A Look Back at Last Week's Uncommitted Prospects

April 24, 2018
Blake Davis
State Director, Georgia

Last week was action-packed with big games and uncommitted prospects. Had the opportunity to see three teams solidify their spot as region champions. Lots of well-known draft prospects who played well, but also saw some uncommitted kids who are going to have an impact at the next level; the two 2018 prospects are particularly intriguing for those schools that have roster space available for next season.

Oliver Livingston RHP / Decatur, GA / 2018

"Ollie" is a good academic kid who wants to go pitch. The medium-framed, right-handed pitcher has feel for three pitches. Uptempo delivery compliments his feel and commitment to his change-up. As a fast worker who throws strikes, the sink to his fastball (83-86) will always play well in front of a good defense. His slider is not back-foot caliber at this time, but he shows the feel to backdoor the pitch to left-handed hitters. Overall, Livingston is an aggressive kid on the mound who works fast and will attack the zone. There's plenty to like already, but even a slight up-tick in velocity could make him a steal for a college program.

Josh Smith OF / North Springs, GA / 2018

Hard to imagine this player not being committed at this point in his high school career. Josh is a 6'4 wiry CF who could really take off with a little more strength. His swing works from the right side and has above average bat-speed presently. He will get to his front side and drop his hands at the plate, but tracks the baseball well. Shows the ability to track and get behind the baseball in the outfield, and also gets on top of his throws and shows on-line carry with accuracy. Hard to tell what his true speed tool is because of the aggressive hacks he takes at the plate, but he is a long strider and when he gets stretched out, he really covers some ground. Very interesting kid in terms of upside and present ability.

Jordan Walker 3B / Decatur , GA / 2020

Physical young player still growing into his large frame and there is some projection to his athleticism. From a pure body standpoint, he is similar to where Josh Bell of the Pittsburgh Pirates was at around the same age. It would be unfair to compare him as a player, but physically they are similar. Walker relies mostly on leverage and size for his power. The right-handed hitter has a sound approach and puts together quality at-bats. He will be a fun one to track over the coming years.

Tyler Williams OF / Brookwood, GA / 2019

Live-bodied baseball player, who flashes plus speed and arm strength in the field. At the plate, he has a flat bat-path with plus bat-speed and flashes the ability to sit back and drive the ball the opposite way. He likes to swing the bat and the ball jumps when he connects. All the ingredients to hit are in place as long as he can make consistent contact. Williams has good tools and on initial impressions will be a player to keep a close eye on this Summer and next Spring.

Lucas Brieske LHP / Brookwood, GA / 2019

Loose 6-foot-2 left-hander who shows good projection. His fastball sits in the low-80s and can reach 85 mph. He flashed good shape and spin to his curve (71-73). Short outing Friday against a strong Parkview line-up but it was easy to see that Brieske has the ability that college coaches look for in a young southpaw.

Allan Del Castillo 2B / Parkview, GA / 2019

The 5-foot-8, scrappy, middle infielder plays with great energy and savvy, seeming to always know where he needs to be, grinding out at-bats and playing quick and low to the dirt while on defense. Comes across as a kid who knows how to win.

Josh Davis SS / Cartersville, GA / 2020

Did not get to see Davis play the infield this week, but he will be just fine in the outfield if it comes to that. He is listed as a shortstop and he looks like that kind of athlete just watching him move around the field. He is strong with a sound approach at the plate. He has bat-speed and a level stroke. Did not swing and miss in this game and took aggressive hacks at all times.