The Northwest Arkansas Open Showcase was Saturday January 7^th hosted at Perfect Timing in Springdale. The event had 22 players in attendance, all underclassmen. This group projects to have some players that will compete on collegiate rosters, we will work through and update everyone’s profile over the next few weeks today, I would like to go over a few notes from the event.

Catchers

2020 C Sam Golden impressed with his bulky frame and overall athleticism. He is agile behind the plate and on the infield. He led catchers in arm strength throwing the baseball 76 mph, he showed adequate technique and effort during blocking drills and received with quiet hands. Offensively he attacked the baseball with fast bat speed producing exit velocity up to 92 mph.

Infielders

A pair of 2019 infielder stood out. 2019 MIF Jeffrey Sinacore showed solid actions, as he played through the baseball, showed a smooth exchange and a quick arm, that threw the baseball 85 mph across the infield. He also registered 83 mph exit velocity with a line drive swing. 2019 MIF Tyler Lovell impressed as well, a raw athlete that has a feel for the game, he led the event in 60 time running a 6.61. He threw the baseball 75 mph across the infield and registered exit velocities of 79 mph. A recent transfer to Harrison HS, look for his game to improve under the tutelage of Coach Greg Crow.

Outfielders

2021 OF Cooper Combs stood out in the group of outfielders. The up and comer produced solid numbers, with exit velocities of 82 mph and threw the baseball 82 mph from the outfield. Combs uses a solid swing that gets the barrel out front with bat speed to drive baseball during bating practice. He has solid athleticism with a quick arm. A player to watch as an instant contributor in the 7A West for Springdale HS.

Pitchers

2020 RHP Kalen Forst, a massive frame from a young player always grabs the attention of scouts and Forst, is no different. He has a quick arm and is beginning to get a feel for the strike zone. He has some timing issues to clean up, but is most definitely an intriguing prospect to follow over the next three seasons. His fastball worked 80-81 mph, curveball was 65-68 mph and 68-70 with downward action.

Two-Way Player

2020 INF/RHP Luke Davenport showed his advanced physicality. He led the event in arm strength and exit velocity. He produced exit velocities up to 93 mph and threw the baseball 92 mph across the infield. On the mound he worked 84-87 mph with a solid mechanics and some late hand separation. His curveball was thrown 76-78 mph and his change up was thrown 71-73 mph. 

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