On Deck Preview: Pre Season All State - Long Island

What to expect: Michael really impressed with his defensive ability to play shortstop. The 5’8 175lb SS/3B displayed lateral movement along with a low center of gravity which allowed him to play smooth and efficiently. As a 6.8 60 yard dash runner, he has displayed the necessary foot speed to be a middle infielder and the glove to back that up. Offensively he did not have a great showing, but has a good athletic foundation to grow off of. 

What we’d like to see: Size is not everything in a game like baseball. There have been players under 6’0 tall be extremely successful and guys over 6’5 be extremely successful. One thing that all of those successful players have in common is they display intent and explosiveness. If Michael can show us more intent in his game, this will help him in the long run. The game only gets faster as you get older, and this is where intent and explosiveness will come into play. It will help his game take the next step and propel him into an above average player coming out of the 2023 class.

What to expect: Connor is a 6’1 190 lb outfielder who has a good looking swing and shows promise as a corner outfielder.  With a big frame to work with, he keeps his stance and swings simple, which we believe is crucial for larger athletes. A lot of time players can be out of control and lose their consistency, but with Connor he finds a way to have small efficient movements that produce an 90 mph exit velocity. Defensively he does not have the foot speed to play center field right now, with a 7.24 60 yard dash, but he definitely displayed the arm strength to be a corner outfielder. He was seen up to 85 mph in September of 2020.

What we’d like to see: Historically corner outfielders have been sluggers with big bats and strong arms. We believe Connor has the make up to fall into that category one day. It’s going to take him getting a little stronger and more explosive. With a great frame there is no question he could be a guy to push 100 mph exit velocity and over 90 mph for his throwing velocity from the outfield.