David
Shields

 Starting pitchers LHP David Shields (Mt. Lebanon HS, PA; Miami) and RHP Carson Messina (Summerville HS, SC; South Carolina) took the hill for the second game on day three. Shields tossed three scoreless with an easy 90-93 fastball and two effective secondaries in his slider and changeup. Messina is a power pitcher at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and shoved a 91-95 high-spin (2500-2600 rpm) fastball into the zone and gathered swing/miss with his mid-80s slider.

Physical: Long, lean and imposing 6-foot-2, 200lb frame. 7.26 runner in the 60YD.

Offensively: Switch. Similar swing from both sides, slightly open base with some mass. High hand set into a barrel tilt, leg lift stride and effortless swing. Weight slides forward pre-contact. Bat speed popped a 76MPH.

Defensively: The primary OF starts balanced and upright, fielding off to the side. Long arm swing into high ¾ deliveries. Throws home with effortless velocity topping 87MPH.

Physical: 6' 183lb OF/1B ran an 8.12 laser timed 60-yard dash. Solid physical frame with room to add strength and speed as he matures.

Offensively: He starts in a pretty narrow stance with his front foot slightly opened. He uses a short leg lift and begins to gain ground forward, towards the pitcher. His barrel works down through the ball, before working back up through his finish. He shows athleticism and adjustability in his swing as he moved to cover different pitches in the hitting zone.

Defensively: He approaches the ball under control as he fields off of his glove side foot. He allowed his momentum to flow through the catch as he begins his long and smooth arm swing. The arm works from a high 3/4 slot and pulls down towards the catcher. He shows confidence at first base, moving around the bag, catching a clean hop, and making a strong accurate throw to the bases.

5-foot-4, 133-pound primary left-handed pitcher impressed with a 68-70 mph fastball with arm-side run and sink from an easy 3/4 arm-slot. Shields commanded a hard biting 58-59 mph curveball that featured 1/7 spin. The lefty also flashed a solid 58-60 mph changeup with good sell. The switch hitter is a natural lefty and starts with a square stance utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Demonstrated balance with the ability to use all fields during batting practice registering a 73 mph bat-exit velocity. The right-handed hitter mirrors the left side as he flashed consistent barrels to the middle of the field. Displayed athletic actions around the bag at first using active footwork to guide accurate 66 mph throws across the infield. Ran a 4.70 home-to-first time.