PROSPECT OF THE DAY:

Alex Greene OF / RHP / DeMatha, MD / 2020 Rankings  State Rank:1 POS:1 Overall Rank:20 POS:5 Greene has long been one of the bigger names in the 2020 class, and he did not disappoint when stepping on the mound in a relief role for the Richmond Braves. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound right hander showcased electric stuff including an explosive fastball that sat 87-91 and jumped out of his hand. He countered the fastball with a hard, 77-79 slider that featured tilt, and was close to being a plus-pitch when at its best. He also showcased a “get me over” curveball at 71 mph that tumbled some with 11/5 shape. Greene demonstrated the ability to sink his fastball to the arm side, and pounded the zone with an electric arm. A gifted athlete, Greene also exhibits the ability to swing the bat. He has quick hands and strong wrists, and hunts fastballs on an uphill plane. An athletic runner, Greene will have a chance to be the next in a long list of talented two-way players at the University of Virginia, where he is committed.

 

The fourth day at the World Wood Bat Championship in Jupiter was highlighted by some of the top prospects in the 2019 class who very well may be some of the most talked about players in next year’s MLB draft. Early in the morning, OF Riley Greene (Hagerty HS, FL), a Florida recruit, went to work at the plate where he continued to show why he is one of, if not, the best hitters in the class. The left-handed hitting outfielder as produced on a national stage against some of the best arms in the country. He finds the barrel consistently with quick hands that allow him to drive the ball from gap to gap. Never rushed at the plate, Greene always seems to be on time, and demonstrates a professional approach in the box. He battled a big arm with two strikes before lining a single to right field off of fellow 2019 prospect, Jason Diaz (Kellenberg Memorial HS, NY). Diaz, a Miami recruit, was up to 94 mph in his first inning of work, but struggled with his command early on. He settled down in the second inning, sitting 88-92 with some late, arm side life. His slider was consistently 79 mph with tilt and tight spin, and is a true swing and miss pitch when on. The strong-armed, 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has a strong lower-half that he utilizes well when driving down the mound. One of the top left-handed pitchers in the class, LHP Chris Villaman (Thomasville HS, NC), a North Carolina State recruit, battled through some sloppy weather showcasing his toughness as well as his strong left arm. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound left-hander touched 91 mph sitting mostly 87-90. His fastball is his best pitch, and features a heaviness to it as well as some late life to the arm side. He delivers out of a high ¾ slot, and creates a downward plane on his pitches. The curveball that he showcased early in the outing was a developing pitch at 64-67, but later he showcased a sweeping slider at 75 mph that is currently an average pitch, and complimented his fastball better. The athletic Villaman shows quick hand speed out front, and still looks to have some room to fill out in both his upper and lower half.

Other standouts: