Prep Baseball Report

Unsigned 2018 Series: Top 5 Middle Infielders


Tim Kay
PBR Tennessee Director of Scouting

For part 4 of the unsigned series, we turn our attention to the middle infielders:

John Bolton SS / 2B / Memphis University School, TN / 2018

6/13/17 - H-1B: 4.32, Position Velocity: 80, Exit Velocity: 84
5’8, 180-pound, RHH was quite possibly the most well-rounded and polished player at the Top Prospect Games.  Bolton works his way around an infield with confidence and fluidity, showing soft hands and good footwork all day long.  Bolton gets rid of the ball threw a short arm action that produces plenty of carry across the field.  Arm strength and footwork will allow him the ability to plat all three IF spots.  Offensively, he uses a wider base that keeps him strong and balanced throughout the swing.  Bat path is pretty flat through the zone and allows him to really drive some balls left up.  Bolton is a line drive hitter with gap power potential.  He showed a good approach and a mature feel for the game.  Bolton finished 1-3 with a double, a walk, and a stolen base in game play.


Eric Rigsby SS / 3B / Daniel Boone, TN / 2018

9/24/17 - Home-1st: 4.53, Position Velocity:  80, Exit Velocity: 89
6-foot-1, 175-pound, RHH showed that he has all 5 tools, ranking in the top half of the leaderboard in every category.  Medium, athletic body w/ projectable lower half.  Hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Leg kick to slightly open w/ proper load.  Generates bat speed w/ all fields approach.  Projects for power w/ present gap to gap power playing, went 1-4 in game w/ double to left field.  Average runner is better underway.  Defensively, shows solid actions, w/ reliable hands and feet.  Ball gets in a little deep on him, can do a better job of fielding ball out in front.  Very intriguing uncommitted prospect that should be getting looks for a team needing to fill some middle infield depth to finish out their class.


Will McCall SS / 3B / Columbia Academy , TN / 2018

9/24/17 - Home-1st: 4.72, Position Velocity:  79, Exit Velocity: 88
6-foot-0, 205-pound, RHH showed advanced offensive tools w/ bat speed and no swing and miss in game.  Athletic, physical frame w/ present strength, some projection.  Hits w/ a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Stride and proper load.  Generates bat speed through the zone.  Shows some potential for power, present gap to gap.  Quality approach w/ barrel feel.  Defensively, shows soft hands, moves well for size.  Arm strength w/ good feet.  Very intriguing 2018 w/ offense first middle infield profile.


Thomas Wilson SS / RHP / Bearden, TN / 2018

6/14/16 - 60 Time: 7.23, Position Velocity:  IF-81, Exit Velocity: 87
6'1, 180-pound, RHH hits from a wide and even stance and uses a toe tap and stride and some rhythmic movement backwards with his hands to get himself loaded.  Lower half does well and keeps him very stable and balanced throughout the swing, strong lower body helps with bat speed, back elbow stays a little flared and causes him to be a little steep in his swing at times, did show the ability to drive the ball in the gaps.  Defensively, shows good footwork and soft hands from the SS position, slow exchange because of a pat or two on each throw, worked through the ball well and delivered some accurate throws to 1B from a high ¾ arm slot. 


Nelson Smith SS / 2B / Beech, TN / 2018

6/14/16 - 60 Time: 7.23, Position Velocity:  IF-81, Exit Velocity: 87
6'1, 180-pound, RHH hits from a wide and even stance and uses a toe tap and stride and some rhythmic movement backwards with his hands to get himself loaded.  Lower half does well and keeps him very stable and balanced throughout the swing, strong lower body helps with bat speed, back elbow stays a little flared and causes him to be a little steep in his swing at times, did show the ability to drive the ball in the gaps.  Defensively, shows good footwork and soft hands from the SS position, slow exchange because of a pat or two on each throw, worked through the ball well and delivered some accurate throws to 1B from a high ¾ arm slot.