2018 Southern Academic Games - Statistical Analysis

Wednesday June 20th, at Davidson College, Prep Baseball Report of North Carolina hosted the 2018 Southern Academic Games, featuring high academic players from as far away as Texas and West Virginia, with a majority of the players from North Carolina.  On an unbelievably hot day, position players took part in an extended workout prior to controlled scrimmages. Pitchers were able to throw to live hitters with the staff of PBR controlling the length of the innings as most players were gearing up for another weekend of contests.  

With close to 40 high academic players in attendance, several took the opportunity to separate themselves in front of college coaches in attendance and the PBR staff.  As part of the event, PBR will be breaking down each player, presenting the statistics from the day, with an evaluation from a PBR scout and video.

Today we dive into the statistics each player produced on the day.  A full look at the statistical output is available in a .pdf below. Statistical leaders from the event are listed below, covering several of the areas tested during the workout and game play.

CLICK HERE for a complete look at the Southern Academic Games Roster

CLICK HERE for a comprehensive look at the statistics collected on every player in attendance.

QUICK HITTERS
+ 5 Players ran a sub 7.10 sixty, with 2 under 7.00… 11 ran under 7.30 seconds.
+ Accuracy was on display from the OF and INF workout sessions with several players showing carry as well.  Two outfielders were 84 or better and 6 infielders touched 79 across the diamond
+ 5 catchers turned in POP times of 2.10 or better, with three catchers carrying their throws out of the crouch at 75 mph or higher.
+ 4 hitters with exit velocities of 90 mph or higher… 11 above 85… 23 above 80.
+ In game action, 6 arms touched 80 or better with two 2019 grads working at 86 and 87.

STASTICAL LEADERS

Top 60 Yard Times

Each position player was able to run a laser timed 60 yard dash.  On a sweltering day, several players were below their top PBR times posted but Chris Perez (OF, Raleigh Charter, 2019) and Griffin Adkins (OF, Cabell Midland (WV), 2019) each ran sub 7.00.  

Top Outfield Positional Velocity

Across the board, this group of outfielders showed advanced accuracy on their live throws from right field.  Matthew Walker (OF, St. Stephens HS, 2020) touched 89 and carried a good arm into the game action to show it off again.  Zack Michael (OF, Apex HS, 2019) has easy carry at 84 mph out of the hand.

Top Catcher Pop Times

Eight catchers worked out as part of the pro-style workout.  Each was able to make multiple throws to 2B gauging arm strength, carry, accuracy, and pop time.  Drew Bryan (C, Southern Lee HS, 2020) led the group with a pop time of 1.90 and working with a positional velocity of 78 mph out of the crouch. Every catcher was under 2.25 on at least one throw to the bag.

Top Exit Velocity

Each hitter took some time in the cage area to record an exit velocity off of a tee.  Nick Leonard (1B, Reagan HS, 2019) led the way, reaching 94 mph off the barrel.  Three other players worked above 90 ,mph with the next three highest each at 88 mph.

Top Fastball

Seven Pitchers threw in live game situations vs. hitters with 6 of the 7 toucing 80 mph and the 7th, a LHP, up to 77.  For the most part the arms were able to attack the zone and hitters. The event lends itself to an advantage for the arms, as hitters will only see each arm once, and these guys took advantage of that leverage.  Two out-of-state arms threw well after their travel as John Torroella (RHP, Mt. St. Josephs (MD), 2019) and Jack Stroud (LHP, IMG Academy (TX), 2019) each left coaches with things to like about their outings.