Eyewitness Accounts

Likes to play, personable, social, emotionally controlled, some ease to his game.

Not the sexiest baseball player, Gavin LaValley's best tool is his power. He has an idea at the plate and can pick up pitches, but his current approach compromises him on pitches away. He also manages first with relative ease, and can impress with some plays. What kills LaValley's game is his speed. Not atrocious yet, it certainly not what you want to see in a 22-year-old. LaValley possesses playable major-league power, but his hit and speed tool relegate him to a second-division regular.

Focused, prepared, comes to play, gets along well with his teammate, controlled emotions, confident, baseball player.

One of the more exciting players in the FSLl, Austin Riley stands out. He has size and smooth actions. He plays an athletic third base, handling many challenging plays ahead, behind, and to his side. There is present game power, and visible raw power to right-center field. His hit tool is below average because of leakage and weight balance but with further instruction and repetition, the 20-year-old's hit tool will improve. Riley has the defense and power combo to be an Atlanta favorite, all contingent on his weight balance at the plate. There's a significant gap between where Riley is now where he could be, hence the high risk factor. Still, I believe he has the aptitude and ability to make those adjustments and justify his ceiling.

He's a ballplayer that doesn't complain and is relaxed when on the field. Won't make any manager sweat with problems from what I can see.

Newman is a hitter’s hitter. He looks incredibly comfortable at the plate and will frustrate pitchers because he can barrel up pitches that hit the corners. His athletic swing in combination with his advanced hitting approach makes for a plus hitter that will do most of his damage in the yard. The lack of power limits his potential some, but he can be a competent shortstop, even though his arm plays much better at second base. He’s a safe prospect that can be an above-average major league regular, especially if he shifts positions.