LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2005 National Showcase
Jonathan Merritt is a 2006 shortstop/right handed pitcher from Douglasville, GA with a small athletic build at 5-8, 160 lbs. He has very good first step quickness and deceiving strength for his size. Merritt ran the 60 in 6.79 and was as low as 4.27 down to first base. He can beat out ground balls and cause problems on the bases with his speed. Merritt played both shortstop and second base at the National. He has very good arm strength and can make the play going to his right at both positions. We've also seen Merritt throw in the upper 80's off the mound before. Merritt's quickness and arm strength are big plusses and he's the type of defender that makes tough plays. Offensively, Merritt has surprising bat speed and power. We've seen him leave the yard many times with wood and he's an aggressive hitter who's looking to drive the ball. Merritt's swing has got on the long side, especially in his take away, recently, but he has too much talent not to be a premier hitter at the next level. Overall, Merritt is a hard nosed player with very good tools and he can play. He's also a very good student and has signed with Birmingham Southern.