Prep Baseball Report

Houston Preseason I.D. > Infield Analysis


Toby Bicknell
Texas Scouting Director

TOMBALL, TX - On Saturday, January 6th, Prep Baseball Report hosted the Houston Preseason I.D. at Premier Baseball in Tomball, TX. The event was open to all 2018-2021 classes. Players were run through a full pro-style workout, including 60-yard dash, batting practice and defensive skill workout. Here is the infield analysis from that event.

Top Performers

Cody Akers, SS/OF, Azle HS, 2019
Akers has a strong, athletic frame at 5-foot-11, 185-pounds. Started the day with a 6.89 60-yard dash. During batting practice, the switch hitter showed solid strength, homering from both sides of the plate, including banging multiple balls off the right field wall from the left side. His athleticism translates well on defense where he threw 91 from the outfield, then showed a quick exchange and release on the infield. College coaches will want to see Akers sooner than later, as he will be a great addition to a recruiting class.

Alec Atkinson, SS/RHP, Katy HS, 2020
Atkinson has a loose, athletic, quick twitch frame at 5-foot-11, 160-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from an athletic stance with good flex in his lower half and relaxed hands. Easy load back as he picks up his front leg and triggers his hands back. Slots the barrel early, then works on an uphill path with loose-quick hands and a high finish. Strong contact with leverage creates hard contact and an exit velocity of 80 mph. At shortstop, Atkinson has quick footwork, soft hands, good rhythm and timing through the catch. Quick exchange into a loose arm swing with accuracy at 84 mph. Ran a 7.2 60-yard dash.

Shane Martin, 3B/RHP, Oak Ridge HS, 2021
Martin has a strong, long-limbed, projectable frame at 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, Shane Martin has a lot of upside on the mound, and at the plate. The right-handed hitter’s swing works well, starting from a balanced setup with relaxed rhythm in his hands. Simple load back, smooth leg lift, lands balanced. Aggressive hack, loose hands, natural lift, and an exit velocity of 83 mph. On the infield, he has a quick release, rhythm in his footwork, and has a clean arm stroke with accuracy at 83 mph across the diamond.

Zach Wall, SS/RHP, Magnolia West HS, 2019
Wall is listed at 6-foot-1, 177-pounds with a strong lower half. A two-way player and right-handed hitter, Wall posted an exit velocity of 92 mph off the tee and showed strength at contact during batting practice. He starts from a wide base, then uses a reverse leg lift to load back as his hands trigger down and back. Short stroke, slightly uphill path, strong hands, fluid weight transfer to finish on front foot. At shortstop, Wall has quick, fundamental footwork and does a nice job of presenting his hands out front. Plays through the ball with rhythm, and throws accurately across the infield with regular effort at 84 mph.

Dalton Davis, SS/2B, Montgomery HS, 2019
Davis made the most of his fall, hitting the weight room hard, adding overall strength. Listed at 5-foot-8, 150-pounds, Davis improved his 60-time from a 7.22 (May 2016) to a 6.96. The right-handed hitter improved his strength at the plate as well, posting an exit velocity of 87 mph off the tee. He showed quick hands at the plate with strength at contact, and homered to left field during batting practice. The junior showed quality actions on the infield with smooth rhythm through the ball, quick feet, fast exchange, and an accurate arm at 82 mph.

Mitchell Reddy, SS/RHP, Memorial HS, 2020
Reddy has an athletic, still developing frame at 5-foot-7, 130-pounds. A two-way player and right-handed hitter, Reddy starts from an open stance. Smooth load back as he turns inward, hands trigger back as he uses a knee-to-knee toe tap. Lands balanced at foot strike, inside out path, loose finish with an exit velocity of 83 mph. Shows feel for the barrel and ability to hit the ball the other way. On the infield, Reddy moves easy with smooth actions for his class and quick footwork. Shows the ability to throw from different arm slots and has a quick arm stroke at 79 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.55 60 yard dash.

Colton Harris, 2B/OF, Houston Christian, 2020
5-foot-9, 150-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a balanced stance with loose, relaxed hands. Simple push back to load and trigger his hands as he gets into his front side at footstrike. Athletic first move, quick-loose hands through the zone, throws the barrel around, aggressive and balanced weight transfer, stays in his legs as he finishes through the ball with leverage. On the infield, Harris has has a quick first step, smooth footwork and soft hands out front from a fundamental fielding position. Good sense of timing as he plays through the ball, picks the right hop, nose stays over his glove on back handed plays, can throw on the run. Accurate arm at 65 mph across the diamond.

Kit Cawley, 2B/SS, College Station HS, 2019
5-foot-9, 155-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a wide, slightly crouched stance with relaxed hands as he wags the barrel behind his head. Smooth load as he triggers his hands back, then strides forward, walking away from his hands, creating good separation. Lands balanced, aggressive swing, quick hands, barrel awareness, inside-out path with a loose finish. Line drive power, gap approach with an exit velocity of 82 mph. On the infield, Cawley quick footwork, soft hands, quick exchange, plays through the ball with rhythm and threw with a top velocity of 74 mph.

Caden Queck, SS/OF, The Woodlands Christian Academy, 2020
Queck has a long-limbed, high-waisted, athletic frame at 6-foot-1, 168-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a wide base with his weight shifted toward his back leg. Toe-tap load before he strides out aggressively, engaging his lower half as his hands trigger back. Slight front arm bar, has pull side pop during batting practice with flashes of raw power, including a home run to left field. Hard contact with leverage and an exit velocity of 87 mph off the tee. In the outfield, Queck plays through the ball with smooth footwork, soft hands, and throws from high-¾ slot with a short, quick arm stroke at 78 mph. On the infield, Queck plays through the ball with rhythm and soft hands. Throws with carry across the infield at 78 mph.

Steven Chapa, 3B/RHP, Waller HS, 2020
Chapa has an athletic 5-foot-11, 150-pound frame. A two-way player and right-handed hitter, Chapa starts from a tall, balanced stance, simple load back into a short, controlled stride. Short, inside-out path with quick hands through the zone and strength at contact with an exit velocity of 82 mph. On the infield, Chapa has fundamental footwork, soft hands, and an accurate arm across the infield at 84 mph. Ran a 7.71 60-yard dash.

Sam Serchay, SS/3B, Churchill HS, 2018 
Uncommitted. 5-foot-10, 165-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a wide base, using a quick leg kick to load as he triggers his hands down and back. Aggressive hack, strong hands, pull side approach with an exit velocity of 84 mph. On the infield, Serchay has quick footwork, soft hands, and a clean-quick exchange into his throwing motion. Loose, elbow dominant arm swing, quick release, accurate arm with a top velocity of 75 mph.


Best of the Rest (Alphabetical)

Hayden Archer, LHP/1B, Liberty HS, 2019
6-foot, 180-pound, strong frame with broad shoulders. A two-way player and left-handed hitter, Archer starts from a tall, open, balanced stance with his hands held high and the barrel tilted back toward the mound. Smooth load back as he triggers his hands down and back. Easy stride, lands balanced, short path, loose finish, hard contact to the pull side with an exit velocity of 80 mph. At first base, Archer plays through the ball with quick footwork and smooth rhythm, showing good footwork around the bag. Quick exchange to start the double play at second base, good overall feel for the position and throws from different slots.

William Brown, SS/RHP, Klein Oak HS, 2020
Brown has a long-limbed, twitchy, projectable frame at 6-foot-1, 150-pounds. A two-way player and right-handed hitter, Brown starts from a wide, crouched stance. Simple load, relaxed rhythm in his hands, slight leg kick to stride forward. Transfers weight easy while staying in his legs and behind his front foot. Loose hands, quick path, upward plane, loose finish with an exit velocity of 87 mph. On the infield, Brown has still developing footwork with an accurate arm at 79 mph.

Joseph Carbone, 1B/LHP, Cypress Christian HS, 2019
6-foot-1, 170-pounds. A two-way player and left-handed hitter, Carbone starts from a neutral, balanced stance. Early smooth load back as he triggers his hands back and up. Downward path, short path, low finish with an exit velocity of 84 mph. At first base, Carbone is light on his feet with quicking footwork around the bag. Plays with rhythm through the ball and a clean exchange. Accurate throws to bases, can start the double play from a lower slot. Threw 80 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.22 60-yard dash.

Cole Crosby, SS/2B, Alamo Heights HS, 2020
6-foot, 160-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a tall, open stance before loading with a high leg kick, landing soft and square with good separation. Flat path, barrel awareness, pull side approach with current line drive power (76 mph) that should improve as he continues to add strength. On the infield, Crosby plays through the ball with rhythm, quick feet, soft hands and mid-line exchange as he gathers under control to throw 75 mph across the infield.

Gabe Dunn, RHP/1B, Magnolia HS, 2022  
Just an eighth grader, Dunn has a projectable, long-limbed, high-waisted frame at 6-foot-3, 165-pounds. A two-way player and right-handed hitter, Weiland starts from a wide stance, then loads back smooth as his hands slide back. Aggressive hack, simple weight transfer, inside-out path on a slightly uphill plane with an exit velocity 86 mph. At first base, Dunn plays through the ball with rhythm, fundamental footwork and soft hands. He throws from a short, over the top slot with accuracy at 70 mph.

Gilbert Escobedo, 3B/1B, Jersey Village HS, 2020
5-foot-8, 165-pound, sturdy frame. The right-handed hitter has a quiet, relaxed setup. Loads back smooth and early, lifting his front leg as he triggers his hands down and back. Aggressive hack, short path to contact on an uphill plane. Quick hips as he transfers his weight athletically through contact, creating extension and leverage with an exit velocity of 83 mph. On the infield, Escobedo has soft hands, smooth footwork, and can throw from different slots with a top velocity of 77 mph.

Levi Finch, 1B, Hempstead HS, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a tall stance with his hands set back into a front arm bar with the barrel laid back. Simple load as he shifts his weight back and triggers his hands by pointing the barrel upward. Soft stride, balanced swing, quick wrists, inside-out path with an exit velocity of 78 mph. On the infield, Finch has soft hands, gathered exchange and throws with a long, accurate arm swing at 70 mph.

Cristian Garcia, 1B/OF, Westside HS, 2020
6-foot, 180-pound strong frame. The left-handed hitter starts from a wide, neutral base before using a leg lift to load and trigger his hands back. Soft stride, lands square, barrel gets on plane early with natural lift, high finish, and an exit velocity of 75 mph. At first base, Garcia has good rhythm through the ball with quick footwork, soft hands and quick exchange. Accurate throws to bases with a quick, elbow dominant arm stroke, throws from different slots with feel at 75 mph.

Jacob Anthony Garcia, SS/2B, Ridge Point HS, 2020
5-foot-7, 148-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from an open stance before he crouches into his legs as he loads back, triggers his hands, then strides forward, walking away from his hands, creating separation and landing square. Gets the barrel on plane early, uphill path, loose finish with an exit velocity of 76 mph. On the infield, Garcia plays with a bounce in his step, displays soft hands and threw with a top velocity of 67 mph across the diamond.

Rudy Gonzalez, C/SS, Magnolia HS, 2018
5-foot-10, 198-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a balanced, neutral stance. Smooth load back into a leg kick as his hands trigger back into a slight front arm bar. Short stride, lands balanced, transfers weight easy through contact. Slightly uphill path, loose hands, good extension through contact with a loose finish as he stays behind his front foot to lean back, creating lift, leverage and hard contact to the pull side with an exit velocity of 84 mph. Behind the plate, Gonzalez threw 74 mph from the crouch with pop times ranging from 2.04-2.22. Loose arm action, clean exchange, quick footwork. On the infield, he has an accurate arm at 78 mph across the diamond.

Will Hauser, SS/RHP, Rosehill Christian HS, 2020 
6-foot, 170-pounds. A two-way player and right-handed hitter, Hauser starts from a tall, slightly open stance with flex in his knees. Smooth load back using a knee-to-knee, low-hanging leg kick as his hands trigger down and back into a front arm bar. Hands stay back as he strides forward, engaging his lower half with separation. Aggressive lower half transfer and strong-quick hands allow him to generate solid bat speed (89 mph) for his class. Good sense of timing with raw power and leverage to the left-centerfield gap. On the infield, Hauser plays through the ball with quickish footwork, average hands and threw 79 mph across the diamond.

Max Matheson, RHP/OF, Cypress Woods, 2021
Matheson has a projectable frame at 6-foot-1, 168-pounds. The right-hander works from a high-¾ slot with a long arm stroke. Simple, balanced delivery with a strong lower half. His fastball ranged from 64-70 mph. His curveball was 54-58 mph with developing 12/6 shape. A two-way player an right-handed hitter, Matheson starts from a balanced, wide base. Smooth load back, short stride as his hands move over his back shoulder. Showed strength at contact and feel for the barrel during batting practice with an exit velocity of 71 mph off the tee. In the outfield, Matheson plays through the ball with soft hands and developing footwork. Threw 68 mph across the diamond from an over the top slot with a long arm swing.

Preston Marcus, 2B/RHP, Kempner HS, 2020
5-foot-9, 165-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a balanced setup as he waggles a tilted barrel over his back shoulder. Short load back before he strides forward, landing balanced. Slots the barrel early on a flat path, strong hands at contact as he transfers his weight from back to front, then finishing on a slightly uphill plane with an exit velocity of 82 mph. On the infield, Marcus has fundamental footwork and throws from a loose arm swing at 74 mph. Ran a 7.45 60 yard dash.

Caden Norman, 1B/RHP, Smithson Valley HS, 2020
Norman, just a sophomore, has an advanced, long limbed, broad shouldered frame at 6-foot-4, 180-pounds. A two-way player and right-handed hitter, Norman has smooth rhythm at the plate as he starts from a slightly open stance, working with a toe-tap load as he walks away from his hands, landing in an athletic launch position. Short path to contact with strength in his hands and an exit velocity of 86 mph. On the infield, Norman threw 78 mph across the diamond.

Kennen Patrick, 1B/3B, ILT Texas HS, 2022
5-foot-7, 155-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance with twitchy hands. Simple load back as he triggers his hands back into a slight front arm bar. Short stride, then slides his hips forward to transfer his weight. Flat, inside-out path with an exit velocity of 68 mph. On the infield, showed an accurate arm from a high ¾ slot at 68 mph.

Ty Porter, 3B/RHP, Oak Ridge HS, 2021
Porter has a projectable frame for a freshman at 6-foot-1, 175-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from an open, relaxed stance. Simple load back as he triggers his hands, lands square and balanced. Short inside-out path, quick hands, loose finish and an exit velocity of 76 mph. On the infield, Porter has soft hands, still developing footwork, and throws from a high slot with a long arm swing at 76 mph.

Carson Queck, OF/RHP, The Woodlands Christian Academy, 2022  
Queck has a strong frame for an eighth grader at 5-foot-11, 165-pounds. The right-handed hitter has raw strength and bat speed at the plate with an exit velocity of 87 mph off the tee. Starting from a tall, neutral stance, Queck loads back with a reverse knee-to-knee leg lift, then lands balanced as he walks away from his hands. Explosive lower half transfer, quick-strong hands, barrel gets on plane early then finishes on an uphill plane creating lift and leverage. On the infield, he shows soft hands, fundamental footwork and a strong arm for his class across the diamond at 70 mph.  

Tino Ramirez, SS/2B, Jesuit College Prep, 2020
5-foot-10, 145-pound frame. The right-handed hitter starts from a tall, neutral stance before he triggers his hands back, then strides forward. Aggressive weight shift with quick hands through the zone with a slight front arm bar. Line drive power with an exit velocity of 75 mph. On the infield, Ramirez threw from a low-¾ slot at 74 mph. Ran a 7.54 60-yard dash.

Anthony Rivenbark, SS/2B, Waller HS, 2020
5-foot-8, 150-pounds. The right-handed hitter start from an open stance before he loads back slow and smooth into a reverse leg lift, then lands balanced. Fast hands through the zone as he whips the barrel through contact on a slightly uphill plane with a loose finish. Strong contact, good bat speed with leverage and carry to the pull side, and an exit velocity of 78 mph. On the infield, he has still developing footwork with soft hands, and threw with a loose arm swing at 74 mph.

Dylan Swanson, SS/OF, Katy HS, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound, athletic frame. Long stride runner posted a 7.27 60-yard dash time. The right-handed hitter starts from a neutral stance with relaxed hands. Simple load as he triggers his hands back, short stride, lands balanced. Inside-out path with an middle-to-opposite field approach with an exit velocity of 73 mph. On the infield, Swanson has a quick first step, smooth footwork, soft hands, and throws from a short, high-¾ arm stroke with accuracy at 74 mph.

Kole Tauzin, RHP/3B, Klein HS, 2020
5-foot-10, 170-pound, strong, barrel chested frame. The right-handed hitter starts from a tall, open stance, then loads back as he triggers his hands back and down and strides forward. Slight front arm bar, quick hands, inside-out path, high finish, strong contact with an exit velocity of 83 mph. On the infield, Tauzin plays through the ball with quickish footwork and soft hands, and has an accurate arm at 83 mph from a ¾ slot.

Elijah Uribe, 2B/RHP, Oak Ridge HS, 2020
5-foot-10, 165-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a tall, slightly open stance with relaxed hands. Pushes back to load with an athletic leg kick and loose hands. Lands into a strong launch position, easy weight transfer, uphill path, high-loose finish. Current line drive power with an exit velocity of 80 mph, but anticipate there is more in there as he continues to add strength. On the infield, Uribe has twitchy actions and plays light on his feet with good rhythm and balance through the ball. Quick exchange, loose arm swing, accurate throws at 78 mph across the diamond.

Carson Wilson, 3B/2B, Ft. Bend Clements HS, 2020
5-foot-7, 165-pounds. The right-handed hitter starts from a tall, open stance with relaxed hands. Smooth load with a balanced leg kick and rhythm in his hands. Short stride, balanced weight transfer, compact swing, uphill path, barrel awareness and strong contact with an exit velocity of 82 mph. On the infield, Wilson plays through the ball with smooth footwork and rhythm. Soft hands, fields the ball left-of-center, can make the play on the run and the one-handed play. Nice gather to the mid-line with tempo in his feet before he threw with a top velocity of 75 mph.

Cole Wakefield, 1B/OF, Taylor HS, 2018
Uncommitted. 6-foot-3, 220-pound, strong frame. The left-handed hitter starts from a tall stance before he triggers his hands down and back into a front arm bar as he lands with a short stride. Uphill path, powerful weight shift, strong contact with lift and leverage. Current gap power of 86 mph with more to come in the future. At first base, Wakefield has an accurate arm with carry from a long, ¾ slot at 75 mph.

 

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