Prep Baseball Report

2018 PBR Future Games Team Florida Spotlight: 2020 C/1B Matthew Menendez


Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout


From August 1-4th, the Prep Baseball Report Future Games will take place at Grand Park, a state-of-the-art 22-field baseball complex located in Westfield, IN, just north of Indianapolis. This one-of-a-kind event will feature the best uncommitted Class of 2020/2021 prospects from our 35-plus state coverage area.

The Prep Baseball Report Future Games is the premier summer scouting event for Class of 2020/2021 prospects. Last year, more than 250 college coaches from all over the country were in attendance, making it arguably the most heavily recruited event of the summer.

Leading up to the event, we will highlight each team member of Team Florida through a full breakdown. Today we take a look at 2020 C/1B Matthew Menendez of Pace HS, FL


Matthew Menendez

Class of 2020 / C

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2020
  • Primary Position: C
    Secondary Position: 1B
  • High School: ESB Academy
    State: FL
  • Summer Team: Elite Squad
  • Height: 6-2
    Weight: 195lbs
  • Bat/Throw: R/R

Statistics

Position
7.82
60-yard
1.90 - 2.01
Pop Time
75
C Velo
91
Exit Velo

Scouting Report

1/27/18- Uncommitted. Lean build with room to add strength currently standing at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. Offensively, he looks to get the hands extended and flashes power to pull side when he squares it up. Can drive it with authority. Look for Menendez to see an overall jump at the plate as he continues to add to his frame which should see a jump in power. Registered an exit velocity of 91 mph in the cage. Behind the plate the hands work and transfers quickly with throws to the bag that topped out at 75 mph. Clocked in at 8.08 seconds for his 60 yard dash time. 

01/07/18- Uncommitted. Stands at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds with a lean, athletic build. Offensively, he starts from a wide base with a big leg kick for timing. At times he can get a little long with his swing, but when he stays direct to the ball and in rhythm, he was able to drive the ball into the gaps. As he begins to add to his frame and mature, Menendez should see a jump in power at the plate. Behind the plate, Menedez showed solid hands and looked to receive the ball out in front with a quick transfer.

09/30/17- 6-foot, 175 pound catcher has a projectable frame and a very young face. Defensively, there is a lot to like. He is flexible and the hands work, receiving well. It will continue to improve as he learns to get in better, stronger receiving positions, to allow him to utilize his hands. Pop times were 2.1-2.2 on the day as he was rushed. When he trusts his footwork, transfer and strong arm which topped out at 75 mph, the pop time have been in the 1.95 range. The is a lot of upside offensively as well. He stands tall with a lot of quality pre-swing rhythm and uses a leg kick trigger. His hands aren’t static, but could benefit with separation. He shows loose wrists and present bal speed, with present bat to ball skills. Translated to an opposite field RBI double. High upside and high follow moving forward.

8.12.17 - 6-foot, 170-pound lean, athletic catcher showed a lot of quick twitch defensive ability. His hands work and will continue to improve as he gets in better positions. He has quick feet, transfer and a strong arm resulting in a 1.90 pop time. Offensively, the right handed hitter has a small leg lift and stride trigger, He tends to come out of his lower half and create length in the path. There is present strength, but the bat will continue to improve as he learns to use his strong lower half and become shorter to the ball.