LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2007 Atlantic Coast Top Showcase
River McWilliams is a 2008 SS/3B/P with a 5'11'', 180 lb. frame from Shaker Heights, OH who attends Shaker Heights HS. He has a solid athletic build on a medium frame with some present strength. McWilliams came to the showcase as a primary shortstop but we liked him more on this look as a right handed pitcher. As a shortstop, McWilliams showed quick feet and his hands worked pretty well. He had a hitch in his throwing stroke that kept him from showing his arm strength during drills. Offensively, McWiliams had a good approach with an aggressive swing and quick hands. He made solid line drive contact to the middle of the field. Overall, McWilliams tools as a position player are good but non-projectable and he would have likely received a 7.5 grade. As a pitcher, McWilliams showed polished, smooth pitching mechanics and his arm worked very nicely with no sign of a hitch or any hesitation. He was very balanced and under control in his delivery and the ball left his hand effortlessly. McWilliams threw 84-87 mph with his fastball and most impressively for a secondary pitcher, both his curveball and change up were quality pitches, especially his curveball that had hard spin and bite. His mound work really stood out. McWilliams is a 2-way prospect but pay close attention to him on the mound. He is also a very good student.