Today, we are recapping the Top Prospects from the Class of 2016 from the Preseason Underclass II in Cincinnati. Later, we will recap the best of the rest from the Class of 2016 and post the full statistical results.


TOP CLASS OF 2016 PROSPECTS FROM THE PRESEASON UNDERCLASS II

1. Bryant Shellenbarger, OF, Mount Vernon HS

The left-handed hitting and throwing prospect shows good strength and size at 6-foot, 175-pounds. He uses an upright, power stance with a chest level trigger and some upper cut in his swing path. He showed good bat speed (82 mph exit velocity off the tee) and power, which will only be enhanced with better use of his lower half. He displays solid arm strength with a top velocity of 83 mph and a 4.37 home to first time.

2. Noah Mehrle, IF, St. Xavier HS

The 6-foot, 158-pound prospect’s best tool at present is his bat. He showed good bat speed (83 mph exit velocity off the tee) from a shoulder trigger. Defensively, he displays good infield actions with his feet and hands. Currently, he shows some sling in his arm action while reaching a top velocity of 76 mph on his throws.

3. Malave Bettinger, 3B/1B/RHP, Coldwater HS

Big, strong prospect at 6-foot-1, 200. The left-handed hitter uses a closed stance, which inhibits his ability to fully use his lower half, but he shows aggression and strength at the plate. He uses a slight upper cut and quick bat speed (82 mph exit velocity off the tee). This past year, he played up on Coldwater’s ACME team as a rising freshman and was one of the leading hitters, despite his age.

KEEP AN EYE ON …

Cody Dennis, IF/RHP, Licking Valley HS

Young pup that should only get better in time. At present, the 5-foot-8, 130-pound infielder shows excellent defensive actions with fluid footwork and a quick exchange. He reached a top velocity of 74 mph across the infield. He still needs to get physically stronger to aid his arm strength, speed, and abilities at the plate.

Dante Brammer, 1B/LHP, Trimble HS

5-foot-8, 170-pound prospect with soft build. Best tool at present is his bat. Shows rotational mechanics, but doesn’t always clear the front side. Shows quick hands into the zone. Tendency to rock and drift within his swing. Needs to develop balance throughout. Defensively, likely projects as a first baseman, but shows potential for corner outfield. Reached top velocity 74 mph. On the mound, he uses a ross body delivery with moderate arm speed through 3/4 slot. Fastball shows fairly straight movement ranging 73-75 mph. Has some downward tilt spin on curveball (60-61 mph) with some sink on changeup (69-71 mph).

Trezden Johnson, OF, Pickerington North

5-foot-10, 167-pound outfielder that showed some promise with fluid footwork and arm strength (79 mph) in the field. Uses short arm action from an over the top slot and shows some quickness to his exchange. Offensively, he uses a compact, balanced swing at the plate. He relies on rotational mechanics and doesn’t take a stride in his swing. Uses a simple load with his hands and a slight uphill path to the ball.

Zane Harris, 1B, Mansfield Madison

6-foot-4, 225-pound prospect with big frame and a baby face. Best tool at present is his bat. Potential middle of the order bat in the future. The left-handed hitter shows good use of his lower half, quick bat speed (82 mph exit velocity of the tee), and some pop off the bat. Displays pull power, but also has a tendency to get around the ball too much. Moves well around the bag. Shows good reach. Registered top velocity of 68 mph on his throws.