LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2007 National Showcase
LJ Hoes is a 2008 OF/IF/P with a 6'0'', 190 lb. frame from Mitchellville, MD who attends St. John's HS. Has a very strong and athletic build and has done a great job adding good strength over the last year. Hoes has played both infield and outfield in the past but it seems to us that his tools play better in the outfield. He has centerfield type instincts and jumps and a cannon right field arm that threw 95 mph during drills and threw lasers in the games. There won't be too many better defensive outfielders in the 2008 class. Offensively, Hoes is really concentrating on staying short and quick to the ball. He has a simple, short load and good rhythm getting his hands moving and squared up on just about everything he swung at, hitting hard line drives and ground balls to all fields. It's easy to see that there is a lot more power in Hoes with his bat speed and strength but his present approach is very impressive for a young hitter and he has a great base to build from. We've seen Hoes frequently in the past and know him to be an outstanding base runner with plus instincts and solid speed (6.77 in Cincinnati). He's a winning type of player who performs and should keep getting better. Hoes has a verbal commitment to North Carolina.