Sam
Merchant

Athletic body type with a very quick exchange behind the dish. Hits from a balanced, athletic, slightly crouched, square stance at the plate. Small leg kick load with a direct, level swing path. Showed quick bat speed and some lower half involvement. Had a tendency to get out in front on pitches. Gap-to-gap line drive type hitter with occasional pop. Puts the ball in play and runs very well for a catcher. Was 1-for-3 with three RBI's against La Plata. Currently hitting .348 with 6 doubles, and 16 RBI's for the Wildcats. 

MD Preseason All State

5-foot-9, 160-pound compact athletic frame. Stance starts slightly closed before striding forward and landing slightly closed. Hands had minimal load back and showed quickness to the zone with a flat bat path. Swing showed line drive tendencies and really used the middle of the field well. Lower half finished completely and showed some balance. Exit velocity was 94 mph. Feet were quick behind the plate and exchange was very quick and clean. Arm action was short throwing from a three-quarter slot. Positional velocity was 74 mph with pop times ranging 1.90-2.02. Home-to-first time was 4.41.

MD Top Prospect Games II 

Athletic body type and 5-foot-9, 150 pound frame. Hits from a balanced, athletic, square stance at the plate. Short, smooth back load and controlled leg kick for timing. Stays through the ball well and gets nice extension through contact. Explosive lower half involvement, quick hands and fast bat speed. Short, level swing path with an exit velo of 82 mph. Quiet body behind the plate and receives the ball well. Showed quick footwork and quick, clean exchanges. Gains ground on throws to second base with pop times ranging 1.96 - 2.09. Throws with shorter arm action from a high three-quarter slot at 74 mph. Also ran a 4.28 home-to-first time.

Freshmen Free Showcase

Compact frame a t 5-foot-6, 115-pounds. Ran a 4.28 home to first. Hits from an athletic set up with high hands. Lowers hands in shorter load. Level swing path with average bat speed. Average balance throughout. Exit velocity of 77 mph. Nice body control behind plate with higher setup. Sticks ball well and nice lateral movement. Clean exchange and footwork on pops. Catcher velo of 67 mph with pop ranging from 2.12 - 2.25.

Merchant is 5-5 with a lanky frame and a home to first time of 4.58. Hits from the right side from an athletic stance, leg kick stride and short load back. Ok lower half and decent balance throughout swing. Short path to the ball with extension through it, exit velocity of 68 and a pull approach. In the infield, quick footwork and soft hands. Throws from a three-quarters arm slot, infield velocity of 65. Behind the plate, soft hands, gains ground on a quick release, short arm action from a three-quarters arm slot. Catching velocity of 63 with pop times running 2.33-2.40.