EVENT DATE: 7/8/2005

LOCATION: San Jacinto College

Keeping up with what seems to be the trend at our July events, underclassmen dominated the Top Prospects in Texas. This was a tough Top 5 to select, there were another three or four deserving players that were strongly considered. In the end there can only be five…and in this case the selected players either showed at least one well above average tool, or gave me reason to project more than one well above average tool in the future.

Top 5 Prospects

The Top 5 Prospects were picked by Andy Ferguson (Director of Scouting) 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 players we saw on the day – we now consider underclassmen in our selection process. All references to average in the scouting reports below are based on high school average.

1. Alexander Teich, C, 2007 – Conroe, TX (Caney Creek HS), 5-11, 180, R/R. A well above average athlete with a good build, plays four high school sports – football (running back), basketball (point guard), and track (hurdles). Quickness and body control highlight his actions both behind the plate and with the bat. His release times were 2.06 – 2.15 despite some extra motion in his release, mechanically he has a lot of room to improve. His athletic ability shined during his blocking workout. At the plate his setup and prep resemble Gary Sheffield. He showed quick hands and an aggressive stroke, got the barrel there during batting practice. If he ever chooses to focus on baseball he could really make great strides, has tons of ability to work with.

2. Adam Wright, SS/RHP, 2008 – Hemphill, TX (Hemphill HS), 6-0, 170, R/R. This young man did it all, showed a very complete set of tools already – only his glove lagged a little behind. He ran 6.93 and 6.92 in the 60 yard dash. He showed above average bat speed with a low effort, easy and rhythmic stroke at the plate. The ball left his bat very well, cut the ball in half and drove it to center and left fields – made solid contact to the opposite field. He got by on athletic ability at SS, has a lot of room to improve his mechanical approach. On the mound he topped at 83 mph, and his fastball had great run and sink life. He showed a tight curveball with depth and break on two planes. Has a square shouldered, athletic build – look for him to add size and strength as he matures.

3. Tant Shepherd, SS/3B, 2007 – Flower Mound, TX (Flower Mound HS), 5-11, 180, R/R. Shepherd will turn 16 years old on August 1, so he is young for his grade. Features square shoulders with width and good proportion, looks like he can get bigger as he matures. His biggest asset is his bat, but he also ran well (7.08 60yds) and showed arm strength (83 mph). The run and throw ability indicate that his defensive ability should progress, his hands worked pretty well but his feet didn’t quite work yet. At the plate he showed a very loose stroke, great rhythm and body control highlighted his prep and move through the zone. Not a lot of power showed yet, though a short stroke and solid contact all over the field are great to build on for the future.

4. Brandon Newton, LHP/OF, 2006 – Vidor, TX (Vidor HS), 5-10, 165, L/L. Newton is also young for his grade, will turn 17 August 9. Certainly a prospect on the mound, and possibly as a 2-way player. His fastball was 79-81 mph, but the velocity doesn’t tell the story in this case – it flashed plus arm side life from his low three quarter arm slot. His stride landed to the first base side of the mound, making his release point way behind a left handed hitter’s back. His breaking ball was well above average, had a sharp sweeping break with great downward action – showed better feel for this pitch than his fastball. His delivery will rely on deception, has some moving parts and his arm action is a little sticky. Looks like he will be able to dominate left handed hitters with his FB & CB mix.

5. Spencer Sell, RHP/SS, 2007 – Midland, TX (Midland HS), 5-11, 165, R/R. Yet another youngster, Sell turns 17 August 19. He also has 2-way potential, with more value on the mound right now. His arm action was well above average – loose, easy and quick – and produced a fastball between 79-84 mph. His fastball had some arm side movement from the stretch. His delivery was balanced and featured great rhythm and body control. He spun a well above average curveball with an 11 to 5 shape and great depth. He also showed a slider type pitch (same 66-70 mph range as his CB) with a shorter and flatter break, it also had depth and he had good feel for both pitches. Didn’t show much of a change-up yet, but showed great FB & breaking ball mix even from the stretch. Showed a good stroke with barrel accuracy and ability to hit line drives with backspin, expect to see him progress with the bat also.

Top 5 Prospects ARCHIVE

See below for more information about the B.A.T.S. Program, and the Rookie Program. 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

ROOKIE SESSIONS
– includes on field instruction and take home baseball ability assessment
– also an opportunity to tryout for National Tournament Teams
– call 800-641-4487 to register

Baseball Factory 2005 Schedule