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During the month of December we have been counting down to the new year by looking back on the top performances of 2018 at a PBR event. Today we conclude our review with a look at the top defensive performances over the past year.

+ Note: a number of top performances have already been discussed recently in our weekly editions of "Rounding the Bases".

Julian Bailey C / 2B / Dallastown Area, PA / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 56 / POS: 5 10.28.18 - PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase 5-foot-11, 195-pound right-handed hitting Queens University (NY) commit starts from an open stance and utilizes a leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. Showcased balance throughout with gap-to-gap approach. Registered an 80 mph bat exit velocity with above average feel for the barrel. Moves very well for a catcher as evidenced by 7.00 60-yard dash. Showcased quick feet, a clean transition and above average arm strength behind the plate. Registered pop times of 1.95-2.01 on throws of 82 mph from the crouch.

Cameron Barto SS / OF / Lancaster Catholic, PA / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 78 / POS: 12 1.28.18 - Preseason All-State Showcase 5-foot-11, 160-pound switch-hitter displayed a much improved stroke from the left side during an impressive round of batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 87 mph. Starts from a slightly open stance from both sides and utilizes a simple knee-to-knee stride to initiate his hands. Added strength gives him to create more lift and power potential from the left side while the right-hand swing remains directional and line-drive oriented. Also showcased improved foot speed while running a 6.67 60-yard dash and fluid defensive actions with 81 mph arm strength across the diamond from multiple arm angles.

Drew Bechtold C / SS / Donegal , PA / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 74 / POS: 15 10.7.18 - PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase 5-foot-10, 155-pound backstop continues to showcase advanced defensive abilities behind the dish. On this date Bechtold flashed pop times of 1.98-2.07 on throws of 71 mph from the crouch. He is athletic behind the plate and is a quiet receiver. His footwork and transition are clean and there is little wasted movement in his catch and release. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a leg-lift stride to initiate his swing. Displayed a middle of the field approach during a solid round of batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 76 mph. Ran a 7.25 60-yard dash and showcased the capability to handle defensive chores at second base as well.

Drew Butera OF / C / Malvern Prep, PA / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 48 / POS: 7 10.27.18 - Elite Prospect Showcase 5-foot-10, 180-pounder impressed following a spring and summer of rehabbing from a knee injury. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to even in initiating his swing. Displayed an explosive lower half and barreled baseball consistently with authority during a solid round of bating practice. Registered an 85 mph bat exit velocity and showcased an event best 92 mph arm strength from the outfield. Talented prospect will draw considerable interest this coming spring and summer as one of the top uncommitted outfielders in this class.

Albert Choi OF / Downingtown East, PA / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 106 / POS: 17 6.12.18 - Western PA Top Prospect Games 5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed hitter's game changing foot speed was on display all weekend. Choi ran an event best 6.59 60-yard dash on a relatively slow track. He also ran a laser timed 6.48 indoors at the Preseason All-State Showcase in January. Choi's foot speed also translates well to game play as evidenced by his 4.03 trip down the first base line on an infield single and his stand up triple on a ball hit down the left field line. Currently uncommitted, Choi showcased a line drive approach while barreling the baseball consistently to all fields during game action over two days. Choi was also among the leaders at the event in arm strength (88 mph from the outfield) and bat exit velocity (88 mph).

AJ Hansen SS / 2B / Perkiomen Valley, PA / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 96 / POS: 18 1.13.18 - Preseason Preview 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a knee-to-knee stride. Showcased and advanced feel for the barrel with an aggressive hip turn and registered a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. Ran a 6.93 60-yard dash and displayed fluid defensive actions with confidence in his glove hand. Plays through the baseball routinely with accurate 81 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Trey Law 2B / SS / Cedar Cliff, PA / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 134 / POS: 3 1.13.18 - Preseason All-State Showcase 5-foot-10, 145-pound two-way prospect stood out as one of the top players in attendance. The left-handed hitter starts from an open stance and initiates his swing with a leg hang stride. Hands and hips work well in unison and displayed an advance feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. Displayed fluid, athletic actions defensively with an ability to make plays on the move and throws from multiple arm angles with a quick release. Right-hander sat 81-83 on the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot. Curveball displayed cutter action at 69-73 and changeup was thrown at a lower arm slot while sitting 74-77.

Brenden Moshos C / 3B / Manheim Township, PA / 2019 8.16.18 - Fall Kickoff Showcase 5-foot-10, 160-pounder flashed advanced catch and throw abilities with pop times of 1.96-2.05 on throws of 78 mph from the crouch. Also showcased similar pop times during three games of tournament action. Quiet receiver beats the baseball to the spot and presents a soft wall when blocking. 7.05 runner is a switch-hitter with a line drive approach from the right side of the plate and a bit longer swing path with more pop from the left side. Displayed solid plate discipline in game action with four walks in seven official at bats. Registered 84 mph bat exit velocity and showed the ability create backspin from the left side.

Evin Sullivan C / North Penn, PA / 2021 Rankings  StateRank: 53 / POS: 6 6.20.18 - Eastern PA Top Prospect Games 6-foot-2, 160-pound backstop impressed with his arm strength and athleticism behind the dish. Showcased pop times of 2.02-2.07 on throws of 76 mph from the crouch. Advanced catch and throw guy at this point, but will need to continue to refine his receiving and blocking skills to become an elite catcher in this class. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a heel-raise stride to start his swing. Displayed an above average feel for the barrel in a solid round of BP with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. Went 1-for-3 in game action on day one and put together a number of quality at bats over the course of two days. Ran a 7.32 60-yard dash.

Tyler Thompson RHP / OF / Cumberland Valley, PA / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 67 / POS: 21 1.27.18 - Preseason All-State Showcase 5-foot-10, 160-pound primary pitcher sat 83-85 from a balanced, repeatable deliver with a long arm motion. Fastball shows considerable arm side run and occasional sink. Curveball displays cutter action at 73-74 and changeup is thrown at near-fastball arm speed with sink at 74-76. Right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride and an aggressive hip turn. Displayed a solid feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. Showcased 87 mph arm strength from his outfield position while routinely playing through the baseball.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
2018 Holiday Showcase	PA	12/29	Keystone State Baseball Academy
Western Pennsylvania Junior Future Games Trials	PA	12/30	Pro Performance RX
Pittsburgh Outlaws Scout Day	PA	01/20	C-Side Sports Academy
2019 Preseason Preview	PA	01/26	Keystone State Baseball Academy
Super 60 Pro Showcase	NATIONAL	02/03	The Max
2019 Preseason All-State Showcase (Day One)	PA	02/16	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Preseason All-State Showcase (Day Two)	PA	02/17	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Pennsylvania Junior Future Games Trials (Session One)	PA	03/10	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Pennsylvania Junior Future Games Trials (Session Two)	PA	03/24	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Western PA Top Prospect Games	PA	06/11	Seton Hill University
2019 Eastern PA Top Prospect Games	PA	06/18	Millersville University
Play for Team PBR 16U (PBR Limited Series)	PA	06/29	Lebanon Valley College
2019 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase	PA	07/09	Millersville University
Play for Team PBR 17U (PBR Limited Series)	PA	07/20	University of Scranton
2019 Western PA College Prospect Showcase	PA	07/23	Historic Pullman Park
2019 Fall Kickoff Showcase	PA	08/15	Millersville University
Play for Team PBR 17U (Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament)	PA	08/17	Millersville University
Play for Team PBR (Seton Hill Labor Day Tournament)	PA	08/31	Seton Hill University
Play for Team PBR (West Virginia Team Camp)	PA	09/20	West Virginia University

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