Although there wasn’t a large turnout for the Kansas City Top Prospect Showcase, the talent in attendance was plentiful.  A slew of underclass infielders and catchers caught the eye of the Prep Baseball Report Missouri staff, as they put their names on the map for the next several years.  Here are the write ups for all the players at the event:

 

The 5-foot-7, 155-pound infielder showed sure hands on in the infield, as well as considerable range in both directions.  Gates also displayed a quick transfer and threw the ball across the infield at 73-74 mph.  At the plate, the right-handed hitter made consistent contact using a powerful swing with barrel whip.  Gates also ran home-to-first in 4.25 seconds.  

 

 

Turner impressed at the showcase by excelling behind the plate, in the outfield, and on the mound.  The athletic 5-foot-10, 155-pounder registered a pop time of 2.02, showed a quick release and transfer, and fired the ball down to second at 80-82 mph.  In the outfield, Turner demonstrated advanced actions coming through the ball and crisp, accurate 83-84 mph throws.  On the mound, the right-hander’s fastball sat between 80-83 mph, and he also showed an above-average slider with late, hard break, as well as a 73-75 mph change up.  From an offensive standpoint, Turner could emerge as one of Missouri’s elite 2014 two-way players with a few minor adjustments to his swing.

 

 

The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder came through the ball well in the outfield, and delivered accurate 80-83 mph throws with carry.  Similarly, Conrad demonstrated sound fielding techniques at shortstop with quick hands and smooth transfers.  On the mound, his fastball sat 79-81 mph (topping out at 82 mph) with some natural movement.  He also flashed a 73-75 mph curveball, 74-76 mph slider, and 73-75 mph changeup.  At the dish, he used good balance to drive the ball the other way and generate extension after contact.  Conrad also ran home-to-first in 4.3 seconds.     

 

Tyler Locker, SS/3B, Raytown, Class of 2013

In the field, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound infielder showed advanced footwork and used his athleticism to get around the ball.  Locker’s footwork and transfer was also impressive on double plays.  Just getting over a wrist injury, Locker is a gutsy player who could make an impact when he is fully healed.

 

Hanson is an athletic middle infielder with good instincts and sure hands.  At 5-foot-10, 145-pounds, he should continue to get stronger and therefore see a jump in his 69-70 mph infield velocity and 4.37 home-to-first time.  As a hitter, Hanson displayed a balanced set up and good load.  With a more emphasized hip drive, he has the potential to hit for more power.

 

 

The 5-foot-9, 150-pound Skeed was another impressive 2014 player at the event.  Behind the plate, he showed a 2.21 pop time, advanced blocking techniques, and delivered accurate, 68-72 mph throws to second base.  At shortstop, Skeed showed sure hands and impressive glove-side range.  At the plate, he demonstrated an opposite field approach with quick hands that yielded consistent line drives.  As he continues to develop, Skeed has the potential to be an impact catcher.

 

 

McDonald was impressive at shortstop, as he showed excellent instincts, advanced defensive actions, and true hands.  He fired accurate throws across the infield at 75-77 mph which has room to improve with a better follow through.  As a hitter, the 5-foot-11, 145-pounder showcased an aggressive approach and a short, compact swing.  He drove the ball from gap-to-gap and demonstrated above-average rhythm.  As McDonald gets stronger and faster, he has the potential to become a legitimate middle infield prospect.

 

 

The 6-foot, 165-pound Cox was consistent with all of his pitches thanks to sound mechanics and good balance throughout his entire delivery.  The right-hander pounded the strike zone with his fastball, which sat 70-73 mph with late cut.  Cox also featured a 53-54 mph bender with gradual break, as well as a 58-60 mph changeup with arm speed that mimicked his fastball.  With a stronger finish and slightly more explosive delivery, Cox could see a velocity jump on his fastball.