Tommy
Benson

A transfer from North Alabama, Benson is big (6’2/210), he’s strong, he can run (6.82 sixty), he can throw (94 mph from OF), he switch-hits and he plays multiple positions. Benson can also look a bit stiff at times, but the hand speed and bat strength at the plate are obvious. As a lefty hitter he was short to the ball with a minimal load and a short stroke, showing at least average power potential from that side. The real power potential in his offensive game looked to come from the right side where he blistered ball after ball during BP. There was even more bat speed and power from the right side with the same well-balanced and compact swing as the left. He also swung wood on a day when most others preferred metal. The hard crack of his bat was music to my ears over the ping of the aluminum. Moving forward, Benson may benefit by a better positive move and more separation in his swing which could allow him to tap into even more of his natural power. Defensively, Benson showed a plus arm and sure hands from both the outfield and infield. He likely profiles best to right field, but he does have athletic actions and sound body control for the dirt, so the hot corner cannot be ruled out at this point. Overall, he didn’t seem to draw the oohs and aahs of the scouting community on this day, but there’s no denying his size, strength and tools.

North Alabama recruit, he is one of the most physically mature and strong players in attendance. Stands at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds with athleticism and strength. Defensively, there is some stiffness, but works under control. Hands work well, gets to and through the ball and throws have plenty of carry to stay on the left side of the infield, topping out at 89 mph. Offensively, the switch hitter has bat speed and the strength plays from both sides. Appears more confident right-handed where he has more rhythm and  works with a leg kick. Stays fairly compact with elite bat speed and an exit velocity of 104 mph. Left handed is still very impressive. The strong lower half clears, works slightly open, could benefit from some separation with the hands but the bat speed plays and shows pull power. Overall, a lot of tools and a follow going into the spring. 

At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds Benson is athletic with a strong tool set. The switch hitter stood out during his BP rounds, specifically from the right side. He hits from an open, balance setup showing fluid rhythm. Showcased plus bat speed from a longer bat path that produced tons of juice and power potential. He registered a top exit velocity of 103 mph off the tee. As a defender, Benson displayed above average glove work with quick, fluid feet and a clean exchange. He possesses plenty of arm strength with carry to stay on the left side of the diamond (92 mph). Top 60 time of 6.98. Benson recently committed to North Alabama.

6-foot-1, 180 pound infielder continues to impress with his arm strength and athleticism.  Unsigned senior topped 90 across the infield with accuracy.  Moves well laterally with soft hands up the middle.  Plays through the ball with quick exchange into a loose, high 3/4 slot.  On the mound, Benson ran the fastball up to 90 with some arm side sink.  Breaking ball has 10/4 shape with average feel.  Works down the mound in direction with some rhythm.  Short, quick arm swing.  Currently a thrower with feel for the strike zone, will need to develop off-speed.  At the plate, starts with an open athletic setup.  Short stride while hands load back.  Quick barrel turn. Produced line drives to all fields.  Twitchy movements.  Lower half needs refined.  Very athletic, high-energy player.

The 6-foot, 175 pound senior has filled out since the last showcase he attended in 2016, gaining 20 pounds since last August. The SS/RHP showcased some pop from the right side at the plate with long, loose levers working through the zone creating 87 mph exit velo off the bat. Starts slightly open with a small foot lift to close and load. Gets into a strong hitting position with hands just off the back shoulder and barrel in strong loaded position. Back elbow and knee work together to contact, with front elbow at times barring and hands drifting away, creating longer path to ball. Showcased above average bat speed and barrel through the zone, with some pull side pop at times. Athletic setup and base in the box, with good lower half. Tendency to jump out of swing when front foot landed too narrow. Hit at showcase only from the right side. Athletic shortstop that showcased easy actions and good lateral movement. Upper body closed to throw. Loose, low ¾ arm action across the diamond with carry, topping at 87 mph. Ran a 6.98 60 at the event. Unsigned senior with good tools.

5-foot-11, 150-pound switch hitting utility player. From the left side hits from an upright, slightly open stance with a low hand set. Line drive hitter with a short stride. 74 mph exit velocity left-handed. Form the right side showed more pop with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. 5.33 runner down the line. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ slot. Throws showed carry from the outfield at 87 mph. In the infield showed solid actions with a loose arm action. Threw 84 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a short, loose arm action. Drop and drive delivery with a collapse on the backside. Fastball showed running action at 85-86 mph. Curveball has sweeping action at 65-69 mph.