NJ: Top Uncommitted 2017 Outfielders

By TJ Hunt
New Jersey Scouting Director

As the signing period has come and gone, it is time to look at some of the top uncommitted 2017  prospects still on the board in New Jersey. There is a plethora of talent still out there, and there is plenty of time for these players to decide on the perfect fit. 

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the top uncommitted seniors by position. Over the last three weeks, we highlighted the top pitchers, catchers, and infielders that are still left. Since the first weekly article was posted, RHP John Barone (Wayne Hills HS, NJ) committed to Seton Hall and C Jack DeSalvo (Tenafly HS, NJ) committed to Washington University. This week  we highlight the top uncommitted senior outfielders:

TOP UNCOMMITTED OUTFIELDERS
+ Ryan Casey, OF, Pope John XXIII HS, NJ
New Jersey Games (July 23, 2016)
Casey is 5-foot-11 175-pounds and plays the outfield. Lean, athletic looking body. Ran a 7.04 60. Offensively, sets up opened and uses a big leg kick to start his swing. Hand load is fluid and consistent. Hips torque through the zone to give some power. Primarily line drive hitter. Exit Velo 85.
Defensively - Shows advanced actions in the outfield. Throws were from a 3/4 slot with some arm side run. Topped at 82 from the OF. 

+ Will Shaffer, OF, Gloucester Catholic HS, NJ
New Jersey Games (July 23-25, 2016)
Shaffer is 5-foot-11 160-pounds and plays the OF and pitches. Offensively, starts with a wide stance, uses a leg lift to start swing. Minimal hand load. Smooth swing with loose wrists and hands. Stiffens front leg on finish, causing him to lift slightly in swing. 
Defensively -  Has a feel of how to play the outfield. Threw 88 from the OF with very loose, long arm action. Pitching -  Topped at 82, sat 80-82 from a true 3/4 slot. Gets gloveside high to get some leverage down the mound. Throws slight across body on finish. A lot of moving part in delivery. Changeup was best pitch in outing - armside fade at 76. Showcased a 65 mph breaking ball that backed up on him multiple times.

+ Gabe Mejias, OF, St. Joseph's Metuchen HS, NJ
New Jersey Games (July 23-25, 2016)
Mejias is a wiry athletic 6-foot 195-pound OF. Had one of the top arms from the outfield at the event, registered throws up to 86 mph, and exceptional arm action and carry. Throws were on a line and on target to home. Offensively, Mejias is a LH hitter. Starts with hands on shoulder and a relaxed crouch. Load is started by leg lift and hands are raised to just above the shoulder. Smooth swing with average hand speed. Can get long with barrel and tends to raise up in finish, stiffening out legs. Exit Velo: 80.
Defensively - whippy but short arm action. Throws had backspin and exceptional carry. Charges ground balls well in the OF and finishes through throws toward targets.