Nico
Popa

7/21/15 5-foot-10, 175-pound live-bodied athlete. Continues to exhibit plus batspeed, his hands work, and he stayed inside the ball well in BP. Showed good balance and maintained posture when barreling up a curveball on a line-out to 3B. Ran a 6.50 60-yard dash, 4.10 in-game home-to-1B time, and 3.34 on a steal. Showcased 87-mph exit velocity, 90-mph arm strength from the outfield and 87-mph arm strength from the infield during workout. Moved well in outfield with long, loose arm action and accurate throws. While some coaches see his wheels and immediately think center-fielder, Popa’s infield abilities continue to progress and, given his athleticism and positive trajectory, he could still find a home around the keystone in the right program.

6/17/15 5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitter. Displayed terrific athleticism throughout the event. Started from an open stance and strode to slightly open. Has above average bat speed and loose, athletic swing. Displayed good balance and kept head still. Above average runner; posted in-game 4.12 home-to-1B time and 4.22 & 4.25 on turns. Showcased 89-mph exit velocity and 89-mph arm strength during workout. Showed good hands and played low to the ground defensively.

2/15/15 Popa's natural athleticism ranks among the best in the state. The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder ran an event best 6.56 60-yard dash and flashed plus bat speed during batting practice. He starts slightly open, strides to square, and holds his hands in a good launch position. The ball jumps off his bat (91-mph exit velo). His body comes forward with his stride a bit, but he compensates with lightning quick hands. Defensively, he showed solid feet and gained ground well, recording an 83-mph throw and completing the slow roller play with ease.

7/8/14 Popa flashed athletic actions in all facets of the game turning in the top 60-yard dash of the event at 6.72. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound junior showed fluid actions, a soft glove hand and the ability to make plays on the move defensively. His 80 mph arm across the diamond will allow him to remain on the left side of the infield at the next level and should continue to get stronger with maturity. The right-handed hitter displayed the ability to consistently barrel the baseball to all fields with a short, direct swing path from a square stance. Popa registered an 85 mph bat exit velocity and continually stayed inside the baseball during his round of batting practice.