielders

November 28, 2014

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

The early signing period has ended. There is several talented players still available across the state. We look at the top infielders, tomorrow we will look at the top outfielders.

Josh Stephens, MIF, Har-Ber High School
Stephens is a 5-foot-9 165 pound middle infielder that has a good approach to the game with solid measurable tools. He ran a 6.69 in the 60 and a 4.2 home to first from the right side. Offensively he has a very quiet swing with very little movement. He starts from an athletic stance, from there he has a slight load back, which leads into a short stride. His bat speed is average, with level bat plane that produces line drives on a consistent basis. I would like to see him have a more distinct load and use the lower half more, overall he understands who is and stays to his game, hitting line drives to the middle of the field. Defensively he plays through the ball with soft hands and fluid footwork. His exchange is long and his arm strength measured 81 mph from short stop.

Jaylen Jackson, SS, Watson Chapel HS
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound shortstop, is a strong offensive player. He has good bat speed with an exit velocity up to 91. His bat speed and athleticism give him the ability to have good power to his pull side. Defensively, he has soft hands, fluid footwork, and a loose arm. He also has good instincts. A combination football/baseball player, which over time should become a complete middle of the order bat.

Caleb Gray, 3B, Har-Ber HS
The 6-foot 180 pound 3B showed good athleticism running a 6.9 in the 60 and a 3.95 home to first. Defensively, Gray showed fluid footwork and an accurate arm. His exchange could be speed up if he would shorten his arm action. He plays through the baseball and average hands. Offensively, he showed a short compact swing with little movement. During his exit velocity he registered 81 mph three times. His batting practice rounds showed the ability to hit the ball to all fields with a line drive swing and good balance. Gray gets his lower half involve but as he swings he comes up and out of his legs, I would like to see him stay in them longer and the power/ exit velocity would increase. He plays infield now he projects to play outfield at the next level.

Cole Sheffer, MIF, Greene County Tech
Sheffer is a 6-foot, 175 pound middle infielder versatile athlete playing football and baseball at a high level. He has good defensive actions, with soft hands, and quick feet. He plays through most balls and has a good exchange. Cole runs a 6.89 in the 60. Offensively he uses his athleticisms to athlete balls, he lacks rhythm and balance at times but competes and is a tough out.

Colby Johnson, MIF, Benton High School
Johnson is 6-foot 180-pound middle infielder. He has good actions with soft hands. He has solid arm with a quick exchange. Colby runs a 7.1 in the 60. I see him transitioning to third base once he gets to the collegiate level. Offensively he has a compact swing that produces line drives, which he stays to center of the field. He tends to drop his hands and has average bat speed.