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Showcase  | Story | 12/15/2021

FAQ Showcase Questions: Part 2

Perfect Game Staff
Pre-Showcase FAQs Part 1

For many heading into their first Perfect Game showcase, there’s an element of the unknown for players and families as they simply haven’t experienced an event in a showcase setting before. In part 1 we looked to answer some frequently asked questions and provide players and families as much information as possible heading into the event. In part 2’s installment, we take a look at what to expect once the showcase is underway, what our scouts are looking for, and how to maximize your exposure throughout the weekend among your peers. The final piece, part 3, will break down the metrics every player will accumulate throughout the weekend from all parts of the showcase. 

With the addition of Prospect Gateways (13U/14U) to the Perfect Game showcase schedule, players now have the opportunity to attend at a younger age, post a baseline of numbers and watch their progress over the years. Whether it’s a Prospect Gateway or the National Showcase with 300 of the top rising seniors, the structure of a Perfect Game showcase remains the same, providing continuity from one event to the next. Each segment of a Perfect Game showcase is used in each player's evaluation by our scouts, from the 60-yard time to their performance throughout drills and the live action portion of the event.

This article will answer the most popular question, “what are scouts looking for?” It’s a rather simple question but the answer is not. Scouts are looking at a variety of factors throughout the event.



There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to scouts as “talent is in the eye of the beholder” and two seasoned scouts may see different things evaluating the same process. Below is a brief process of what goes into every aspect of a Perfect Game showcase and what we have seen and been asked many times by players and parents. 

All players start by running the 60-yard dash and while notes may not be taken, every time is recorded along with their 10-yard split time, allowing a quick snapshot of their athleticism and twitch. From there we move into the workout portion of the event and that’s where we can begin to break down “what scouts are looking for.” 

It’s worth noting that a player’s overall potential and what our scouts project long term is factored into all aspects of a player’s performance and evaluation. 

Outfielders: Starting in right field, players will make two throws to third base and three throws to home plate, putting their arm strength on display. One of the first things we notice is how a player fields, moves to the baseball and whether they have proper footwork on the approach, while working through their release. Both their arm speed, arm action, the release point, accuracy and carry on flight are evaluated. All of these traits, along with arm strength, can result in a beautiful throw to the intended target, checking a lot of boxes in this drill setting. 

Infielders: The PG showcase method: One ground ball at the player, two to the backhand, one forehand up the middle and a charge play on a slow roller, all from shortstop. That means we want to see your footwork, moving to the backhand, how you maintain balance and if you can turn the glove over cleanly. Does this player show lateral range, can they throw on the run or off balance? One thing we see throughout the country during showcases are players who take a few extra steps to load up for the radar gun and while that can help post a big number on your profile and show your raw arm strength, it’s not how you’d play in a game setting and takes away from your true actions. That said, still show off your arm strength as it’s a critical tool in the evaluation process, just don’t sacrifice your actions in doing so! Like any position on the field, accuracy is important. While big arm strength is impressive, without accuracy it isn’t very usable in a game setting. 

First Basemen: While the attention is on the infielders at shortstop during their drills, their throws across also allow us a quick look at the first basemen with how they adjust to throws mid-flight, their flexibility, as well as their glove skill when it comes to picking balls out of the dirt. When it comes time to fully evaluate the first basemen, we get a further look into what we already saw while adding a couple pieces to the puzzle. We look to see how they move on their feet away from the base, how they pivot when making the throw to second base and of course their arm strength, carry and accuracy to the intended base. First basemen will work through a sequence of five ground balls: the first two they play deep and showcase their arm strength to third base, then play one deep to turn a double play, hold the runner on and start a double play before standing even with the base on a slow roller charge play to third base.

Catchers: The drills provide our first look at catchers and an important one as we get to see their mechanical profile for five throws down to second base whereas in live action we may only see one or two at best. That means game-like actions, pace, and mechanics are important in evaluating. Setting up behind the plate as one would in a game during drills is critical in the evaluation process. While starting with a higher set behind the plate or partially turned with shoulders and hips pre-pitch will help quicken your pop time, the prospect isn’t showcasing their true actions which our scouts make note of. Non-game actions can result in having a higher pop time during drills but that is factored into the evaluation process by our scouts and thus the defensive grade may not fall in line with the recorded pop time. Within those five throws scouts are looking how the ball is received, the cleanliness and quickness of the transfer into throwing hand, footwork, athleticism and overall flexibility, as well as their release, arm quickness and of course arm strength, carry and accuracy down to second base. 

•            When it comes to working out at a position, showcase where you envision yourself playing at the next level. Don’t tire your arm out at a secondary position just to show arm strength and ultimately take away from your performance at your primary position.

What do scouts look for in pitchers?
•            The first thing associated with pitchers more often than not is velocity but that’s just one piece of the puzzle in the total evaluation process. Our scouts look at everything from body type, to mechanical operation and arm action, ability to replicate movement patterns and release point, mound presence, command and control, feel for secondary pitches, overall pitchability and much more. Just because a pitcher doesn’t light up the radar guns yet doesn’t mean the player won’t catch our attention, especially at the Prospect Gateway events, as no two pitchers are the same in terms of development, both physically and on the diamond. 

We’ve seen players who are near physical maturity working upper-80s or better but don’t have the ability to harness within the strike zone and they may get the same overall PG Grade as a long and loose, projectable arm working in the low-80s but shows command of the zone and the makings of quality off-speed pitches.

•            If you’re a two-way prospect but a primary pitcher first and want to work out from a position during the drills portion, you can request to pitch on Sunday so that you aren’t getting your arm hot for drills and then cooling down until game time. 

What are the Perfect Game scouts looking at in batting practice?
•            Every player will get 10 swings during their round of batting practice while switch-hitters will get six swings from each side. Just like pitchers, there are a variety of things we look at for every batter aside from the obvious, which in this case is the result off the barrel. The mechanics are evaluated during batting practice, looking at whether they can repeat them, how their balance is, and how will it translate against live pitching?

•            All the components of a swing are broken down as well, from the hand load to timing trigger, length of swing and overall bat speed, whether there’s extension out front and the ability to square the ball up regularly. Of course, these are just some examples before getting into the overall results. In a wood bat setting, it’s understood that some players may not be able to impact the ball yet. They can still show ability to the barrel while squaring up eight of their ten balls and as the player grows stronger, it’s only a matter of time before the ball starts jumping. 

•            How does the ball jump off of the barrel? Can the player work to all fields with authority or intent? Is there present power and do the swing mechanics foreshadow power to come?

Why is your Perfect Game profile important? 
•            Think of your PG profile as a baseball resume of sorts with college coaches being the job interviewer. Often when a name is passed to a college coach the first thing they do is pull up a player’s profile, review the metrics, and watch the video. This is another reason why showing your true actions, fundamentals and arm strength are important as they will be on your profile for all to see. SHOW YOUR ACTIONS, SHOW YOUR ARM, PLAY YOUR GAME! 

What are things Perfect Game scouts are looking at during live game play?
•        Live play is important as we get to see how the drills portion translate into game play. How’s the first step quickness of the infielder, can they adjust to the ball, how are their overall instincts, how does an outfielder track off the bat, can the catcher frame and present pitches all around the zone, how are their throws down to second base with a batter in the box? It also gives us plenty of looks at a player’s game swing, how they can adjust to off speed, do they have an approach/plan at the plate? While players get to showcase their speed at the start of the showcase during the 60-yard dash, scouts also mark down times from home to first, seeing how the speed translates down the line for 90 feet, so run out those ground balls!
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Showcase | Story | 6/4/2026

Soph. & Junior National Arrive in Georgia
Hannah Jo Groves
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This weekend will kick off the 2026 PG Junior National Showcase with the Sophomore National Showcase following close behind. Both in Marietta, Georgia, these showcases will feature lots of top-50 talent along with the ever-present potential for lesser-known players to turn heads.  For the Junior National Showcase, starting on June 6, 7 of the top 10-ranked players will attend - No. 2 Colin Anderson, No. 3 Cullen Scott, No. 4 Carter Shouse, No. 6 Aiden Kearney, No. 8 Keelan Zumwalt, No. 8 Landon Bonner and No. 9 Theo Swafford.  Anderson won’t have to travel far to attend, coming from Acworth, Georgia. At last year’s Sophomore National Showcase, he impressed scouts with his calm approach and explosive bat speed. Scott, a right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Melissa, Texas, has shown his arm strength getting up in the 90-mph zone....
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Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 6/23/2026

MLB Draft Reports: 300-399

Michael Albee
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2026 MLB Draft Reports: 400-500 300. Anthony Quigley, SS/3B, Northwest Florida State R-R, 6-5/215, Coral Springs, FL Previously Drafted: Never Drafted Anthony Quigley possesses a strong, physical frame with athleticism that plays in the box. There is bat speed through the zone with a feel to launch. The power stands out to the pullside. Quigley shows the athleticism on the defensive side, but is still likely best suited for third base at the next level.  301. Garrett Lambert, RHP, Mercer R-R, 6-2/200, Lilburn, GA Previously Drafted: Never Drafted Garrett Lambert features a strong, athletic frame with a quality three-pitch mix. The fastball works in the low-90’s with carry and cut. It is paired with a sharp slider that has sweep and diving changeup. Lambert has shown the ability to miss bats and throw strikes at a good clip.  302. Spencer Evans, LHP, TNXL Academy HS L-L,...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/23/2026

UBC Northeast Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Mason Bicht (‘29 PA) stays hot, nukes this ball to dead CF for a Grand Slam💣 clear juice being put on display today #WWBANEChamp@PG_Scouting https://t.co/l24AwJ8RnB pic.twitter.com/iYgNvJcD2M — Perfect Game Mid-Atlantic (@PGMidAtlantic) June 13, 2026 Mason Bicht (2029 Lansdale, PA) was an absolute force offensively over the course of the WWBA Northeast Championship, ultimately ending his event with a well deserved most valuable player award. Finishing with a .571 BA including five doubles, a HR, and 14 RBI, the 6-foot-1, 210 pound prospect simply refused to get out, and was a major reason why his Philly Bandits squad walked away champs Monday afternoon. The stance for Bicht is relaxed and balanced with loose hands and plenty of bat speed to be found. He generates effortless carry to the pull side & middle of the field, flashing clear jump off the barrel with leverage created...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/23/2026

VSA, Swamp Crowned Co-Champs

Alyssa Golden
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VSA, Swamp Crowned Co-Champs After Nine-Inning Battle After three and a half hours under the hot Florida sun, VSA Sluggers 18 and Swamp Baseball’s City of Palms Championship battle ended in fitting fashion, with both teams sharing the title. The two teams remained tied 9-9 through nine innings before lightning in the area brought the championship matchup to a halt Monday afternoon. The two local programs have built a competitive rivalry, with several close matchups stemming from their proximity and familiarity with each other. Their history was evident throughout Monday’s matchup as emotions ran high, resulting in several heated exchanges and the eventual ejection of Swamp head coach Brian Porvaznik. Just three weeks earlier, the two teams met in the championship game of the BCS Qualifier, where VSA earned a 6-4 victory. Swamp entered Monday’s matchup looking to flip...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/22/2026

Florida World Series Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Ian Long (2026, Fort Myers, Fla.), a 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, came out firing for Swamp Baseball and ran his fastball up to 87 mph through the first inning. Generates power well with his lower half and does a nice job getting down the mound. Filled up the strike zone early and showed the ability to work ahead in counts. Samuel Mendoza (2026, Fort Myers, Fla.), a 5-foot-7, 155-pound right-handed pitcher, got the start for VSA and worked with a fastball in the low-80s. Mixed in a tight breaking ball that paired well off the heater and helped keep hitters off balance. Competed in the zone throughout his outing. Owen Augustine (2026, Fort Myers, Fla.), a 5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed pitcher, lived in the mid-80s with his fastball and made quick work of hitters. The ball comes out of his hand clean and he consistently attacked the strike zone. Showed confidence working...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/23/2026

Coastal Region Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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James Propst (2031, Indian Trail, NC) stands at 5-foot-8, 150 pounds with a lean, athletic frame and developing strength. A left-handed hitter and thrower, Propst is a versatile utility player. He consistently makes hard contact and brings an aggressive approach to the plate. Staying connected throughout his swing, he works counts well and consistently produces quality at-bats. Propst had a great day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, two RBI, and a home run. Overall, he delivered an impressive offensive performance. Daniel Davis (2030, Columbia, SC) stands at 5-foot-11, 145 pounds with a lean, athletic build and room to add strength. He bats right-handed and throws left-handed. He shows a wiry frame with quick-twitch athleticism, a balanced stance, and a repeatable swing, consistently squaring the ball up. Davis went 3-for-4 with a double and a home run, scoring two runs...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/22/2026

14u WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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2030 SS Cash Kelly (Franklin, Tenn.) is a buzzing name this summer as someone who is off to a fast start and looks the part as one of the better pure hitters in this class. He’s very comfortable in the box, showing an innate feel to find the barrel (and limit swing-and-miss) while the hands are fast and he can really accelerate the barrel. Defensively he has been excellent making plays look easy, showing nice range and enough arm for the left side. Add in the fact that he’s a strong runner and you have someone that can impact the game a ton. 2030 SS/RHP Trey Vandergriff (Milton, Ga.) got a couple innings of work at the back end of East Cobb’s first game and looked awesome, striking out 5 of the 6 hitters he faced with big stuff. He sat 85-88, showing dynamic arm speed and a really athletic delivery, while the breaking ball feel stood out, showing he can land it in any...
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Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 6/22/2026

MLB Draft Reports: 400-500

Michael Albee
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MLB Draft Board: Top 500 400. Michael Barnett, RHP, UCLA R-R, 6-4/210, Lafayette, CA Previously Drafted: Never Drafted Michael Barnett has started games over the last four years for the Bruins, including 44 starts over the past three seasons. The fastball does not overpower hitters, but can generate ground balls at a high rate. A heavy fading changeup is the primary secondary pitch and plus offering. Barnett will use it often and miss bats at a high clip with it. A low-80’s slider adds a third offering. Barnett does not generate a ton of strikeouts, but pounds the zone and fills innings.  401. Connor Marshburn, RHP, UNC Wilmington R-R, 6-6/240, Cary, NC Previously Drafted: Never Drafted Connor Marshburn features an XL frame at 6-foot-6, 240-pounds. The right-hander throws from a low slot and attacks hitters with an east/west mix. The fastball works up to 94 mph with armside...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/22/2026

Hot Bats Help AZBC 2027 Take Title

Emily Hicks
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After three days of competition, the 2026 BCS Challenge concluded with a championship matchup between AZBC 2027 EB and AZ Aztecs at Goodyear Ballpark. AZBC 2027 EB came out victorious with a 12-1 win for the tournament title. AZBC 2027 EB took control early, plating 4 runs in the 2nd inning after Aztecs put 1 on the board in the 1st. The offense continued to build momentum throughout the game, capitalizing on hitting and aggressive base running. Leading the way offensively was Griffin Gregory, who finished 2-3 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored. He got the game started for AZBC with a double lined out to left in the top of the 1st inning, getting the crowd and dugout going. Additionally, Beau Zacher, a top 500 ranked player,d went 2-2 with 1 double and 2 runs score, though he wasn't the only one to help out the offense. Logan Sanchez went 2-2 with 2 doubles and 1 run scored and hit .714...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/19/2026

14u/15u Midwest World Series Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Aiden Weishaar (2029, Geneso, Ill.) physical power bat put together one of the most productive offensive performances of the event, showing big impact off the barrel with advanced strength and leverage through the swing. Collected six hits including two doubles and two home runs while driving in 13 runs, consistently doing damage in run-producing situations. Creates loud contact with present pull-side juice and projects for significant power as the frame and strength continue to mature. Middle of the order offensive profile with the ability to change the game with one swing. Also stood out on the mound with a dominant 7 inning performance, punching out 11 hitters while working efficiently throughout the outing. Fastball ran up to 86 mph with good life through the zone and showed the ability to consistently attack hitters and miss bats. Highly intriguing two-way prospect whose combination...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/19/2026

14u WWBA Returns to Hoover

Kinley Kitchens
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One of the most anticipated events on the summer travel baseball calendar returns this week as the 2026 Perfect Game 14U WWBA National Championship gets underway in Hoover and the surrounding Birmingham area. Now in its 19th year, the tournament has established itself as the premier event for 14U players across the country, annually attracting some of the top young talent in amateur baseball. This year’s championship will feature 129 teams competing for a national title, continuing a tradition that has seen organizations such as East Cobb Astros, Team Elite, USA Prime, SBA Bolts National, and defending champion ZT National Prospects take home the trophy. As always, the field is loaded with elite prospects, many of whom are already becoming familiar names within the Perfect Game community. Starting off strong with Christopher Cabrera, the No. 1 overall player and No. 1 third baseman...
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