LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2006 National Showcase
Matt Newman is a 2007 left hand hitting outfielder from Brophy Prep, residing in Glendale, AZ. Newman is strong for his size, with an average, well-proportioned build on his 5'11" 170 lb. frame. In a tools breakdown, Newman does not have the explosive, eye-popping tools that many of the top prospects in the '07 high school class have, but his all-around game is much more polished than most of them. He ranked #41 among PG National Top 100 position players, particularly because he can really hit. Newman is a plus contact-type hitter who sprays line drives all over the field. He has excellent bat control and bat speed, making him a threat to punch a ball into right or to turn on a pitch and smoke it into the right field corner. He maintains very good balance in his swing and can handle all pitches. Newman has excellent hands for hitting. He just has such good feel with the bat in his hands, he seems as though he should hit for high average throughout his career. His swing is easy and he keeps the barrel in the zone well. Don't mistake this report to suggest Newman is a contact hitter only... he is a line drive hitter who makes consistent contact. On a per at-bat basis Newman is not a home run threat, but he will hit some occasional dingers. He handles velocity as well as offspeed pitches. A coach could hit him anywhere in the line-up and get production from Newman. In the outfield he also has feel for the game. Newman is an average runner but he can stay in centerfield. He takes good routes and gets great jumps on the ball, while closing well too. His arm is accurate and he has enough arm strength to throw out runners at 3rd or home. Newman ran 4.28 home/1st and posted a 7.18 60. He is a D1 player at this point but his bat and polished game should eventually find their way into pro ball.