Toby Bicknell
Texas Scouting Director

Twitter: @PBR_Texas
IG: @pbr_texas

WACO, TX - Here are some highlights from Prep Baseball Report Texas’ Fall Kickoff Showcase Games, hosted at Midway High School on Saturday, September 23. Here are some quick notes from the day.

Couper Cornblum, SS, Waco Midway HS, 2019
Uncommitted. Cornblum is a quick-twitch shortstop with smooth actions and an athletic 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame. The uncommitted junior is a high-level defender with plus range, long strides, quick feet. He has excellent carry on throws across the infield at 88 mph. The right-handed hitter has a stacked, relaxed set-up at the dish with loose-quick hands, strength at contact (88 mph exit velo) and barrel awareness. Took a solid round of batting practice, hard line drives through the middle of the field. During the game, Cornblum had an aggressive approach, collecting two singles, laced a line drive back up the middle, and then scorched a ball backside down the first base line. Long stride runner with an easy gate, Cornblum ran a 6.8 60-yard dash on a slower track, active base runner, gets to full speed quickly.

Otto Stacey, RHP/SS, Klein Collins HS, 2018
Uncommitted. 6-foot-2, 175-pound, projectable pitcher’s frame with plenty of room to add strength. The right-hander works from a high-¾ slot with a quick arm swing. His fastball sat 86-88 mph with heavy life. Throws his breaking ball with fastball arm speed and good feel for spin. The pitch varies in depth between 11/5 and 10/4 shape, but ranged from 77-81 mph. Mixed in a couple of changeups at 74 mph. With his projectable frame, athletic delivery and current hand speed, it’s easy to dream that Stacey has more velocity in his tank and is an arm that college recruiters will want to see sooner than later.

Matthew Boase, RHP, Tomball Memorial HS, 2018
Uncommitted. 6-foot-1, 185-pound, loose, projectable, high-waisted frame. The right-hander works from an over the top slot with a long, loose arm swing and repeatable, efficient delivery. Pounds the zone with steady FB/CB mix. His fastball worked 83-86 mph with some downward tilt. Can really spin 12/6 hammer curveball with good shape and depth in any count at 74-75 mph. Mixed in one changeup at 80 mph with fastball arm speed. With Boase’s frame and ability to command a curveball, he would be an excellent addition to a recruiting class.

Austin Plante, OF/1B, Lake Travis HS, 2019
Uncommitted. Plante passes the eye test with his strong, broad shouldered, high-waisted, 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame, between his physicality and easy power, he reminds me of Austin Byler. The junior also has a good athleticism and feel for playing outfield and first base. The left-handed hitter showed off his strength during batting practice by rattling balls of the aluminum center field wall. Ball jumps off his bat, easy bat speed, strong-loud contact, projectable hitter at the next level with more power to come. Threw 89 mph with accuracy and carry, arm works well, short, high-¾ slot. Rhythm and timing through the catch, easy gather and transfer. Good footwork around the bag at first base during the game. With his size, athleticism and strong left-handed bat, Plante would be a valuable addition to a recruiting class.

Cayden Lopez, LHP, Marcus HS, 2018
Uncommitted. 6-foot-2, 175-pound, projectable, long-limbed frame. Lopez pounded the strike zone with a steady FB/CB mix, working from a ¾ slot. His fastball shows arm side run and sink at 80-82 mph. He was able to locate his fastball to both sides of the plate, including getting it into right-handed hitters. Good feel for his curveball at 70 mph with nice 2/8 shape and depth, can locate it early and late in counts.

Ryant Hunt, OF, Marcus HS, 2018
Uncommitted. Hunt has added strength to his frame since the summer, now standing 6-foot-1, 175-pounds, with a more physical look to his upper body. The right-handed hitter took a solid round of batting practice, showing good pop to the pull side with hard, loud contact.

Kade Sanchez, SS, Caldwell HS, 2019
Uncommitted. 5-foot-4, 130-pound frame. Sanchez continues to impress with his all-around actions at shortstop and feel for the game in the middle of the field. High motor, gritty, “gamer” type player. Holds runners at second base, vocal communicator. Quick feet, smooth actions, quick mid-line exchange, accurate arm, can catch and throw on the run, quick release.

Caleb Williams, RHP/SS, Lorena HS, 2019
Uncommitted. 5-foot-9, 150-pound frame. The right-hander works from a low sub-marine slot with a loose arm swing. Showed excellent feel and pitchability from the down there as well. Fastball has good sink and arm side run at 73-76 mph, locating to both sides of the plate, including getting the ball into left-handed hitters. Did a great job of mixing in his curveball for weak contact and swings and misses to right-handed hitters, used it as a back door pitch to lefty’s. Flashed one changeup at 62 mph.

Zackery Honey, LHP/1B, Cedar Ridge HS, 2019
Uncommitted. Honey has a projectable pitcher’s frame at 6-foot-2, 180-pounds. The left-hander works from a high-¾ slot with a short arm stroke and some deception in his delivery. His fastball sat mostly 78-80 mph, topping out at 81 mph, with arm side tailing actions. Does a nice job of working both sides of the plate. Curveball has a chance to be a plus pitch, he spins it with good feel and 2/8 shape at 68-70 mph.

 

To view the entire roster from the Fall Kickoff Showcase Games CLICK HERE.

Stay tuned for more reports on this event, including the Top Statistical Performers tomorrow.

Texas News