Daniel
Hopper

Physical 6-foot-3 190 pound C/INF who ran a 7.63 60. Offensively- Slightly open setup with some active pre-pitch bat wiggle; stride works back to even. Flat plane barrel through the zone with an abbreviated two-handed finish. Line drive results with power potential possible with improved extension. Exit velocity was a personal best of 87 MPH. Defenisvely- As an infielder Hopper flashed some active footwork for his size, ranges well and works through the ball. Servicable arm at 77 MPH, projects well at 3B at the collegiate level. Behind the plate, slightly angled setup, reaches for the ball with slight gap in transfer. Footwork is efficient, gaining positive ground. Arm action is traditional punch/draw with some carry and on bag. Peak arm strength was 70 MPH with pop times ranging 2.08-2.12.

Hopper stands in at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds with a tall, strong, athletic frame. Offensively- Righty sets up in an open stance with his feet shoulder width apart. Shows a slight knee bend with an upright torso holding the bat above the back shoulder using little pre-pitch bat movement. On pitch, his trigger is a knee raise in to stride forward while his hands move back and down slightly into his hitting position. Good lower body rotation getting hips cleared and using whole body frame in swing process. Shows quick hands to the hitting zone with a level barrel path throughout into a high two-handed finish. Demonstrated line drive ability up the middle and to the pull side during batting practice round. Recorded an exit velocity of 86 MPH, a 1 MPH improvement from February 2017. Defensively- In the infield, shows an average approach and footwork towards the baseball. Cleaner footwork to get in front and eliminating a glove flip would make a smoother, quicker transition. Fielding mechanics are clean with a quick funnel into the chest and appropriate transition into the throwing position. Has aggressive footwork towards intended target and made accurate throws. Moves well left/right and in on the run. Recorded a positional arm velocity of 75 MPH, 2 MPH shy of his mark of 77 MPH set in February of 2017. Behind the plate, frames well keep the body and glove quiet. Good mechanics on throws to second. Stays low to the ground with a short and quick arm swing. Blocks well keeping the ball in front and is athletic to get back up quickly to make the play. Recorded a positional arm velocity of 71 MPH with a pop time range of 2.04-2.17.

Athletic 6-foot-3 190 pound frame with loose actions. Ran a 7.34 60 and a 4.50 home-to-1B. Offensively- Sets up open with barrel tilt towards the ground; draws bat up slightly with short load of the hands as stride works back to even. Gets up on back side through rotation; swing path moderately short with some shortened extension. Pull side through middle of the field, line drive results. Exit velocity peaked at 85 MPH. Ability to stay behind the ball longer and tap into his lower half will pay off in the power department. Defensively- Dual position threat behind the plate and on the left side of the infield. Behind the plate, props up in a modified secondary position; clean transfer while gaining ground. High 3/4 arm slot; throws showed carry with some pull to the SS side of the bag as his body trailed off in that direction. Arm strength checked in at 72 MPH with a pop time range of 2.09-2.25. On the infield Hopper displayed active footwork with hands soft and out in front; clean transfer while maintaining more of his catcher's arm action. Throws were 77 MPH across the diamond. Projects well on the left side of the infield or may be better suited long term at a corner OF position. Game experience coupled with continued progression will tell the story.