02/08/2009 - College PREP - Bradenton (Tampa), FL Pierce is a two way player at 2B and on the mound with a small, thin frame. Currently, he projects best at 2B. Foot speed is near average and he needs to get on a speed / agility program to improve foot quickness for the next level. He utilizes his feet well in his lateral movement, displaying some range. Glove action is soft, but does get deep at times. As he learns to take better angles in coming to get ground balls and playing through, it will enable is hands to be presented more out front. Defensive abilities in the infield are slightly above average with room to grow. Arm strength is solid average showing plus accuracy. He needs to get on a strict long toss program to aid in further developing more arm strength and raise velocities. At the plate, hitting abilities are average with near average powers. He keeps his eyes down and makes solid contact but has some mechanical flaws that are hindering him from reaching full potential. Hitting grades and power numbers will improve with instruction and adjustments at the plate. On the mound, Byrd has average to below average ability and needs to concentrate his work on his defensive play and abilities at the plate. Pierce has abilities with a lot of room to improve.