LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2005 National Showcase
Rich Poythress is a 2006 first baseman/third baseman from Grovetown, GA with a big strong frame at 6-4, 230 lbs. He ran the 60 in 7.41 and showed very good arm strength for a first baseman at 84 mph. He's a solid defensive first baseman with soft hands who can save his infielders errors on low throws. Poythress has played some third base in the past and with his arm strength and good mobility for his size can probably do a good job there in an emergency. Poythress's best tool is his power. He has a power hitter's approach in the box, with very good extension to his swing and lots of upper cut and lift to the ball. Poythress stays tall and gets good leverage and very good bat speed. He does have a tendency to pull off the ball like many young power hitters but this can be corrected with time and with his gaining confidence in his strength and ability. Poythress hit one ball up the middle that registered 98 mph off the bat and that's what scouts mean when they say that a ball jumps off the bat. Poythress has big tiime home run potential and his other tools and skills play very well. He is a good student off the field.