EVENT DATE: 5/22/2005

LOCATION: Ohio Dominican University

Some rain moved through the Columbus area, which forced portions of the afternoon Pro Instructional Workout to be moved indoors. As it worked out, Ohio Dominican University has a good indoor facility which allowed us to still get a good look at what the players could do.

The rain may have caused some players not to show up, which gave us a smaller turnout than we expected. As a result, we chose to select the Top 3 Prospects rather than the usual Top 5.

The Top 3 Prospects were picked by Jake Weber (Assistant Director of Instruction) and Jim Gemler (Director of On Field Sessions) based on their performance at the event. The ranking is based on their status as college prospects, and is relative to the entire group of 2006 graduates we saw on the day (underclassmen are not considered).

Top 3 Prospects (2006 graduates)

1. Eric Arnett, RHP – Patskala, OH (Watkins Memorial HS), 6-5, 210, R/R. A big bodied, physical right hander that topped at 87 mph. His first few fastballs were in the low 80’s, but the last few he threw were between 85 and 87 mph – as he loosened up his arm strength began to show better. He pitched from a three quarter arm angle, and flashed a breaking ball with tight spin and some depth. He also threw a slightly above average change-up, and was around the plate with all of his pitches. He ran 6.97 in the 60 yard dash, and showed bat speed and some power in his stroke – which gives him some potential as a 2-way player, would fit better in the outfield or first base than shortstop. 

2. Josh Wallace, 1B/RHP – Bellefontaine, OH (Bellefontaine HS), 6-5, 180, R/R. Worked out at shortstop but projects better at a corner infield position, with 1B possibly his best fit. A slightly above average fielder with some feel and tempo. Showed an idea with his glove to hand exchange. Stayed on top of his throws but tended to push the ball across the diamond affecting arm strength. Showed plus bat speed with the ability to drive the baseball. Had tendency to be long with swing but shouldl only improve his hitting and power grades with a shorter and more compact swing. Potential 2-way player at the next level. Tall, lanky body frame with a chance to fill out. On the mound, he has good body control through out his delivery. Located his pitches around zone. CB is his best pitch with decent spin and 12/6 break. Fastball was between 78 and 81 mph.

3. Jason Cress, SS/RHP – Bowling Green, OH (Bowling Green HS), 6-2, 160, R/R. Cress is tall and lean with an athletic build. He showed smooth actions with good hands in the infield. The ball left his hand with life, and had good carry across the infield. At the plate, he did a good job of letting the ball travel into the hitting zone. Showed a good right handed stroke with some pop, approach was simple and quiet and he made solid contact. On the mound, he topped at 81 mph from an over top slot. His curveball had tight spin, but was released a little deep which did not allow him to snap it off. Projects better as a position player at this point, and may be more suited to third base as he fills out – ran 7.71 60 yard dash.

Top Prospects ARCHIVE

See below for more information about the B.A.T.S. Program, and PUMA National Tournament Team Tryouts. Also, be sure to click on the link for our complete 2005 schedule.

B.A.T.S VIDEO SCOUTING SESSIONS
– includes edited video and scouting report on personal web page
– also an opportunity to tryout for National Tournament Teams
– call 800-641-4487 to register

PUMA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT TEAM TRYOUTS
– an opportunity to tryout for National Tournament Teams
– does not include video, scouting report, or personal webpage
– call 800-621-5452 to register

Baseball Factory 2005 Schedule