Antonio
Anderson

Georgia Tech Commit. 6-foot-3, 205 pounds. It could not have been a better look on Anderson vs the Bluff. He faced two completely different arms back to back, a finesse arm & power arm. I’ve seen him play 10 INN in the past week, and he’s had 3 hits on offspeed pitches. 2 on CB’s, and one on a CH this night. It's very encouraging how well he’s seeing spin this early in the season, and speaks to not only his decision making but to special hand-eye coordination. But what allows his decision making and bat 2 ball skills to work to their full potential is the body control he has in the swing, specifically his head doesn’t move at all at the plate (or in the field). It starts with his wider base and pre-set hip hinge on the backside. This not only centralizes/locks in his center of balance, but starts him off in a great position to match pitch plane instead of having to sink into the legs in his negative move. His separation timing is so perfect that it allows the head to stay motionless while creating a smooth build of acceleration in the hands and momentum in the lower half. The minimal ground he gains in stride is just enough to clear his front hip, but minimal enough to cause no head movement. He can be dynamic with the stride like he was on the CH he golfed in the gap, as he gained more ground than usual to get a pitch below the zone. Antonio has made multiple difficult MLB plays at SS in the past 2 looks I’ve had on him, showing impressive range, ability to read hops, control his body in uncomfortable positions, and his plus or better arm. There’s no question for me he can stay at SS. However, a team that signs him could want him to bulk up as a power hitting 3B/2B. I feel that would be the incorrect move and impact his plus run tool. When watching him, it’s hard not to be reminded of the powerful switch hitting SS and speed demon Jonathan Villar.

Anderson’s relaxed approach was on display throughout the weekend, but was most notable in a star-studded matchup under the lights in game 1 against Walker Jenkin’s South Charlotte Panthers crew. In that game, the 21st ranked player in the class exploded for a big double to the pull side that he followed up with a towering home run in his next plate appearance. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound shortstop possesses present thickness to the lower-half, and given the present and future power potential, still profiles at a high level as a second or third baseman. Only getting left-handed looks, the switch-hitter got off swings with controlled aggression in each at-bat that was highlighted by a heavy barrel delivering firm contact. Gaining his strength from the ground up with a crouched stance that allows for even more, he rocks the hands back with a slight leg kick before working flat through the zone with innate ability to lift. An adequate runner, the power potential from both sides is what is sure to bring the most attention throughout the spring, and given his track record for producing, he will have a chance to raise his draft profile even more with a strong showing then.

Georgia Tech Commit. 6 foot 3, 205 pounds. The young looking, switch-hitting prospect is one of the top hitters in the country with serious power from both sides of the plate. Also one of the best athletes in the country, it's a plus runner with a plus arm. He has a dynamic, explosive, one piece swing with good timing and effortless juice. His shoulders rotate on a perfect diagonal plane for loft, gradually tilting the front shoulder downhill as he separates. This creates a smooth, uphill path that produces a knob led path and exceptional linear connection. The ball absolutely takes off from his barrel. The best part? He’s nowhere near his eventual physicality. He has a lengthy, well muscled build that carries strength throughout his frame while maintaining his overall athleticism. His hands and feet are smooth up the middle, and he shows off the instincts with good reaction time and reads. Anderson has all the tools to stick at SS long term, and separates himself with swing mechanics, raw power potential, and overall athleticism.