LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2005 California Top Prospect Showcase
Andrew Raponi is a 2006 1B/RHP from Monte Vista HS, residing in Danville, CA, with a 6'3", 210 lb. frame. He has a broad upper body build with long and strong levers. His lower body is strong too. Raponi is a physical yet fluid player. He has a handsy swing that combines with his strength to give him a lively bat. He holds his hands fairly high and has a good hand path to and through the ball. The ball makes a plus exit off his bat and he has plus bat speed. Raponi has very good present day power to all fields and uses the whole field to hit. In many ways his swing and finish are reminiscent of Jeromy Burnitz. Also impressive was that when down in the count he shortened up his swing and was willing to simply take a knock to the opposite field. Raponis is aggressive to the ball on defense and has good hands around the bag. The ball exits his hand well. All in all, he as very solid defensive abilities. On the mound he pitches from an over the top slot with good arm speed. His delivery features an easy lift to the gather and separation. The tempo in his delivery is good and allows the ball to leave his hand easily. He is not a pure power guy yet, but has a heavy fastball (84-85) with some tailing action. He did a nice job of staying down in the zone. Raponi pounds the fastball inside to righties well. He also features a curveball (66-67) has big rolling action and 11/5 shape. His third pitch is a splitter (72-75) that at times is a plus pitch. It has late tumble and he throws it with plus arm speed. For many mid-D1 programs he is a legitimate two-way prospect. Raponis is a diamond in the rough and is a good prospect for the spring signing period.