YARMOUTH, Mass. -- The MLB Prospect Development Pipeline over the weekend was the latest piece in a summer-long showcase for the nation's top college players on Cape Cod, where scouts have studied players over weeks of continuous competitions.
For scouts, the league offers a wider window into how the prospects might fare in professional play. One scout noted that because players hit with wooden bats instead of aluminum, their performance here reveals a more accurate picture of how they would bat in the Majors. And unlike college, where teams typically compete in four games a week, the Cape Cod League teams play almost every day.
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"There's a little adjustment period to the schedule from college, because it's all laid out for you, to here," said Louisville infielder Tyler Fitzgerald, who is in his second summer with the Cape Cod League. "This is more like pro ball, more on your own."
The PDP began as a collaborative effort between Major League Baseball and USA Baseball to establish an official identification and player development pathway for amateur baseball players in the United States. The events, which include athletic assessments, vision tests and on-field drills, have recently been expanded to include college players as well.
Still, despite heightened demands and escalating pressure, several players have managed to excel above the rest.
Here are six prospects who have stood out to scouts so far.
Todd Lott, OF, R
In 2016, Lott turned down an offer to play for the Reds to compete for UL-Lafayette. Boasting a large, projectible frame, Lott has impressed scouts this summer with his power, hitting .309 while tied for lead in Cape Cod League with five home runs. But he is not just a one-tool player. The scout also commended some tough in-game grabs he saw Lott snag in left field.
Quin Cotton, OF, R
After participating in the PDP testing on Thursday, Cotton went 3-for-5, including a few shots deep into the outfield -- giving him a .306 batting average so far this summer. One scout said Cotton's athleticism and bat speed set him apart. He has all the physical tools to suggest potential and the batting prowess to back it up, the scout said. Cotton's secret? Staying calm by focusing on deep breaths and positive thoughts.
"I tell myself to control what I can control," Cotton said.
Davis Wendzel, IF, R
One scout said Wendzel was one of the more interesting players he has seen on Cape Cod. At Baylor, he tallied 49 RBIs and eight home runs while posting a .957 OPS in 2018, and Wendzel has continued to show his offensive worth on Cape Cod. He has notched eight doubles and 10 RBIs this summer.
Logan Davidson, SS, S/R
One scout lauded Davidson as one of the top prospects in the Cape Cod League. Not only did he impress this scout with his athleticism and bat speed, but he also boosts his reputation with exceptional play at Clemson, where he hit 15 home runs and 46 RBIs with a .952 OPS in 2018. The scout said Davidson was one of the best offensive players in the NCAA.
Matt Wallner, OF, L/R
Wallner catches the eye immediately with his large frame and stand-out strength, and it's no surprise that build has translated into power at the plate -- hitting 16 homers for Southern Miss in 2018 and his 67 RBIs were the 21st-most in the NCAA. He went hitless in his only game in Cape Cod so far, and one scout said Wallner needs to work on proving that he can showcase his power consistently. But his raw athleticism and projectible frame has been nonetheless attention-grabbing so far.
Austin Langworthy, LF/P, L
Langworthy might be a noteworthy pitcher, allowing just two runs in 6 2/3 innings as a reliever at Florida in 2018, but he has made a name for himself at Cape Cod with his brilliant batting. One scout praised Langworthy's bat speed and loose swing -- and the quickness with which he bolts around the bases. So far, he has hit .154 with four RBIs in Cape Cod after earning a .807 OPS with 29 RBIs and four homers at Florida in 2018.