Top Performers from PBR Michigan's First Two Events

By Mike Penn

PBR Michigan ran two showcases on back to back days, one on the west side of the state and the other in southeast Michigan.  The talent was very solid and we had a good turnout from schools as a result. Here are the top five performances from our showcases:

1. Jackson Lamb, Bedford HS, Class of 2013:
Jackson drew considerable attention on this day and earned top prospect honors. He is a very gifted athlete that is a legitimate two-way threat at the next level. Lamb was 91-93 MPH from the mound. Possessing a heavy fastball with some arm side run and good tilt at times, Lamb has some of the best upside in his class. From the outfield the arm strength was on full display as he posted the best velocity touching 91 MPH. He patrols the outfield well using long strides and good reactions. From the plate his long levers produce power to all fields and an easy swing. When he completely fills out, he will be fun to watch. 

2. Brad Schaenzer, Lake Orion HS, Class of 2014:
Schaenzer is a good looking athlete already as a sophomore.  Physically he is put together well.  As an outfielder he ran an ok time with 7.33 60-yard dash but excelled with his arm throwing 90 MPH from right. Schaenzer's arm is the tool that separates him.  One of the best lefties in his class from the mound, Schaenzer was 86-88 MPH consistently with lots of strikes.  His breaking ball has good tilt and downward action. His change was around 78 MPH with good arm side run. He hits from the right side using his strength to drive the ball to all fields.  He takes his hard nosed approach to the plate and has an aggressive swing. 

3. Jake Bivens, Battle Creek Lakeview HS, Class of 2014:
Bivens is one of the premier middle infielders in his class. He runs well, 6.73 60-yard dash, and used his athleticism at short to display some smooth footwork.  He moves extremely well laterally. He was 78 MPH across the diamond but that is sure to improve over time. At the plate, Bivens has excellent balance with gap to gap power. He consistently displayed pop to the opposite field and showed a "get-on-base" approach. Running home to first on a bunt Bivens is a speedy 3.8 and averages 4.1. 


4. Zach McGuire, Utica Stevenson HS, Class of 2014: 
McGuire is a strong kid for only being in the 2014 recruiting class.  That strength and athleticism asserts itself when he swings.  At the plate he displayed gap to gap power.  More a of a pull happy hitter, McGuire was still able to go the opposite direction.  His arm from the OF and Infield were both strong and accurate.  From the outfield, he touched 85 MPH and threw consistent one hoppers.  

5. Keegan Baar, Hudsonville HS, Class of 2014
Keegan, a 6-foot-3 175 LHP from Hudsonville HS, is a long, lanky, and projectable athlete.  He uses his long limbs and across-his-body throwing motion to generate some deception in his delivery.  When he tilted his pitches they had heavy arm side run.  On this day he was up to 84 MPH and sat 82-83 consistently.  His change up is more advanced then his breaking ball at this point. However his breaking ball did show the makings of a solid pitch. He drew slight comparisons to a young Andrew Miller.  He projects nicely to play at a high level. 

Other notable performances included:
Austin Batka, Grand Rapids Christian HS, Class of 2014
Andrew Wood, Adrian HS, Class of 2013
Michael Hendrickson, Saline HS, Class of 2014




*All players names are linked to their profiles.