Andre
Lipcius

6.13.15:  Andre has a strong, athletic frame. He hits from the right side with a square stance and slight crouch. His hands start by his ear and he has great balance throughout his swing. He has a smooth, quick stroke and the ball jumps off of his bat. He presently has gap power to all fields and pull home run power with the potential to develop home run power to all fields. Defensively, he has an outstanding arm and good hands. He is smooth with his footwork and can probably stay at short, but would be just fine at any infield position. Lipcius threw the State Championship game and throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a tall and fall delivery. He has a long, fast arm action that generates easy velocity. His shoulders are uphill and closed as he strides out. His fastball was 87-89 early in the game and settled in at 84-86 with late, hard arm side run in the middle innings. He had enough stamina to still be able to dial high 80s in the sixth inning, touching 90 twice at that point. His changeup sinks and runs 68-70. Lipcius also threw a good, sharp, 11/5 breaking ball that ran 67-74. He dropped down to sidearm a few times throughout the game against righthanded hitters, sitting 76-82 and throwing a sweeping slider that ran 67.

4/20/19: Playing his third different position at Tennessee in the past three seasons, Lipcius is now the everyday third baseman for the Volunteers. His top tools are above average-to-plus arm strength, defensive versatility and his ability to control the strike zone. His defense at the hot corner wasn't nearly as impressive as my look last spring when he played shortstop. On this latest look his footwork was clunky and his reactions weren't nearly as impressive as those seen last spring. However, with his innate competitiveness, high aptitude and work ethic, look for him to show much improvement as he becomes more comfortable with the position. Ultimately, it's one of multiple positions he will likely play at the next level. At the plate, he sets up in a slightly open stance. Has a power hitter's swing with a long stride and a big weight transfer to his front side. He keeps his hands back for good separation. On this look, he was much more out front and out of control at times with his lower half than last spring and last summer in the Cape. It was especially noticeable on off speed pitches. He tended to pull most everything, instead of driving his top hand through where the ball was pitched. Has good bat strength and hand/eye with average bat speed. He is also an intelligent hitter who showed the ability to make adjustments. One of these changes came during Friday's game. Lipcius took advantage of a strong breeze blowing out to right field, going with an outer half pitch and elevating for a wind-aided home run. He also has an impressive two-strike approach, which is similar to most of the Tennessee hitters. He eliminates his stride and minimizes his hand load, enabling him to grind out at-bats and foul off multiple pitches. As a well below average runner, his entire game is more strength-based than quick twitch. Ultimately, he profiles best at the keystone in an everyday role, but will likely have the most value to a club in a multi-position role, possibly even as a third/emergency catcher. Reminds me of Jake Scheiner (Houston), whom the Phillies overdrafted as a budget saver in the third round of the 2017 draft. (Seifert)

8/15/18: Lipcius was highlighted earlier in the Cape season- here, as well as scouted earlier this spring at Tennessee. Lipcius continues to hit this summer in the Cape. After leading the Volunteers with a .315/.399/.473 slash this spring, he topped Harwich with a very similar line of .313/.391/.456. Hitters hit, and Lipcius is just that. He takes an easy, MLB type of batting practice, barreling line drives to all fields. Great bat control is just one of his many strengths as a hitter. Sets up in a slightly open stance and takes a good approach to the ball to start his swing creating good separation in the process. Showed good balance, average bat speed, good plate discipline and a good plan. Also has the ability to extend an at-bat, fouling off several pitcher pitches in two-strike counts to get to the next pitch. Played mostly first base in the Cape, which is where he played at Tennessee as a freshman out of deference to Nick Senzel. As a sophomore Lipcius moved to shortstop where his instincts and angles made up for his below average foot speed. His plus arm gives him more than enough arm strength to play third base (and even a chance to convert to the mound down the road, if needed). With a bit more foot quickness he may even be able to handle second base, where his bat would better profile. Although he doesn’t possess premium power or running speed, SEC hitters who perform typically do well in the draft. Lipcius looks to be no exception. (Seifert)

7/22/18: Scouted earlier this spring, Lipcius continues to hit this summer in the Cape. After leading the Volunteers with a .315/.399/.473 slash this spring, he now tops Harwich with a very similar line of .319/.399/.471. Hitters hit, and Lipcius is just that. He takes an easy, MLB type of batting practice, barreling line drives to all fields. Great bat control is just one of his many strengths as a hitter. Sets up in a slightly open stance and takes a good approach to the ball to start his swing creating good separation in the process. Showed good balance, average bat speed, good plate discipline and a good plan. Also has the ability to extend an at-bat, fouling off several pitcher pitches in two-strike counts to get to the next pitch. Currently playing mostly first base in the Cape, which is where he played at Tennessee as a freshman out of deference to Nick Senzel. As a sophomore Lipcius moved to shortstop where his instincts and angles made up for his below average foot speed. His plus arm gives him more than enough arm strength to play third base. With a bit more foot quickness he may even be able to handle second base, where his bat would better profile. Although he doesn’t possess premium power or running speed, SEC hitters who perform typically do well in the draft. Lipcius looks to be no exception. (Seifert)

3/20/18: Amongst a talented sophomore class, athletic SS Andre Lipcius (shown in the video below) stood out as the top prospect for the 2019 draft. Last season, Lipcius received Freshman All-SEC honors at first base. This year he has moved back to his natural position of shortstop where he has good hands, body control and a smooth release. He showed a plus arm with on-line carry and good accuracy to his target, making a couple of strong throws across the diamond from the six-hole. He anticipates well, has a quick first step, and shows plus range to his left. In the batter’s box he has good balance and average bat speed. He has a slight loop in his swing, but overall it is a solid, repeatable swing with the potential to hit for both average and some power. He has the athleticism and tools to emerge as a top 3 round pick in 2019 with continued development. (Seifert)