Peyton
Richards

Having seen Richards now several times this season, I’m impressed by his level of consistency both in the box and in the field. In a game with little offense, Richards was one of three Granada hitters to reach base multiple times. Hitting 3rd for Granada, the University of the Pacific commit would follow up a HBP in his first trip by lacing a 1-2 FB up into LCF for a single, continuing to showcase a solid 2-strike approach at the plate. With good bat speed and solid bat-to-ball skills, Richards exhibits a smooth and quick swing, utilizing a simple load to get into his front side well. Richards is confident enough in his hands to drive the ball with 2 strikes and spray it to all fields. On the bases, the senior displays good speed and instincts, tagging up from 2nd on a fly ball to left with ease. Defensively, Richards demonstrated a number of tools in CF. In the top of the 2nd, Richards cut down a runner trying to score from 2nd on a single with a perfect throw to end the inning. He also gets great reads and solid jumps, running down several balls in the gaps in the contest. With the ability to play a strong CF and a solid offensive profile, Richards is set to make a solid impact at the next level.

Having now seen Richards in game action twice now, I have become even more interested by his profile. After having a couple hard-hit balls last week vs. College Park, Richards tacked on three more today. Batting out of the cleanup spot, Richards came up with the bases loaded in his first at-bat and smacked a 1-2 fastball up into right-center for a 2-run double to give Granada the early lead. In his second at-bat, Richards led off the top of the third innings, barreling a 2-2 pitch down the RF line and off the netting for another 2B, later coming around to score on a wild pitch. After cueing the ball off the end of the bat in his third trip up, Richards had another hard-hit ball in his fourth trip, getting just under a FB for a high fly ball to left. Richards exhibits a good 2-strike approach, strong bat-to-ball skills, and good athleticism on the bases. With a smooth and easy swing, Richards should continue to be an intriguing left-handed bat for Granada.

Despite having only one hit on the day, Richards made the most of it. After a hard-hit grounder in third that was picked nicely by the first baseman on a short hop, Richards barreled another ball in his next at-bat. This time, Richards roped a hard liner just past the first baseman’s outstretched glove for an RBI double in the fifth, providing a much-needed insurance run for Granada. Additionally, Richards tacked on a five-pitch walk to lead off the top of the seventh inning. Hle would later get to third on back-to-back wild pitches, including getting to third without a throw on a great read where the ball stuck by the catcher’s foot. With a direct swing path, a pull-side approach, and good athleticism, Richards is an intriguing left-handed bat.

Event: Future Games Tryout: NorCal
Positional Profile: OF
Physical: 6-3, 185-pounds; Compact, athletic frame; 6.79 60-yard, 3.78 30-yard, 1.65 10-yard
Offensively: LH. EV max – 88.0 mph, hand speed max – 20.5 mph, bat speed max – 69.8 mph; Slightly open stance with hands held right behind the ear. Small toe tap timing mechanism triggers a smooth, inside out swing with a two handed finish.
Defensively: OF- 86 mph; Got rid of the ball with calculated urgency and efficiency. Very clean actions and angles.

Positional Profile: OF/1B

Body: 6-3/190. High waisted, tall/athletic build. RSi- 2.44, 10yd- 1.66, 60yd- 6.85, VERT - 29.6

Arm: OF- 82mph. Medium arm swing out of a ¾ slot. Good carry on throws.

Defense: Prep step, active/choppy feet, fields ball out front, transfers out front, fluid release and follow. Good athleticism in the outfield with confidence in glove. 

Hit: LHH. Upright stance, feet slightly past shoulder width, medium hands. Simple bat wiggle, small leg kick and stride, quick hands, gets the bat head out with a more level swing, good barrel control, consistent/controlled bat path that will pull the ball.