Burger, Feight Stand Out At CNT Trials

COMPTON, Calif.—The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team trials began Monday with the team convening for its first workout at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton.

Aside from the action on the field, the biggest news of the day came midway through practice when it was announced that Freshman First-Team All-American Luken Baker had been added to the roster and would join the team later in the week.

On the field though, a few players stood out during the workout in front of more than two dozen scouts and front office personnel in attendance.

Here is a look at who made an impression on day one:

Missouri State third baseman Jake Burger opened practice showing a plus arm during infield, firing accurate throws from deep down the line and showing impressive movement in every direction despite his thick build. He followed up with one of the more impressive batting practice showings of day one, hitting the longest home run of the day by a wide margin and consistently pounding the ball off the walls in left and center. Burger hit 21 homers for the Bears this season, and showed that his power translates to wood bats.

The first batting practice homers of the day were hit by Florida catcher Mike Rivera. Rivera began BP slowly before catching fire in his final rounds of cuts, showing powerful torque to drive the ball to left and pulling the ball with authority. Rivera finished second on the Gators with nine homers this season, and was notable for hitting the first homers on a CNT roster that includes plenty of power hitters.

UNC Wilmington catcher Nick Feight also opened eyes during batting practice. While not elevating any over the wall for a home run, Feight consistently pounded high fly balls into the gaps and did it with ease, swinging effortlessly throughout. Only Louisville’s Brendan McKay, a more highly regarded prospect, showed the type of power with ease that Feight did during batting practice. Feight hit 21 homers with a .726 slugging percentage for the Seahawks this past season, and the power showed during his batting practice session.

While batting practice was in full swing, Rice righthander Glenn Otto forced folks to look across the field into the bullpen. The 6-foot-4, 225 pound Texan showcased a power fastball that caused a loud thump every time in hit the catcher’s mitt, more so than any other pitcher that threw. Otto delivered from over the top, and the fastball exploded as it reached the plate. He struck out 65 in 41 innings for the Owls last season and caused more than a few scouts to turn their heads.

During the infield/outfield portion of practice, Vanderbilt outfielder Jeren Kendall uncorked a series of strong, accurate throws on a line from center field to the plate. While other outfielders reached the plate without a hop but needed some air under their throws, Kendall consistently threw on a straight plane parallel to the ground and found the perfect distance for a one-hopper when necessary.

Louisville’s Devin Hairston showcased lightning-quick hands at second base, both when fielding grounders and turning double plays. The 5-foot-7, 172-pound sophomore also demonstrated superb quick-twitch athleticism throughout the day at second.

McKay is a significant draft prospect as a pitcher, but the Louisville two-way star made sure to remind everyone he can hit too, showcasing an effortless swing that sent balls flying to the gap in right, including a few that cleared the 375-foot mark in right-center.

Another strong arm belonged to Kentucky’s Evan White, who took reps both in right field and at first base. White reached the plate on the fly from right, but it was at first where he really shined. He turned 3-6-3 double plays smoothly, while adding serious zip on his throws all around the diamond from first base. His footwork around the bag was strong too.

K.J. Harrison is considered a possible replacement for Logan Ice as Oregon State’s catcher, but he spent the first national team practice playing first base exclusively. Harrison is listed as a catcher/first baseman, but with three other catchers on the roster, his time behind the plate could be limited.