LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2006 National Showcase
Anthony Rizzo is a 2007 left hand hitting 1st baseman from Stoneman Douglas HS, residing in Parkland, FL. Rizzo has a big, strong, physically mature build on his 6'2" 225 lb. frame. There is not a whole lot of physical projection left with him, but as long as he keeps hitting the way he is capable of, that won't be a big issue. Rizzo can punish a baseball. He has strong hands and those hands work quite well in his swing. Rizzo stays behind the ball and generates a lot of energy through contact, driving the ball hard with power. His bat speed and raw strength are both assets and combined with pretty good timing, Rizzo is a bruiser with the bat in his hands. He uses the whole field and showed plus opposite field contact. He can leave any part of the yard. With Rizzo it is fairly simple... stick him in the middle of the line-up and let him produce. Over at 1st base he will not be confused with J.T. Snow, but he has a good arm and is an adequate defender. Obviously he is a big target to throw to from across the diamond. Range is somewhat of an issue but as long as he makes the plays he can get to, which he should be able to, then there is always a place for him in the starting nine with his bat. He ran 4.99 home/1st and posted a 7.58 60 time. Pro teams may be scared off by his mature body, but he will make a lot of noise this spring and could draw some crosschecker attention. If he gets to college, it is scary to consider a metal bat in his hands.