Uncommitted Prospect Spotlight: 2022 1B/OF Jake Books
September 17, 2019
Over the coming weeks we will take a look at the remaining dozen prospects that participated in a Team PA uniform and recap their performance at the event.
Today we continue with a look at 2022 1B/OF Jake Books. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound left-handed hitter showcased above average balance and an advanced approach to hitting while leading the team in RBI over the course of three games. Books currently shows the ability to drive the baseball to all fields with his strength coming from his lower half. A 93 mph bat exit velocity and a frame that has room to continue developing should lead to additional power in the coming years.
Team Pennsylvania Roster
| NAME | STATE | SCHOOL | CLASS | POS | COMMITMENT |
| Josh Beck | PA | Lancaster Catholic | 2021 | LHP | Radford |
| Colton Book | PA | Manheim Central | 2021 | LHP | Stony Brook |
| Jake Books | PA | Malvern Prep | 2022 | 1B | |
| Justin Butler | PA | Quakertown Community | 2021 | C | |
| Derek Cease | PA | Nanticoke Area | 2021 | SS | |
| Maddix Dalena | PA | Montoursville | 2022 | 1B | |
| Dylan DuCharme | PA | Spring-Ford | 2021 | OF | |
| Alex Gabauer | PA | Norwin | 2021 | SS | |
| Luke Holman | PA | Wilson West Lawn | 2021 | RHP | |
| Cullen Horowicz | WV | Jefferson | 2021 | 3B | |
| Michael Kilker | PA | Hazleton Area | 2021 | RHP | West Virginia |
| Paxton Kling | PA | Central (Martinsburg) | 2022 | OF | |
| Chase Kriebel | PA | Clarion Area | 2022 | LHP | Florida Gulf Coast |
| Colin Lewandowski | PA | William Penn Charter | 2021 | RHP | |
| Andrew Muraco | PA | Franklin Regional | 2021 | SS | Coastal Carolina |
| Rafe Perich | PA | Northwestern Lehigh | 2021 | SS | |
| Erik Ritchie | PA | Souderton Area | 2021 | LHP | East Carolina |
| Caleb Sturtevant | PA | Cocalico | 2022 | OF | Pittsburgh |
| Evin Sullivan | PA | North Penn | 2021 | C | Binghamton |
| Carter Welch | PA | Northwestern Lehigh | 2021 | LHP | |
| Trey Yesavage | PA | Boyertown | 2021 | RHP | Pittsburgh |
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| West Chester Dragons Scout Day | PA | 10/05 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
| RC Knights 16U Scout Day | PA | 10/12 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
| 2019 Future Prospects Showcase | PA | 10/19 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
| 2019 Elite Prospect Showcase | PA | 10/26 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
| 2019 Fall Measurables & Evaluation Showcase | PA | 11/02 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
| 2019 Holiday Showcase | PA | 12/28 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
RECENT NEWS
Scouting Report
+ 2019 PBR Future Games Selection (Team Pennsylvania)
6/28/19
6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitter showcased arguably the most balanced, consistent offensive approach of any hitter at the event. Went 3-for-8 with a walk and an a pair of RBI over the course of three games. Also made several loud outs and was a tough out all weekend. Polished defender at first base, Books also has above average feel for three pitches on the mound and a solid knowledge of how to attack hitters. Books was added to the Team Pennsylvania roster for the PBR Future Games following his performance.
6-foot-2, 200-pound two-way prospect sat 78-80 from a high 3/4 arm slot with a balanced, repeatable delivery. Displayed feel for spin with a curveball at 63-64 that had 1/7 rotation. Also commanded a slider with shorter break out of the same window at 68-70 and a changeup at 69-72. Left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiate his swing with a heel-raise stride. Clears his hips well and works through the baseball regularly with a feel for the barrel. Registered a bat exit velocity of 92 mph and ran a 7.33 60-yard dash. Showcased a soft glove hand and active feet around the bag at first base.
6-foot-1, 195-pound two-way prospect with an athletic, projectable frame. The primary pitcher sat 78-80 from an over-the-top arm slot with slight arm-side run to his fastball. Also showcased a curveball at 61-65 with 1/7 rotation and a changeup that sat 65-66 at near fastball arm-speed. The left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Showed the ability to create backspin with present gap power and an above average feel for the barrel. Registered an 83 mph bat exit velocity and showcased athletic actions defensively with 80 mph arm strength from the outfield.