Future Games Analysis: Infielders

Salinas created a ton of interest among college recruiters with his unique combination of left-handed power and polished actions on the infield. At 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, the offensive shortstop still has room to add strength as he continues to develop. Showcased his power during batting practice on day one, launching balls from the middle to pull side. Starting from an open stance, he loads back with a reverse leg lift as he triggers his hands down and back with a hitch before taking a short stride, landing balanced. Fast hands whip the barrel on an upward plane as he makes strong contact with natural lift to the pull side and an exit velocity of 93 mph.  At shortstop, Salinas has fast hands and a quick exchange as he transfers into a clean throwing motion across the diamond. Good range to both sides and plenty of arm strength to play on the left side of the infield, clean arm swing from a high-¾ slot, throws with true carry across the diamond with a top velocity of 89 mph. Singled in all three of Team Texas’ games, and hammered what would have been a triple to right-centerfield.

Tucker is a fast twitch athletic shortstop (6.75 60-yard dash) that plays with a bounce in his step and a smile on his face. At 5-foot-9, 150-pounds, with a lean, muscular frame, he shows premium lateral range with smooth footwork, a quick first step, and soft hands out front. Throws with carry and accuracy across the diamond with a top velocity of 86 mph. The right-handed hitter had an aggressive approach all week at the Future Games, jumping on fastballs early in the count and making strong contact to the pull side. Starting from a neutral stance, Tucker has a simple load, pushing his weight back before striding forward as his hands slide back. Efficient path through the zone with regular effort on a slightly uphill path, strong hands at contact with gap approach as he finishes the barrel.

Merka is an all-around athletic infielder at 6-foot, 170-pounds. The right-handed hitter showed off strong pull-side gap power during batting practice with a 91 mph exit velocity. He starts from a tall, slightly open stance, then loads back smooth as he triggers his hands before taking a short stride. Natural rhythm, loose-quick hands, leveraged path with lift and good extension through contact. On the infield, Merka moves easy with smooth actions and quick footwork as he plays through the ball with relaxed rhythm. Quick release into a short arm swing across the infield with a top velocity of 86 mph. Throws with high end accuracy from different arm slots and has natural feel for timing and tempo at both shortstop and third base.

Schreck is a top step teammate and plays with a high motor. He has a lean, muscular frame at 5-foot-9, 155-pounds, with broad shoulders. The right-handed hitter starts from a balanced, neutral stance. Simple load as he triggers his hands slightly before he takes a short stride forward. Rotational upper body with a flat path keeps the barrel in the zone a long time. Lots of line drives during batting practice, flashing power to the pull side gap. At shortstop, Schreck has a quick first step and plays low with his hands out front. Has good rhythm through the ball and does a nice job of changing direction on routine ground balls with a quick transition and accurate arm. Had multiple hits on the week and produced a “wow” moment defensively on a ball down the right field line, when he deeked a throw to home plate, with the runner believing second base would be open for advance. Schreck backpicked to first.

A two-way player and right-handed hitter, Hill starts from a tall, open stance with his hands set high and close to his ear. Shifts his weight back as he strides closed. Strong hands with a leveraged path on an uphill plane. When he gets the barrel to the ball, it’s going somewhere in a hurry. Quality round of BP before game three where he showed serious pop to the pull side with plenty of lift and carry. At third base, he has quick footwork as he plays through the ball and does a nice job of creating momentum toward first. Soft hands funnel the ball back to his midline before he throws with a top velocity of 84 mph across the diamond. With his athleticism and frame, look for Hill to continue trending upward in the coming year.