Following
are some of the top prospects from the recent Southeast Top Prospect
Showcase. This isn’t the official top prospect list; that will be
posted after the reports are written and the PG Grades assigned, but
it represents a quick take on who stood out. All players are 2012’s
unless noted.
3B
Alfredo Escalera (IMG Academy, Lakewood Ranch, FL):
Top hitter at the showcase, loose easy swing with bat speed, pull
hitter. 6.59 runner, very athletic at third base, will have to work
on his throwing, comps to Phillies 3B Placido Polanco.
3B/RHP
Travis Demeritte (2013/Winder Barrow HS, Stratham, GA):
Top level 2-way prospect, shows easy power at the plate, game home
run, very athletic defensively at third base. Topped out at 88 on
the mound, touched 91 a few weeks ago.
SS
Tyler Krieger (Northview HS, Johns Creek, GA):
Switch hitting middle infielder, has a quality bat from both sides
of the plate, projects physically, smooth actions at shortstop, raw
arm strength might dictate move to second base.
OF
Alex Liquori (Whitewater HS, Brooks, GA):
Strong left handed hitter with 6.7 speed, produces big power to left
centerfield, dropped a big game home run in that direction, still
learning to use his strength in pulling the ball.
3B
Chase Scott (Luella HS, Hampton, GA):
Strong right handed hitter, graded out as one of the top hitters of
the event, short hard swing, consistent line drive contact, drives
the ball to both gaps. Solid defensive actions at third base.
SS
Johnny Ruiz (2013/Westminster HS, Coral Gables, FL):
Flashy defensive middle infielder, has all the tools and instincts
for a young player, excellent hands and balance. Line drive hitter
with a quiet, sound approach.
OF
Jonathan Pryor (2013/Woodward Academy, Atlanta, GA):
6-1/180 left handed hitter with solid tools across the board. 6.97
runner, shows present bat speed and an aggressive approach at the
plate, solid outfield arm strength. Should keep improving.
RHP
Andrew Bartek (Jefferson (GA) HS):
Mature physically at 6-2/215 but has a good delivery and effort less
arm action. Topped out at 88 mph with a hard downer 78 mph curveball
he threw for strikes. Will get lots of outs right away at the next
level.
RHP
Corey Kafka (Ringgold HS, Turner Hill, GA):
Sturdy 6-1/210 build, mid ¾’s crossfire release point creates
deception, topped out at 88 mph, big sharp curveball is a major
weapon, especially against right handed hitters.
3B
Pete Alonso (2013/Tampa Jesuit HS, FL):
Big strong 6-3/205 right handed hitter who showed easy power and the
ability to reach the fences. Arm strength is his best defensive
tool.
C
Davis Marlar (Carrollton (GA) HS):
Strong mature athlete at 6-0/190, solid all around catching tools,
very good arm strength, likes to throw the ball, has power at the
plate and some bat speed. Plays the game hard and competes.
C
Brennan Morgan (McIntosh HS, Peachtree City, GA):
Long and angular 6-4/215 build, very good swing mechanics and
developing bat speed, nice young hitter. Athletic actions behind the
plate, enough arm strength, can improve footwork.
RHP
Ty Alvey (Northgate HS, Newnan, GA):
Looks the prospect part at 6-4/225 and throws up to 88 mph with good
downhill angle to the plate, with some feel for a curveball and
change up.
RHP
Blake Burkett (West Forsyth HS, Cumming, GA):
Nice 6-3/200 lb build, throws easy, sound delivery, pitches in the
mid 80’s and touches 87 mph, good curveball he commands and uses
effectively, polished pitching approach.