By John Nolan
PBR Virginia/DC

Washington & Lee shortstop Will Burgess has committed to attend Shepherd University in the fall of 2016. Burgess is the first member of the Generals’ 2016 class to commit to play college baseball. Washington & Lee had a solid 2015 season, finishing with a winning record and advancing to the Conference tournament before falling to South Lakes. The Generals will look to improve on that this spring and Burgess figures to be a key piece for them.

At the Top Prospect Showcase North in June, Burgess hit from a balanced and athletic stance that was tall with slightly bent knees. He had a smooth load back and kept his hands high and took a short stride with excellent balance throughout his swing. He demonstrated an advanced approach at the plate. Burgess had a short bat path that was level with extension and a line drive stroke that was gap to gap. He uses lower half very well and had an exit velocity of 85 mph. In the field, Burgess threw from a high three-quarters arm slot with a short arm action and an accurate arm. His throws had some carry and he had a positional velocity of 78 mph. He showed soft hands with quick, fluid footwork and exchanges that were click and clean. Burgess was athletic in the field and played through the ball very well. He showed an outstanding feel at second base and outstanding actions and turns the double play very well.

When he arrives at Shepherd, Burgess should be able to help immediately as a defensive option at second or third base and as a bat off of the bench. Over the course of his career, Burgess has the potential to develop into a very good defensive second basemen who should hit for a high average with consistent doubles power and a few home runs mixed in as he gets stronger.