Prep Baseball Report

Western PA Open ID Showcase Analysis: Evaluating the Corner Infielders



By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

In an event that was heavily populated with middle infielders, two corner infielders stood out as quality prospects to keep an eye on. 

CravenZach Craven, Class of 2014, McKeesport HS
Craven is no stranger to PBR events, having attended multiple events this past summer and fall. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound 1B/3B took home MVP honors for his performance at the PA Underclass Games in September. Craven continued to impress with a good glove and solid footwork at first base. He had an excellent round of batting practice showing good rhythm to his swing, a solid lower half and good extension. Craven has good hands and squares the baseball consistently in a power position leading to his ability to drive the baseball. He is currently ranked No. 87 in the PA Class of 2014 rankings.

HarpalaniMaxx Harpalani, Class of 2017, Pine Richland HS
Harpalani is a 5-foot-8, 145-pound 8th grader that impressed at the Western PA Future Prospects Showcase. The 3B/OF certainly didn't disappoint a week later with older prospects. The only Class of 2017 player in attendance was the top third baseman at the event. Harpalani showcased well again as a hitter taking a solid round of batting practice. He showed an athletic base and a solid lower half that resulted in consistent line drives and good barrel whip. Harpalani displayed a 4.84 home-to-1B time and a 71 mph arm from the outfield. The Class of 2017 prospect played through the ball as an infielder and demonstrated a 70 mph arm across the infield.

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