HITTING: Strong, athletic build and getting bigger.  Powerful, short stroke and stays behind ball well with middle/in pitches.  Has shown skills hitting the ball hard the other way, but will be dangerous as he continues to improve on staying behind outer half pitches and shows better discipline with off speed pitches.  Destroys mistake pitches and has tremendous ability as he develops into a better hitter.

PITCHING: Very serviceable on mound with the ability to throw three pitches for strikes.  Arm works well - mid 3/4 arm slot, long stride with good extension.  Has refined mechanics considerably and does a better job of getting on top of baseball rather than pushing it.  Developing sinker which sits in the range of 79-82 and will touch 84-85 at times with his 4-seam FB.  OK action on CV but arm better suited for SL/CUTTER.  CH is best off speed pitch with good arm-side action down and away.

FIELDING:
Corner Outfield / Corner Infielder
Grades out better as outfielder with solid range and good carry (85+mph) on long throws.  Gets good reads on balls and don't count him out in CF if increases foot speed.  Good 3B-type player.  Athletic and good range right and left with strong arm.  Needs improvement on coming in on balls and ability to throw with different arm angles, but overall athleticism gets the job done.  If pitching becomes top priority at the next level, playing 1B is certainly in the mix.

2009 SCOUTING EVALUATION:

M. Hadden was Age 15 when this eval was written.

Adam Barta - 612.790.4700
Owner, Minnesota Baseball Academy
Associate Scout - Chicago White Sox

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