Preseason All-State: Infielder Analysis

By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey

The Preseason All-State Showcase was an unequivocal success this year, bringing out some of the top talent in the state, many of which had not been seen prior to the event. This year, several prospects put their names on our big board and over the next week we will break down the top prospects at each position.

Continuing with our positional analysis, up next we highlight the top infield prospects. Georgia Tech recruit, 2019 3B Drew Compton emerged as one of the premier power hitters for his age, switch hitter with gap to gap pop. 2018 3B Jake Field is certainly a player to watch for this spring and summer with a short, compact swing. 

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Drew Compton, 3B, Governor Livingston HS, NJ, 2019 (Georgia Tech recruit)
Compton has lean, athletic build at 6-foot-2 185-pounds. Georgia Tech recruit, ranked No. 7 in 2019 class. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.25 seconds. Exit velocity recorded at 95 mph from the left side and 96 from the right side. Offensively: righty - starts in a tall, opened  stance with bat rested on back shoulder. Uses a big foot stride to start swing, hands load down and back simultaneously. Aggressive hips and hands in swing, creates impressive torque and power for age. Lefty - starts tall and opened with hands rested on back shoulder. Uses a leg stride to start swing, hands load down and back. Elastic looking body and explosive hips and wrists. Creates more lift from left side than right side. Impressive looking athlete with a lot to like.

2. Jake Field, 3B, Deptford HS, NJ, 2018
Field has a strong, athletic build at 6-feet 180-pounds. Ran the 60 in 7.38. One of the top overall performers from the event. Offensively- Exit Velocity topped at 94 mph. Starts in a tall, narrow stance with hands below back shoulder. Uses a leg lift to start swing, hands load down and back. Explosive hands and hips through the zone help him generate some power. Gap to gap type hitter. Balanced finish with some lift. One of the top uncommitted 2018 3B's to watch for this spring.

3. Joseph Sprake, 1B, Middletown South HS, NJ, 2018
Sprake has a physical build at 6-foot-3 200-pounds with broad shoulders. One of the top overall performers at the Preseason All-State Showcase. Offensively- starts with a slight crouch and legs just wider than shoulder width apart. Hands and bat just above shoulder. As pitch comes in, he uses a toe tap and a small stride to initiate swing. Hips show some elasticity, little to no hand load. Weight is loaded on back leg prepitch. Recorded the top Exit Velocity of the event at 101 mph. Defensively- Throws topped at 85 mph across the diamond. Shows sound foot replacement on double play feeds to 2B. Flat footed in approach to ground balls, needs to continue to move feet and gain ground & momentum toward target. 

4. Kyle Teel, SS, Mahwah HS, NJ, 2020 (Virginia recruit)
Teel has a lanky, athletic build at 6-feet 165-pounds. Virginia recruit. LHH starts in a crouch slightly wider than shoulder width with bat rested on shoulder. As pitch comes in, uses a leg lift and stride to start swing. Bat goes from being parallel with the ground to almost perpendicular as hands load down and back.  Hands and hips are violent through the zone. Finishes balanced on back leg. Creates some lift to swing. At SS, recorded throws that topped at 87 mph across the diamond. Exchange is quick and fluid, feet are athletic and gain ground to first base. Throws from a high-3/4 slot. Is able to throw from multiple different slots.

5. Brandon Drapeau, 1B, Clearview HS, NJ, 2019
Drapeau has a big, wiry build at 6-foot-6 220-pounds. Offensively- Drapeau has a tall, balanced stance with hands above his back shoulder. Uses a leg lift and stride to start swing. Hands load up and back, wraps bat around head. Explosive hips and hands on contact and finish, gets power from arm extension to ball. Defensively- throws topped at 74 mph across the infield. Short, quick arm action, gets ball out fast on double play feeds.

6. Dante Ciaramella, SS, Monmouth Regional HS, NJ, 2019
Ciaramella has an athletic build at 5-foot-9 160-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.15 seconds. Recorded an exit velocity that topped at 90 mph. Offensively- starts in a wide, balanced stance and a slight crouch. Hands are cocked back, level with back shoulder. Uses a small leg stride and a toe tap to start load/swing. Hand load is small as hands move back slightly. Quick, short, explosive swing with some lift on the finish. Line drive type hitter. Defensively- Smooth actions at SS, easy footwork and quiet movements. In control of body when moving laterally, exchange is quick and fluid. Throws from high-3/4 slot with backspin, throws topped at 83 mph. Quick, loose arm action.

7. Sam Portnoy, 1B, Eastern HS, NJ, 2020
Portnoy has a strong, physical build at 6-foot-1 205-pounds. Took one of the best batting practices of the day as one of the youngest players at the event. Rana 8.23 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts with a wide stance and slight crouch with hands above shoulder and close to his head. Bat rests on shoulder, parallel to the ground. As pitch comes in, uses a foot stride to start swing, hands load up and back. Explosive hips and hands to the ball. Creates some lift on finish. Bat speed and power are present, gap to gap type of hitter. Exit Velocity topped at 92 mph. Defensively- Heavy, choppy feet at 1B, throws topped at 78 across the infield. Long, loose arm action, throws had some arm side run.

8. Valentino Salgado, SS, Hudson Catholic HS, NJ, 2019
Salgado has an athletic build at 5-foot-6 158-pounds. One of the top performers from the event. Ran a 7.32 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts in a tall stance with feet set up slightly wider than shoulder width with weight visibly on back side. Hands start high above shoulder with bat parallel to the ground.Uses a toe tap to start swing. Hand load is small, but they rise up. Bat wraps around head. Creates some extension in hands and arms in swing to create some power. Balanced finish. Shows some feel for the barrel. Line drive type hitter. Hips clear the zone fluidly. Exit velocity recorded at 88 mph. Defensively-  recorded throws that topped at 80 mph across the infield from SS. Shows some athleticism in the infield and some bounce to step. Able to throw from multiple slots and contort body. Throws were from a high-3/4 slot with back spin and carry. Showed off range and arm strength on back hand.

9. Vincent Bianchi, SS, Red Bank Catholic HS, NJ, 2019
Bianchi has a lean, athletic build at 6-foot-1 160-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.40 seconds, exit velocity topped at 80 mph. Offensively- starts in a balanced position with hands above back shoulder. Starts his load with a leg kick and stride. Hands load down and back, wrapping the bat around his head. Bat speed is present. Finishes on back leg with lift in his swing. Hips and arms work fluidly through the zone. Defensively- throws topped at 85 mph across the infield, good for second at the whole event. Plays from the ground up with glove.  Fields ball out in front of body and carries momentum toward first base. No wasted movements. High-3/4 arm slot with some armside run. Able to throw from multiple different arm slots.

10. Max Winters, SS, Ocean Township HS, NJ, 2019
Winters has an athletic build at 5-foot-9 165-pounds. One of the Top Performers from the event. Middle infielder that can play third base as well. Ran a 8.07 60 Yard Dash. Offensively- starts in a crouch with weight visibly on back leg. Hands just above back shoulder and are loaded prepitch. Uses a toe tap to start load, and raises out of crouch slightly on the backside as pitch comes in. Partial hip clear, cuts self off on finish with lower half. Balance on finish is sound. Shows some bat speed. Line drive type hitter with gap to gap potential, uses extension to get barrel to the ball. Exit Velocity: 84. Defensively- shows some athleticism with attacking ground balls. Shows soft hands and a feel for continuing footwork toward first base. Exchange is fluid and plays through throws across the infield. Throws topped at 80 mph with some carry.

11. John Volpe, SS, Wall HS, NJ, 2019
Volpe has a slender athletic build at 5-foot-9 145-pounds. Ran the 60 in 7.40. Offensively- starts with feet slightly further than shoulder width apart with a tall stance. Hands just above the shoulder. As pitch comes in, sinks weight on to back side and drops bat so it is rested on shoulder, parallel to the ground. Uses a small foot stride. As front foot goes outward, hands and bat raise up and back from the shoulder. Weight drifts forward slightly as he begins to start hip turn. Shows soft hands and a feel for position at SS. Throws from SS topped at 80 mph. Shows some bounce to step and athleticism in approach to ground balls. Short arm action from high-3/4 slot with arm side run on throws. Plays through throws. 

12. David Ring, 2B, Ramapo HS, NJ, 2019
Ring has a lanky, athletic build at 5-foot-10 155-pounds. Ran a 7.19 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts with a wide stance and slight crouch with hands close to back ear. Initiates swing with a small leg kick. Hands load back fluidly. Creates lift on finish. Recorded an Exit Velocity of 84. Defensively- topped at 76 mph across the infield from SS. Short arm action from a high-3/4 slot. Throws had some backspin and carry. Footwork and fundamentals are sound.

13. Len Asari, SS, Cherry Hill East HS, NJ, 2018
Asari has an athletic build at 5-foot-6 135-pounds. Recorded an exit velocity of 85 mph. Shows good all around fundamentals with a feel of how to play the game. Offensively- starts with an opened, balanced stance with hands above back shoulder to start. Uses a leg kick to start load, hands load down and back. Controlled swing with tall finish. Able to hit to all fields. Hands and hips have fluid movements throughout the swing. Defensively-  shows great athleticism and lateral movements. Throws topped at 78 mph with backspin. Soft hands and clean, athletic exchange. Footwork is clean and fluid. 

14. Joshua Casado, SS, Memorial West New York HS, NJ, 2018
Casado has an athletic build at 6-feet 165-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.51 seconds, exit velocity topped at 79 mph. Offensively- Starts with a balance set up with hands above back shoulder and a slightly opened stance. Starts swing with a small foot stride. Hands load up and back. Hips and hands work fluidly through the zone. Tall finish with some lift. Defensively- Throws topped at 84 mph across the infield. Shows some athleticism in lateral movements. Short, quick throwing motion from a 3/4 slot. Hands were smooth with a quick exchange. 

15. Kyle Hess, SS, St. Peter's Prep HS, NJ, 2019
Hess has a lanky build at 5-foot-11 155-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.19. Offensively- left handed hitting SS, starts in a wide stance and a slight crouch with bat rested on back shoulder. Uses a toe tap to start swing. Hands load up and back as pitch comes in. Downhill type swing with uppercut finish. Exit Velocity topped at 78 mph. Defensively- Shows some smoothness in movements in the infield. Short, quick arm action, throws topped at 80 mph from SS. Able to throw from multiple arm slots and contort body in doing so. Throws had some armside run.

15. Harry Padden, SS, A.P. Schalick HS, NJ, 2019
Padden has an athletic build at 5-foot-7 150-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.27 seconds. Offensively- starts in a slight crouch with weight on back leg and hands above  back shoulder, close to his head. Uses a leg kick to start swing, hands load up and back. Produces some bat speed through swing, creates lift on finish. Exit Velocity registered at 81 mph. Defensively- bounces around the infield well. Shows some athleticism in movements and lateral quickness. Throws across the infield topped at 80 mph. Able to throw from multiple slots on target. Interesting follow for spring and summer seasons.

15. Marcus Eusebio, SS, Passaic County Tech HS, NJ, 2018
Eusebio has an athletic build at 5-foot-11 165-pounds. Ran a 7.33 60 yard dash. Was one of the top performers on the mound.  Offensively- Exit Velocity topped at 88 mph. Starts with a tall stance and hands above back shoulder with back elbow high and bat wrapped around his head. Uses a leg lift and stride to start swing. Hands load down and back. Creates lift in finish. Generates power from fast hands and hip torque. Defensively- throws topped at 72 mph across the infield. Shows some athleticism moving laterally.  Short arm action from a 3/4 slot. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Connor Carey, 3B, Monroe Township HS, NJ, 2018
Carey has a lanky build at 6-feet 150-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.68 seconds. Exit velocity topped at 82 mph. Offensively- starts in a balanced stance with hands level with back shoulder. Uses a small toe-tap and weight transfer to start load, hands load down and back. Quiet and controlled demeanor in the box, easy swing with hands to the ball with some lift. Level bat path.  

Ron Cole, 3B, Neptune HS, NJ, 2019
Cole has a lanky build at 6-foot-2 171-pounds. Penn State recruit. Offensively- starts in a balanced stance with hands high above back shoulder. Uses a leg kick to start swing. Hands load down and back. Shows some explosiveness in swing and finish. Exit Velocity topped at 88 mph. Defensively- throws topped at 82 mph across the infield from 3B. Exchange is clean and quick. Long, loose arm action on throws.

Jeramiah Deanta, SS, Union City HS, NJ, 2018
Deanta has an athletic build at 6-foot-1 165-pounds. Ran a 7.85 60 yard dash. Exit velocity topped at 80 mph. Offensively- starts in a balanced stance with hands above back shoulder. Uses a leg lift and stride to start swing. Hand load is minimal. Drifts as he puts foot down in stride, slight pause/hitch before he starts swing. Creates lift on finish, finishes tall. Defensively- throws topped at 73 mph from SS. Short, quick arm slot. Slingshot type arm. Finishes tall on throws. Shows some softness in hands. 

Jaydon Fiori, 3B, DePaul Catholic HS, NJ, 2020
Fiori has a big bodied frame at 5-foot-10 210-pounds.Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.57. Offensively- Exit velocities topped at 85 mph. Starts in a tall, narrow set up with hands level with back shoulder. As pitch comes in, uses a small foot stride to start swing. Hands load back and up. Shows some bat speed in swing and some quickness in hands and wrists. Balanced finish with some lift. Defensively- Throws topped at 69 mph with some armside fade. Showed solid hands and footwork at 3B.

Kenneth Levari, SS, St. Augustine Prep HS, NJ, 2020
Levari has a slender, athletic build at  5-foot-9 130-pounds. Already fundamentally sound, Levari ran the 60 yard dash in 7.44. Offensively- left handed hitter with a lot to like already at a young age. Starts in a wide stance with hands level with back shoulder. Uses a small foot stride to start swing. Hands load up and bat flattens out on shoulder, wrapping around head slightly. Loose looking hands and hips on finish, just needs to add muscle to frame. Exit Velocity topped at 70 mph Defensively- Smooth actions and soft hands with a quick, seamless exchange into a throwing motion. Athleticism apparent. Able to throw from multiple arm slots across the infield with accruacy. Throws topped at 76 mph

Jake Lutz, SS, Pascack Valley HS, NJ, 2020
Lutz has a lanky build at 5-foot-10 145-pounds. 2020 infielder who is still growing into body. Fundamentals are sound already at a young age, just needs to keep adding strength to fill out frame. Ran the 60 yard dash in 8.01. Offensively- starts in a balanced stance from the right side with hands high above back shoulder. Weight transfer and foot stride starts swing. Hands load back. Hips and hands show some quickness at a young age already. Exit Velocity topped at 75 mph. Defensively- Shows some feel for the position and some rhythm in his step. Throws across the infield topped at 78 mph from a 3/4 slot. Sling shot type arm action, exchange is clean and quick.

John-Biagio Modugno, 1B, Don Bosco Prep HS, NJ, 2019
Modugno has a tall, lanky build at 6-foot-5 175-pounds. One of the top prospects from the event. Ran a 7.04 60 yard dash. Offensively- Modugno has a tall setup. Feet are just further than shoulder width apart. Bat rests on shoulder, parallel to the ground. As pitch comes in, uses a small stride to start swing. Hands load back. Creates some lift on finish - swings down and finishes upward. Exit Velocity of 84 mph. Defensively- lanky body with a lot of levers moving, but shows athleticism and an idea of how to play position. Quiet hands and feet. Exchange is clean and throws were on target with some backspin. 

Donovan Moore, 1B, Bergen Catholic HS, NJ, 2018
Moore has an athletic build at 5-foot-10 170-pounds. First baseman, ran a 7.77 60 yard dash. Important to note that Moore is a young 2018, just turning 16 years old. Offensively- starts with a tall, opened stance with hands above back shoulder and bat parallel to the ground. As pitch comes in, Moore uses a small leg kick and stride to start swing. Hand load is minimal. Long, uphill swing with some lift in the finish. Exit velocity topped at 75 mph. Defensively- throws across the infield topped at 72 mph with some armside fade. Recoils on throw, high-3/4 slot. Footwork on double play feeds is sound, plays through throws to 2B. 

Taj Muhammad, 1B/3B, St. Joseph's Metuchen HS, NJ, 2019
Muhammad has a physical build at 5-foot-11 185-pounds. Corner infielder ran a 7.58 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts with a tall, narrow stance with hands below shoulder. When pitch comes in, uses a leg lift and stride to start swing. Hands load up and back to above shoulder, bat wraps around head. Creates some tilt on finish, bat speed is present. Gap to gap type hitter. Hips create some explosiveness on swing. Balance on finish is inconsistent.  Exit Velocity topped at 87 mph.  Defensively- Shows some athleticism at first base, stays low on ground balls and plays through throws on double play feeds. Throws topped at 74 mph across the infield. At third base, shows similar fluidness while moving laterally. Throws had some armside run up the line from a 3/4 slot. 

Ryan Napolitano, 2B, Wall HS, NJ, 2019
Napolitano has a sturdy, athletic build at 5-foot-9 165-pounds. Ran an 8.27 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts in an opened stance with weight on back leg and hands above back shoulder. When pitch comes in he squares himself back to homeplate with a small stride. Hand load is minimal. Swings down on ball. Exit Velocity topped at 74 mph. Defensively- throws topped at 77 mph across the infield. Heavy feet going laterally. Funnels ball to chest, creates momentum going toward first base on finish. Throws from high-3/4 slot with some armside run. 

Austin Neal, 3B, St. Joseph's Metuchen HS, NJ, 2018
Neal has a stocky build at 5-foot-7 160-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 8.14. Corner infielder projection. Offensively- set up starts with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart with weight on back side. Hands are level with back shoulder. As pitch comes in, he uses a foot lift and stride to start swing, loading hands up and back. Shows some quickness in hands and hips in follow through. Exit Velocity topped at 73 mph. Defensively- soft hands with some smoothness to his game. Throws topped at 74 mph across the infield. 

Jimmy Pasquale, 1B, Holy Spirit HS, NJ, 2019 
Pasquale has a sturdy build at 6-feet 205-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 8.05. Offensively- starts in a wide stance with hands above shoulder. Weight moves visibly on back leg upon load. Starts swing with a leg lift and stride, hands load back and up. Hands work well and in rhythm with body, shows some power potential. Tall finish, balanced upon completion. Level bat path. Exit Velocity topped at 81 mph. Defensively- footwork is sound on double play feeds. Short quick arm action. Shows some rhythm and plays through throws. Throws topped at 74 across the infield.

Tanner Powers, 1B, Wall HS, NJ, 2019
Powers has an athletic build at 6-foot-1 190-pounds. Ran a 7.60 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts in a wide stance with hands just above shoulder. As pitch comes in, Powers uses a stride to start swing. Hands load down and back. Arm bar in swing, level bat bath. Balance finish with hips clearing fluidly. Exit Velocity topped at 85 mph. Defensively- choppy footwork at 1B. Exchange is clean. Throws topped at 71 across the infield. 

Anthony Pron, 2B, Clearview HS, NJ, 2019
Pron has a physical build at 6-foot-1 170-pounds. Ran a 8.24 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts with a tall, narrow stance and hands below his back shoulder. Starts swing with a big leg kick which loads his hands back. Creates good balance and some lift on finish. Shows some extension in bat path. Exit Velocity topped at 84 mph. Defensively- feet are choppy, projects more as a corner infielder. Throws across the infield topped at 73 mph from true-3/4 slot. Long exchange.

Anthony Rota, SS, NV Demarest HS, NJ, 2018
Rota has an athletic build at 5-foot-11 160-pounds. Middle infielder, Ran a 7.24 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts with a wide stance, with feet wider than shoulder width and hands up and back above back shoulder. Uses a toe tap and a stride to start swing. Hands stay stagnant in load. Casts wrists at the ball at contact, wristy on finish. Partial hip clearance, finishes balanced on back leg, uphill type swing. Exit Velocity topped at 75 mph. Defensively- Throws from SS topped at 76, some arm side run from a 3/4 slot. Short, stabby arm action. Choppy footwork on ground balls. Exchange is clean.
 
Will Vergantino, SS, Rancocas Valley HS, NJ, 2020
Vergantino has an athletic build at 5-foot-10 165-pounds. Ran the 60 in 7.55, produced an exit velocity of 77 mph. Offensively- starts with a wide, opened stance. Hands are low with the bat vertical. As pitch comes in, uses a large leg lift, kick, and stride to start swing. As leg kick initiates, hands load straight back. Shows some explosiveness in hips and swing. Barreled several line drives in batting practice round. Produces lift in swing. Defensively- Shows athleticism and some bounce to step in the field. Hands showed some quickness and fluidity.
 

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