Peach State Games: Top Middle-Infield Hitters

August 20, 2018
Blake Davis
State Director, Georgia

Today we begin our analysis of the Peach State Games by looking back at the top five uncommitted middle-infield hitters. These rankings are based strictly upon the hitting ability of the middle-infielders. This is assessed in terms of live swings, actions and tools. Top middle-infield hitters are not based on factors such as power or defense. This is a talented and diverse group, both in terms of overall skills and athleticism. The ultimate common thread within this group is that they can hit and they definitely displayed this at PBR’s inaugural event at Georgia College.

Peach State Games Rankings: Top Middle-Infield Hitters

Justin Barnes SS / 2B / Kennesaw Mountain, GA / 2019

This kid continues to barrel baseballs. We have had a chance to see Barnes play live several times over the course of the Spring and Summer. The bat has shown up every time. It is not a pretty stroke thing with Barnes, it is the ability to find the barrel and make hard contact, over and over. During the 2018 Peach State Games, Barnes hit the ball all over the place and it did not matter who was on the mound. He has good strength to his body and is a good athlete, running a 6.82 at the North Georgia Trials earlier in the summer. Barnes has good versatility in that he can play the infield or the outfield if needed. He is an excellent student and is all business on the baseball field.

Garrett Howe SS / 2B / Hebron Christian, GA / 2020

Howe is a compact strong kid at 5-foot-10 and 180-pounds. The first thing you notice about him is his hands, they are noticeably big and strong on contact, just like most good hitters. He shows an excellent straight away set-up and balance at the plate, with a short direct path. His elbow is cocked and his hands show rhythm. He had very good takes live, and a displayed knowledge of his zone. In terms of hitters actions, Howe has the look and feel of a kid that is looking to do damage, but is going to make a pitcher come to him.

Cade Caldwell SS / 2B / Sprayberry, GA / 2019

At 6-foot-4 180-pounds Caldwell looks the part and has room to pack on the pounds. He is a fluid baseball player with good actions. At the plate he is balanced and athletic in the box with a level stroke, that produces line drive after line drive. He has enough strength and leverage, showing gap to gap power and an exit velo of 85 mph. He is not done yet either, with strength gains I see plenty of projection to his offensive game

Chaz Salter SS / 2B / Ola, GA / 2019

Salter is a hard nosed, blue collar kid and it does not take long to pick up on that. He is direct and shows good confidence in himself. At 5-foot-11 and 170-pounds he has wiry strength. In the box he is a loose rhythmic hands, and straight a away set-up, that projects well with more strength. In live game action Salter has the feel of a kid that does not give away at-bats and plays it like a one-on-one affair. He displayed the ability to recognize and react to quality secondary stuff, by keeping his hands back and ready to launch.

Kyran Coleman SS / 2B / Inspire Academy Home School, GA / 2019

At 5-foot-11 and 165-pounds, Coleman is a fast twitch kid with wiry, sneaky strength. He is an fluid baseball player, that should be able to play all over the field if needed. At the plate Coleman has an athletic set-up with good feel for the bat-head. He uses a leg kick to get the bat going and he can get to big in his approach at times. But with added strength see him having plenty plenty gap to gap power. He showed an 84 mph velocity at this event and stung a couple balls in live game action. This is not a light middle infield bat, just one that is going to get better with added strength. Kid has plenty of present ability, but upside is here also.

Current News