2011 Recruit: Brandon Platts, RHP

Brandon Platts, RHP
6'4"; 210 lb; R/R
Mason City HS (IA)

■ Missouri-bound: Platts commits to Tigers (globegazette.com)

From the beginning, there was always something that separated Missouri from other schools in Brandon Platts’ mind.

The Mason City High senior had a laundry list of schools wanting his right arm in their pitching rotation but Missouri was always one of the schools that intrigued him most.

It was the Tigers of the Big 12 that wound up with his services.

On Monday, the right-handed pitcher committed to the Tigers, ending an arduous recruiting process that included Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas as the finalists.

“Looking over things, I really wanted to play in the Big 12,” Platts said. “I think it gives me the best opportunity to move on after college. I really think they are headed in the right direction and I want to be part of that.”

Platts, the Globe Gazette Player of the Year, was 10-0 with a 1.08 ERA, leading the Mohawks to the Class 4A state semifinals

.

■ Midwest Sports Advisors profile and scouting report (includes photos):

Brandon Platts is a big, strong player with tremendous potential to play beyond college. He is very athletic for a big man and his work ethic is only surpassed by his coachability. Brandon receives MSA's highest grades as a recruitable athlete and is without a doubt a Division 1 prospect. As a pitcher, he is poised and confident with an excellent speed variation between his upper 80's fastball and his off-speed pitches. His command is excellent and with a few seasons of growth, Brandon could be an absolutely dominant pitcher. His delivery and balance are acceptional as well as is his mental approach to the game. As a hitter, Pro Evaluator Kevin Seitzer (Kansas City Royals Big League hitting instructor) says of Platts: "Brandon is an above average high school hitter that should adjust to the college game very quickly, he is strong with tremendous bat speed. He will continue to grow as a hitter because of his work ethic and his athletic ability. He is a powerful hitter and will learn the ins and outs of each at bat as he faces more pitching at higher levels." Brandon has an awesome oppertunity to play baseball for many years to come. Presently, we would project Brandon as a pitcher first and position player second. He has the ability to dominate a game from the mound or the batters box.

■ Perfect Game scouting reports:

Brandon Platts is a 2011 RHP with a 6'4'', 210 lb. frame from Mason City, IA who attends Mason City HS. Big solid build, nice present strength. Simple hand drop delivery, clow paced, good smooth arm circle, high 3/4's release, tends to come over FB on release and not stay behind it as well as possible. Steady 86-88 mph FB from windup, CB bit soft on velo but big downer shape and commanded very well, Change up flashed good sink with nice arm speed. Threw strikes with all offerings, good idea how to pitch with 3 pitches. Solid prospect, good student.