Cooper
Holland

Holland, the #5 ranked player in the class, delivered a stellar showing in announcing his presence on a national stage. Long and lean with a growing, 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame that should carry considerable athletic strength, the left-handed hitter demonstrated innate bat-to-ball capabilities across four games that saw him go 7-for-16 with two doubles, a triple, and a home run along with 11 total RBI. Upright in a narrow, relaxed stance, the hands walk away from the face, down and back below the shoulder with a simple stride that allows a quick, heavy barrel to drive through the zone with incessant lag. Still growing into his frame, the ability to impact the baseball to all fields stands out, right now, and there are strong signs that he will ultimately develop significant, effortless power given the present lofting ability. Still more, the hands and glove work in a similar relaxed fashion to the bat, and a quick release with short arm action provides carry on throws. Though he only played second base in this look, a left side profile is obvious, and will likely be the landing spot in subsequent looks. Overall, it was an exciting first look at a tantalizing young player who is still far from reaching a high ceiling.

Holland, the No. 2 player in the state, continues to show why he’s such a highly regarded player in his class. Starting at second base for the Eagles, Holland made every play he had a chance on including an awkward knuckle-ball type line drive that he caught a few feet in front of him. He was seemingly always in the correct spot on balls hit to the outfield and even backing up plays like a veteran player. However, as good as his defense was, it’s the left-handed bat that will make him a nationally known player in short order. Already 6’2” 180, Holland possesses one of the sweetest left-handed swings in the state regardless of class. In his first at-bat he hit an elevated fastball to the deepest part of the park that looked like it was going to be caught but kept carrying before smacking off the wall for a standup double scoring a run; his first double and RBI of his career. His next at-bat he went down on a fastball and barreled it to right-center-field that required a great play by the center fielder to register the out. His final at-bat may have been his best as he worked and spoiled a couple of pitches. He finally got a grooved fastball that he pulled past the second baseman for another RBI. Holland also added a walk on the day. All-in-all, it was a great debut for the No. 2 player in California.