2010 Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament Top Players: 2011 Grads
There were many tremendous players who participated in the 2010 Under Armour Pre-Season All-America. Although choosing just a few to recognize is a difficult task, we have relied on the expertise of our scouts to determine the following categories: Top 10 2010 Prospects, Honorable Mention 2010 Prospects, Top 10 2011 Prospects, Honorable Mention 2011 Prospects, Top 5 2012 Prospects. The lists are based on a combination of performance at the event and our scouts’ projection of each player’s ability. Congratulations to all who participated on a great event.
1. Dante Bichette, Jr. – 3B/SS | 6'1/215 | R/R | 2011 | Orlando, FL
Dante is a strong, physical young infielder who projects best as a 3B at higher levels. His feet work well in the field and he fields with rhythm, displaying soft hands and a strong, accurate arm across the diamond. At the plate is really where Dante shines. He is a natural hitter who generates outstanding bat speed. The ball jumps off his bat. He is a future middle-of-the-order run producer who has committed to the University of Georgia.
2. Jacob Lindgren – LHP/OF | 6'1/180 | R/L | 2011 | Kiln, MS
Jacob is an extremely impressive young LHP with a proportioned, athletic build and great arm speed. He generates fastball velocity up to 91 mph and he effectively pitches to both sides of the plate showing a knack for getting in on RH hitters. His delivery is low-effort and his arm is loose. He mixes in a curveball and change that both have the makings of being quality pitches in the near future. Jacob is the type of LHP that becomes a hot commodity in upper baseball circles in a hurry.
3. Elvin Soto – C/1B | 5'11/180 | S/R | 2011 | New York, NY
Elvin is a rare combination: a switch hitting, athletic catcher. He is an outstanding receiver behind the plate (the kind of guy pitchers like to throw to) and blocks everything in the dirt. His throws to 2B usually hover in the 1.89-1.99 range. At the plate, he takes an aggressive hack resulting in hard contact and pull side power, especially from the left side. Elvin has the makings of a special player.
4. Tyler Marlette – C/3B | 5'11/195 | R/R | 2011 | Oviedo, FL
Tyler shows a complete set of tools behind the plate. He receives with soft hands, blocks well to both sides and uses his 88 mph arm strength to get the ball to 2B as quick as 1.89 seconds. He also shows rhythm and bat speed at the plate with the ability to drive balls in both gaps. A strong frame and leadership qualities round out this University of Central Florida commit.
5. Bryan Brickhouse – RHP | 6'1/185 | R/R | 2011 | Woodlands, TX
Bryan is a young RHP with a quick arm and good downward plane to his fastball. He throws three pitches for strikes and already touches 90 mph. He also shows his athleticism around the mound, in his delivery and even in his sub 7.0 60 time. Already committed to the University of North Carolina, Bryan has a bright future ahead of him.
6. Taylor Nichols – OF/C | 6'2/175 | R/R | 2011 | Mobile, AL
Taylor is an extremely intriguing prospect with a mix of tools and body that are hard to find. His lean 6’2”, 175 pound frame shows good athleticism behind the plate, while his arm strength opens the most eyes (1.86-1.99 down to 2B). At the plate he shows outstanding leverage and bat speed that lead to plus power. He drives balls all over the park. Overall, Taylor is one of the top catchers in the 2011 class.
7. Jeremy Scheck – LHP/1B | 6'0/180 | L/L |2011 | Vernon Hills, IL
Jeremy is a LHP who throws a heavy, sinking fastball that sits comfortably in the mid to high 80s, topping at 89 mph. He commands this pitch well and is not afraid to come inside on RH hitters. He complements his fastball with a curveball with ¾ break and some bite as well as a fading change. Everything he does is loose and easy so there appears to be even more future velocity in him.
8. Jo-El Bennett – OF | 6'2/185 | R/R | 2011| Midland City, AL
Jo-El is has a long, lean and strong frame that is a prototypical outfielder’s body. His range is outstanding thanks to his 6.78 speed and good reads off the bat. He glides to balls in the OF and his throws have good carry. At the plate, Jo-El’s RH stroke is quick, loose and low effort. Balls come off his bat with authority. Although still a bit raw mechanically, Jo-El has a tremendous amount of potential.
9. Drake Roberts – SS/OF | 5'8/160 | R/R | 2011 | Washington, TX
Drake is a polished infielder with an advanced feel for the game. He plays with great energy and has sure, dependable hands on display in the middle infield. At the plate, Drake is balanced and confident. He shows quick hands, a level path and the ability to consistently send live drives to all fields regardless of the pitching he is facing. He should make an immediate impact when he arrives at the University of Arkansas.
10. Hunter Lockwood – C | 5'11/190 | R/R | 2011 | Bedford, TX
Hunter is an impressive young catcher with present strength. He swings the bat with authority, generating bat speed and power from a quiet, relaxed approach. He drives balls to all fields. Behind the plate he showcases a strong arm that results in times to 2B as low as 1.84. He profiles as an offensive, run-producing catcher.
