01/15/2016 - Under Armour All-America Pre-Season Tournament
Our first look at Cole was back in June of 2013 and that earned him an invitation to our Rookie Pre-Season All-America event. His steady climb has continued since then, as he has turned himself into one of the top players in the entire 2017 class. The most recent invitation he earned was to the Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field this summer where this talented OF will perform on a Major League stage. Cole has the rare combination of elite speed (6.41 in the 60 in Arizona) and plus raw power to all fields making the Georgia Southern commit an extremely intriguing prospect. A great young man off the field as well with an excellent work ethic, there is no telling how good this young player can ultimately be.
10/17/2015 - 2015 Under Armour Showcase: Baseball Factory's Futures South
Brannen once again featured a loose left-handed swing with standout raw power. He got the barrel to contact with minimal effort and excellent bat speed, and got the ball in the air naturally for carry to the pull side. The ball came off his bat with great life, this time with a wood bat. His live game swings were more connected and under control than we saw last in July 2015, with his best at bat resulting in an opposite field single on a fastball away. Defensively, he moved light on his feet with athletic, coordinated actions. His throws left his hand on a very strong trajectory, and carried easily through the target from a release nearly over the top. He was a step or two off the 6.43 we saw in July, this time posting 6.52 in the 60 yard dash. Overall, combines speed among the best in the 2017 class with left-handed raw power and a chance to play CF -- making him one of the "must see" 2017 graduates.
07/10/2015 - 2015 Under Armour Showcase: Baseball Factory's National East
Cole had an outstanding showing at the event in the OF with the makings of a special type player at the next level as he continues to show improvements in his baseball abilities. Foot speed has really improved, now a tremendous runner as indicated by his 6.43 60 time. At the plate is where he has improved the most through an athletic setup. Hands are quick, generating tremendous bat speed through a direct / level swing path. He has strength in his swing and works to stay inside the ball, utilizing all fields with HR pop to all fields. The baseball explodes off the bat when centered, creating back spin. He will hit and hit with power at the next level. In the OF, he uses his quick / athletic feet well in taking proper routes / angles in tracking down balls as he covers a lot of ground, displaying range. Hands / feet work well together through the fielding process as he shows big play potential. Cole will get looks from the top collegiate coaches and pro scouts with the makings of a solid 2017 draft type guy.
03/08/2015 - National Tryout - Atlanta, GA
Brannen showed as a SS plus in the OF for the first time and continues to show improvements in his baseball abilities. At the plate, hitting / power grades are now well above average through an athletic / open setup. Hands are quick, generating bat speed to and through a level swing path, creating extension. He shows a feel for the barrel with baseball exploding off bat when centered, mainly to the pull side. Foot speed continues to show as an outstanding tools as indicated by his 6.85 60 time and 4.19 home to first. At SS, he works around balls to play through with momentum to his target, presenting soft, sure hands well out front. He is rangy, moving well laterally and shows big play potential in the MIF. In the OF, he takes proper routes / angles in tracking down balls and works to get behind, playing through with momentum. He reads balls well off the bat and covers a lot of ground. Throws are accurate with life, accuracy, and on line carry into his target. Cole has a promising future on the diamond with his athletic abilities.
10/01/2014 - Arizona Freshman/Sophomore Fall Classic
Cole once again shined with Baseball Factory at the AZ Freshman / Sophomore Fall Classic. Defensively, he has advanced feel with the glove and has a productive pace. He continues to move well laterally and field with a sure glove. Becoming more consistent with his lower half use to throw after catch will add life to his arm across the diamond. Offensively, he has fluid actions to hit and delivers the barrel on a direct path. He is a contact type lefty that is aggressive and runs well out of the box. Overall - Cole still projects as a top of the lineup shortstop that has a coachable personality and projectable build.
06/04/2014 - Under Armour Southeast Championships, powered by Baseball Factory's Team One
Cole continues to shine on the diamond. This versatile athlete can mix it up, and make a difference at multiple spots on the diamond. In the INF, he has smooth/fluid actions as he works through the ball from right to left. He has plus range and can move well laterally. With the bat, this lefty is a top of the lineup type of guy. He squares the ball up and puts the barrel on the ball consistently. He puts pressure on the defense with his speed (getting down the line in 4.21). Brennan also has the ability to get on the bump. He threw a couple of innings at the event. Through smooth mechanics and good lower 1/2 drive, he filled up the strike zone. FB ranges from 81-84 mph as he can spot up. Cole has huge upside and is a player to keep an eye on.
01/17/2014 - Baseball Factory All-America Pre-Season Rookie Tournament
Cole is an athletic SS with good instincts. In the infield he has sure hands, quick feet, and above average range. He has a textbook fielding position and is aggressive to the ball with excellent body control. He has a quick exchange and makes accurate throws across the diamond with an above average arm. At the plate Cole has a smooth left handed stroke and he showcased his gap to gap power in the games. He has a good load, solid balance, and uses his lower half well. His swing path is consistent with an advanced approach at the plate. Cole has a lot of potential and should be a fun player to watch as he continues to improve his game.