Antonelli earned his keep at Wake Forest as an exceptional athlete who put the ball in play with consistency. Scouts like the way he improved every year in college. Teams were careful against him this spring, yet he displayed his usual patience and still managed to rank among the Atlantic Coast Conference leaders in six offensive categories through mid-May. Antonelli has a compact swing that feasts on fastballs and makes pitchers pay for getting behind in the count. His plate discipline was the best in the ACC, and the results included hard and consistent contact and only 24 strikeouts in 200 at-bats. His athleticism is excellent, and he puts it to use on the basepaths and on the field. His defense at the hot corner is exceptional, but scouts wonder if he will hit for enough power in pro ball to remain at the position. While his power continues to develop, Antonelli is able to hit the ball hard to all fields, as evidenced by his going the opposite way in eight of his first 11 home runs this year. His soft hands, good lateral quickness and solid range should allow for a seamless move to second base, while his speed and arm strength could handle left and center fields and possibly right field.
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