Top Performer Spotlight: 2019 1B/RHP Arthur Long (Fordham Prep)

ENY All-Star Games (September 17, 2017) Long stands a burly 6-foot-3, 205-pounds with a thick lower half. At the plate he uses a wide stance to his setup, front leg lift with a back load for timing, upper half slightly crouches to the inside of the plate. Drives his front side and hips forward, as he rotates his hands work on a short path to the ball, barrel gets slightly uphill, stays in the zone a long time with full extension. Power projection to all fields with an 89 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively he stays behind the ball with an open glove, big target at the corner. Needs to work on a quick first step around the bag, arm is accurate with carry to home and 3rd. Pitching, he uses an exaggerated leg lift with hands going extremely high over his head, some bend in back leg. Long front stride with hip separation, arm-action is back but short and quick from a high 3/4 slot. Fastball currently ranges from 79-80 mph, curveball sits in the upper 60's with loose gradual shape. Changeup 68-69 with fade. Overall Long brings size and strength to the plate and corner position with signs of a next-level bat. On the mound working on getting more length to his arm-circle will not only add more velocity but tighten up his off-speed. Fun player to keep a close eye on this Feb-Summer campaign.