By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

Tallahassee, FL- On August 26th one of the top organizations in north Florida, Next Level Baseball, held their National Showcase for players from the 2018-2021 classes. Players participated in a pro-style workout which featured the 60 yard dash, infield/outfield, and batting practice on the field. Following the pro-style workout, pitchers threw to batters in a simulated game format.

Below is a breakdown on the players from the 2018 class in attendance who added PBR Upgrade:

Alec Villanueva 2B / SS / Westminster Academy, FL / 2018 Currently stands at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds with a solid build and strong lower half. In the field he showed the ability to field the ball out in front and under control while also ranging backhand and forehand. Made a tough play up the middle where he then spun and made an accurate throw to first while at short. Throws topped out at 77 mph across the diamond. In the box he shows a balanced approach with quick hands through the zone and use of his lower half. Made consistent contact during batting practice where he used all of the field.

 

 

Zachary Hansen C / 1B / Daphne, AL / 2018 Currently stands at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds with a strong build and good lower half. At the plate he starts with an open stance with a high hand set and a quick bat through the zone. Strength in his swing and showed the ability to drive the ball with an uphill path through the zone. Creates hard contact. Behind the plate his throws topped out at 73 mph while showing accuracy to the bag with pop times ranging from 2.07-2.12 seconds. On the mound he has a simple delivery throwing out of the high ¾ slot with an 80-82 mph fastball while mixing in a 64-65 mph curveball with shape. Threw strikes and kept the ball low in the zone. With more utilization out of his strong lower half, he should see an uptick in his velocity.

 

 

Kyle Fontenot SS / RHP / St Michael the Archangel, LA / 2018 Stands at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds with an athletic, projectable build. Long limbs with room to fill out. Open stance at the plate with good hand-eye and a level path through the zone. Made consistent contact during batting practice and used all of the field. At times can be out in front on his front foot, but when he lets the ball travel into the zone he showed gap-to-gap potential. In the field he showed the ability field the ball cleanly and out in front. His overall game will only continue to improve as he adds to his frame.

 

 

Dawson Redd 3B / JR Arnold , FL / 2018 Stands at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds with a lean, athletic build. From shortstop he showed a quick first step and the ability to range freely to his left and right while fielding the ball under control. Charges the ball and stays balanced on his throws to the bag which topped out at 76 mph across the diamond. Clocked in at 7.34 seconds for his 60 yard dash time. At the plate hits from an open stance where he showed some quick twitch at the ability to make consistent contact. At times he can cut himself off, but as he becomes more fluid through the zone he should generate more power into his swing.

 

 

Chandler Jackson LHP / 1B / Milton, FL / 2018 Currently stands at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds with an athletic, compact build and good lower half. On the mound from the left side he has a simple, repeatable delivery throwing out of the high ¾ slot. Fastball sat in the 74-76 mph range with some movement while mixing in a 66-67 mph curveball along with a 63-64 mph change up. As he becomes more consistent with his landing and extension, he will be able to have a better command of the zone. At the plate from the left side he hits from a wide setup with a small toe tap for his load with short, quick swing through the zone. Clocked in at 8.01 seconds for his 60 yard dash time.

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