NJ Big Board: Top Uncommitted 2016 Middle Infielders
June 12, 2015
Sean McGrath
Scouting Director, New Jersey
New Jersey is a state constantly loaded with talent. Each year many of New Jersey's top talent will wind up playing highly competitive college baseball. The 2016 class is already off to a great start as 20+ players have already committed to top division one programs. When the dust dies down on the recruiting trail, the 2016 class will certainly be a great one.
While many of the state's top 50 2016 prospects are already committed, most remain in search of the perfect fit; the fit that will serve their athletic, academic, and financial needs. Many of the state’s top middle infielders remain uncommitted and in this article we will look at five of those uncommitted infielders who can play at a high level up the middle.
Top Uncommitted 2016 Middle Infielders
Alex Santos, 2B, Don Bosco Prep
Santos is a 6-foot-3, 170 pound athlete who’s versatility has placed him a different positions throughout his high school career. However, he spends most of his time at 2B. Santos has athletic bloodlines as his father spent the better part of seven years in Major League Baseball as a relief pitcher. Alex, however, has directed his athleticism towards being an offensive spark plug. He is an above average runner and has a short, compact swing with an all-fields approach. He has strong hands and above average bat speed. In the box, he has an athletic base and a quiet, repeatable load. He has good pitch recognition and has shown the ability to be able to hit the off-speed pitch. This tool will improve as he sees more at-bats against quality pitching.
Defensively, he has shown great instincts and range, being able to cover a large area with quick, long strides. He has a quick release, however he has a quirky arm action and average arm strength. Santos has a frame that could put on a good amount of strength which could lead to more pop in the bat and a stronger arm.
John Zega, SS, Middletown South High School
Zega is 6-foot-1 and is wiry strong with more size to come as he matures. In terms of frame, he is the most prototypical shortstop in New Jersey’s 2016 class.