By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker

 

In a new segment at the state level called, In the Weeds, PBR National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, takes a look at uncommitted players regardless of class whose skills and intangibles sometimes get missed in a showcase setting, but whose value to a good team at the next level is immeasurable. Some of the players included in this segment are under the radar, others have been overlooked, and some are late bloomers and fast-rising. Whatever the reason, our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff has identified many uncommitted prospects who can thrive with the right fit at some collegiate level. This week, In the Weeds, takes a look at some intriguing prospects out of New England. The winter months are cold, and spring baseball can be equally as cold while also being very wet, so the players of the region have a short amount of time to showcase their abilities. Because of this, many of the players in New England bloom a bit later than those of the south, and can slip through the recruiting cracks. The players in part one of a series on New England, showcase promise, and will have a chance to play at some level in college.

 

Aidan Park, 1B/RHP, Buckingham Browne & Nichols HS, MA, 2018
Park is a big, physical 6-foot-5, 235-pound left-handed hitting first baseman who will have a chance to be a two-way player at some level as he also shows natural ability on the mound. With an exit velocity of 101 mph, Park is, already, impacting baseballs, and has present pull side power that only stands to get better as he adds strength. At the plate, Park showcases a natural rhythm that allows him to control the barrel through the zone with excellent balance. Starting square with his hands held at his shoulder with his back elbow high, Park utilizes a leg kick that initiates downward hand movement before striding out long. At times, Park drifts forward with his long stride, seeming to lunge, but his advanced hands are able to make up for it as they quickly work through the zone on a level plane. In the field, he is a bit stiffer, but shows signs of being more than adequate at first base, and should develop even more as he grows into his large frame. On the mound, Park sat 82-84 with his fastball at a PBR New England event in early March with arm side run as he steps across his body before delivering out of a tough ¾ slot. While his arm is not super whippy, it does show some strength, and he showed control of the fastball down in the zone. Park also features a curveball at 69-70 and changeup at 77-78 that are current average pitches that he shows feel for. A highly academic student, Park has been, relatively, unknown to this point outside of New England, but with his frame, and the possibility of securing a power-hitting left-handed bat and serviceable pitcher, recruiter’s all over the country should take notice.


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