Matt
Burch

8/1/14 - Burch is a 5-foot-9, 155-pound shortstop, with the ability to play second base as well.  He, along with Jeremy Houston, formed the top double play combination at the Future Games, as the duo flip-flopped throughout the three games.  Burch has advanced arm strength, throwing 87 mph across the diamond, and handled all his defensive chances cleanly.  He runs well, with a 6.96 60, and gets down the line between 4.30-4.44 on several ground outs during game play.  He led off game one with what looked to be a line shot double to deep right, but was robbed by a great defensive play from Team Missouri’s right fielder.  Burch did not record a hit during three games, but did not strikeout, and hit several balls well, showing a quality approach at the plate.  I’ve seen him several times this summer at the plate, and he will hit at the next level with his line drive, up the middle approach.  He surprises you at times with his pop and ability to drive the ball in the gaps.  Burch already has offers and should see significant recruiting interest following the Future Games.

6/19/14 - 5-foot-9, 155-pound left handed hitting shortstop, shows physicality for size. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, short stride, maintains excellent balance throughout. Bat path stays flat through the baseball, stays on top, aggressive hands, creates excellent bat speed and whip, shows the ability to impact the baseball well. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showcased a big arm across the diamond (85 mph), arm action is short, high ¾ slot, with accuracy and carry, arm projects well from the left side. Hands play well, soft actions, showed range, exchange is clean, hands transfer well, could eliminate extra footwork to get rid of it quicker. 6.99 runner. Projects as one of the top prospects in the state as well as the Midwest.

5/29/14 - Ranked No. 11 in the state, No. 47 overall. 5-foot-9, 155-pound middle infielder, shorter stature, solid build. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced approach, sprays the ball to all fields, handsy approach. High level of barrel awareness, control the bat well and hit the baseball where it was pitched. Defensively played third base, showed plenty of arm to stick on the left side, advanced arm strength. Hands are soft, excellent actions, high level defender. High follow 2016 prospect.

1.19.14 - High-level middle infield prospect. 5-foot-9, 155-pound frame, solidly built, proportional strength. Hard-nosed player, advanced left-handed hitter with arm strength. Prototypical top-of-the-order hitter. Excellent barrel control, balanced setup, quiet mechanics, plenty of bat speed, short, level bat path, works all fields well. Aggressive but under control, swings hard but maintains excellent balance throughout, gets extension after contact. Registered 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively, can play either middle infield position; registered top infield velocity at Underclass Invitational at 84 mph with accuracy. Soft, reliable hands, natural infield actions, fields the ball in rhythm, creates angles, plays through ball well. Ran a 7.10 60.

1/20/13 - Small frame, 5-foot-8, 155-pound middle infielder. Defensively shows soft hands, quick actions, advanced defensive actions, arm plays well (79 mph) across diamond, shows accuracy. Offensively hits from slightly open stance, balanced approach, smooth load of hands, uses short stride, lower half works well, gap to gap style hitter, sprays balls to all fields, short bat path, excellent balance, repeats swing.

Burch showed as an impressive Class of 2016 player who excelled in all facets of the game. At the plate, Burch has an advanced hitting approach. He displayed a clean, balanced left-handed swing that whipped through the zone and sprayed line drives to all fields. Burch has a quiet setup and advanced bat control in the box. In the field, Burch was equally as impressive. He exhibited soft hands, top-level defensive actions. He fields the ball with excellent rhythm and plays through the ball well. Burch additionally showcased a solid, accurate arm across the infield.