The Preseason All-State Games (Invite-Only) took place on Sunday, January 28th at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils. The event featured some of the top prospects from the 2019-2021 classes and gave them a chance to do a full workout, then compete in live game action. Today, we continue the event analysis with some Quick Hits on a few of the top class of 2020 performers. This article will be released in three parts, concluding with the 2021's tomorrow.

Complete video, data and pictures are already posted with individual scouting reports to follow in the coming weeks. Some players that have recently received heavy coverage will only be touched on briefly in this piece or not at all as there were a large number of high-end prospects in attendance. As always contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or information. 

2020:

- 3B/RHP Colten Keith continued to establish himself as an elite national prospect. After bursting on to the scene at December's PBR Preseason Trials, Keith didn't disappoint at our premier winter event, posting the top 60 time, infield veto and fastball veto, while taking arguably the day's top round of BP. There is a serious argument to be made that he is the top 2020 prospect in the state.

- 3B/C Shane Erickson looked more comfortable behind the plate after being urged to make the position switch at a recent PBR Scout Day. It is by far his best position moving forward and we were excited to see how well his feet and hands work at the position. Erickson's bat has never been in question as he shows high end raw power with natural loft and easy rhythm in his swing. With continued polish at the catcher position, Erickson has a chance to be a high-end D1 recruit.

-SS Hunter Haas is an early commit to Oregon State and was maybe the most polished prospect at the entire event. Haas plays the game with an easiness that you don't often see from high school sophomores and performed very well in game action. His recent strength gains continue to pay dividends as he posted a 91 mph exit velo.

-OF Noah Nithman does two things very well, hit and run. Nathan is an impressive athlete (6.89 60-yard dash) in a solid 5-foot-10, 160-pound frame with some present strength and more to come. There's very little question about his offensive ability with a powerful, fast-twitch swing that finds the barrel in game action. A natural mover in the outfield, if he can improve his arm action and strength, it would go a long way towards helping reach his ceiling as a prospect.

 

-SS Ben Staiger likely profiles best at 3B down the road, but his bat appears likely to hold up at the hot corner after an impressive offensive showing. With a physical 6-foot, 170-pound frame, Staiger took a solid BP, showing off a relaxed, easy rhythm and short swing in the box. His 90 mph exit velocity registered as one of the best at the event, regardless of class.

-RHP Tyler Davis, an early Arizona commit showed the arm strength that made him a high-D1 recruit. Running his fastball up to 88 with riding life from a high arm slot, Davis possessed some of the best arm strength at the event.

-LHP Andrew Calloway continues to be a strong follow as a 6-foot-4 lefty that's easy to dream on. He ran his fastball up to 83 on this day and that number should increase with continued physical development and strength gains.

-Kenneth Jimenez stood out offensively, posting a 91mph exit velo with a big leg kick and some bat speed. There's far more pop in his bat than his stocky 5-foot-7, 175-poiund far would initially suggest. The key for Jimenez moving forward will be finding his best position defensively. Would be very interested to see him behind the plate as his tools and body may fit well there.

-Big 6-foot-3, 195-poound righty Tyler Moore also touched 83 in his first PBR event. His elbow gets very high in back, but the body is certainly intriguing and certainly worthy of a follow moving forward.

-RHP Kyle Ponzo's velo wasn't quite where we've seen it in the past, not a surprise as the two-sport athlete is right in the middle of basketball season. There's still plenty to like with his 6-foot-5 frame and clean arm action.

-C/RHP Kai Taylor had previously drawn intrigue on the mound, but on this day he was equally impressive behind the plate. Taylor receives and moves well at the catcher position and turned in a best pop of 2.07. With a fastball that reached 82 and a loose arm, Taylor remains one to follow on the mound as well.

-Sidearm RHP Brock Peery gave hitters fits during his inning of work. Pounding the zone with his heavy 80 mph fastball, nobody could square up the roundball machine. His 67-69 mph slider has consistent rotation and sharp break, something you don't often see from young sidearm pitchers. There is very little doubt Peery will get outs at the next level for whatever program gives him an opportunity.

-LHP Ben Meyerson worked underneath the baseball more than we've seen in the past, but that didn't stop him from featuring the event's best changeup. Thrown with fastball arm speed, it shows consistent big fading action and projects as a true out pitch.

-WIth a long, rangy 6-foot-2, 160-pound frame and some present tools, 3B/SS Will Maxey is solid follow as he continues his high school career. His 83 mph infield veto and 7.08 60-yard dash make him intriguing as he continues to add strength and develop offensively.