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General  | General | 5/27/2012

West Memorial Day Pool Play Recap

Todd Gold
As pool play at the 2012 WWBA West Memorial Day classic wraps up and the playoffs get set to begin, here is a look at some of the teams and players that have made a big impression on the PG scouting staff to this point.


Dbacks Elite Scout Team
The Dbacks Elite Scout Team roster is hand picked by the Arizona Diamondbacks scouting department of the top players from the state of Arizona. They place a significant emphasis on development and showcasing their players, even at the expense of winning games in the short term. With a loaded pitching staff fronted by 2014 RHP Ryan Castellani (Brophy Prep, Phoenix, AZ) who ran his fastball up to 90 mph on Friday night, the Dbacks keep their pitchers on strict pitch counts. They also sub in their deep roster to get position players the innings they need to develop, regardless of game situation. This approach combined with fielding a team of 16 and 17 year old players competing in the 18u division is not necessarily a recipe for winning games in the short term, in spite of their overwhelming talent. As a result they've lost a couple of very close games, including a 6-5 loss in the opener on a walk-off single and falling short in a tight game against the Angels Elite 2012, a similar caliber squad comprised of the state's top prospects in the class of 2012. In addition to Castellani, here are a few other top level standouts who have had a big weekend to this point:

-2013 MIF Riley Unroe (Desert Ridge HS, Mesa, AZ) is a talented switch hitting middle infielder, but thanks to opposing pitchers, he has hit exclusively from the left side during the Dbacks four pool play games. While he stood out by going 7-for-13 with a pair of triples and four stolen bases hittting in the middle of the Dbacks order, his middle infield defense has been equally impressive. Unroe is light on his feet and moves well laterally, showing above average range and a quick release on his throws with good carry. His home to first times have been in the 4.10-4.20 range and he's shown some pop, having lined one ball 94 mph off the bat and just missing a home run down the right field line after turning on an inside fastball yesterday.

-2013 MIF Jamie Westbrook (Basha HS, Gilbert, AZ) has  raw tools that are a bit ahead of his talented double play partner's (Unroe) in some areas, and his arm strength really stood out and gives him a legitimate chance to stick on the left side of the infield at the next level. Westbrook's bat speed is also impressive, giving him surprising raw power for a player with a 5-foot-11 frame. While at times his tools make you forget how young Westbrook is, there are other moments where his experience level begin to show. He has a ways to go with his development all around, but from a tools standpoint Westbrook is arguably the most exciting prospect in Arizona's 2013 class.

-2015 OF Tyler Williams (Kellis HS, Peioria, AZ) is the youngest player on the team, but he also has a chance to develop into the best. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he has a body that projects to be massive once he fills out. He is an average runner already and shows range in center field. He's showed tremendous patience in the tourney to this point, taking his walks rather than attempting to force the issue by swinging at bad pitches. In one of the few at bats where he had a chance to show off his hitting tools, he lined a comebacker through the box that registered at 89 mph off the bat off of Angels 2012 Elite RHP Gary Cornish (on an 87 mph inside fastball). He'll be an interesting player to watch develop over the next few years.


Angels Elite
Outside of the few players selected to the Dbacks Scout Team, the Angels can lay claim to the top draft prospects out of Arizona in each class. Their 2012 Elite team boasts OF/RHP David Graybill (Brophy Prep, Phoenix, AZ), OF Chris Beall (Brophy Prep, Phoenix, AZ), 1B Chris Akmon (Saguaro HS, Scottsdale, AZ) and OF Zach Gibbons (Saguaro HS, Scottsdale, AZ) form the foundation for a loaded lineup of Division I players who will are drawing varying degrees of draft interest. The talent doesn't end with the 2012 Elite roster however, as the younger classes also boast impressive talent. A few of the players who have boosted their profiles this weekend include:

-2012 RHP Gary Cornish (Arcadia HS, Phoenix, AZ) ran his fastball up to 89 mph yesterday and has a loose quick arm that portends for even more velocity in the years ahead. He limited a potent Dbacks Scout Team lineup to just three runs in a complete game effort that put the Angels in the driver's seat to win their pool and qualify for the playoffs. Cornish has already seen his velocity climb a few mph over the course of the spring, and his breaking ball flashes good spin when he gets on top of it.

-2013 C Elijah Callahan (Highland HS, Gilbert, AZ) showed a quick bat and power potential while hitting .500 through the first four games for the Angels 2013 squad. He also showed solid receiving skills and a quick release from behind the plate.

-2014 OF/1B Gerard Hernandez (Pinnacle HS, Phoenix, AZ) showed good raw power from the left side and went 5-for-10 in the Angels 2014 Elite's first four games. While he doesn't have an extra base hit, he ripped a deep foul ball that had plenty of distance on Friday night's loss to the loaded Playa Vista Orioles 18u. Hernandez is ranked in the top 100 of PG's class of 2014 player rankings.


Playa Vista Orioles
Southern California is well known as one of the top hotbeds for producing amateur baseball talent in the country. The depth of talent and presence of several elite level travel ball programs creates a skewed supply and demand dynamic of talent that leaves many high caliber players under the radar. Especially in the eastern parts of the Los Angeles area, where the Playa Vista Orioles draw their talent from. As a result, many of the Orioles players were somewhat unknown on a national level, but with performances like the one the Orioles 18u and 16u teams have put up this weekend that is beginning to change. Some of the standout prospects from the Orioles this weekend include:

-2013 RHP/3B Chad Hockin (Damien HS, LaVerne, CA) sat 88-89 mph with his fastball in a relief appearance on Friday as he nailed down a Save against the Angels Elite and backed it with a late breaking 80 mph slider. His strong athletic frame still has room to fill at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, but his arm strength and offensive prowess give him the potential to be a two-way player at the collegiate level.

-2013 C Mason Fishback (Rancho Cucamonga HS, CA) seems to be the staff favorite for best defensive catcher in the tournament. He moves very well behind the plate and is an advanced receiver, his quick release and strong arm allow him to post consistently good pop times in the 1.90 range. While his bat won't be his calling card, his defense should carry him throughout what may be a long playing career beyond the high school level.

-2014 C Tommy Pincin (Upland HS, CA) perhaps it's his strong build at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds or the confident approach he shows in the batter's box, but opposing pitchers don't seem too interested in pitching to Pincin. He is 2-for-3 with four walks through three game of pool play to this point. He shows good bat speed when he gets a chance to swing the bat and his arm strength behind the plate is an asset as well. He appears to be ready to compete at the 18u level, but with Fishback's strong play he can see more innings at the 16u level where he really stands out.


All Star Baseball Academy
While travel ball teams competing on regional and national levels is relatively new to prep baseball scene in Arizona, but All Star Baseball Academy is one of the more established player development and showcase programs in the state. Now in their thirteenth season, they have established a reputation for consistently developing players for the next level of competition. Their five representative teams entered the day a combined 10-1 and are the reigning champions in the 16u and 18u divisions.

-2013 INF Jeff Paschke (Valley Christian HS, Phoenix, AZ) made an immediate statement on opening night, as he stepped into the box and crushed a screaming liner that registered at 98 mph off the bat for a single, then followed it with a towering fly ball that one-hopped the fence in left center.

-2012 SS West Tunnell (Boulder Creek HS, Arcadia, AZ) continued to impress with his high energy play and obvious baseball IQ combined with high level defensive play up the middle and on base ability. Tunnell is also a good on-field leader who will be taking his game to Baylor in the fall, where he has a full ride, unless an MLB organization persuades him to skip college and turn pro.

-2013 RHP Joey Wise (Cactus Shadows HS, Cave Creek, AZ) topped out at 87 mph with a promising breaking ball that he threw for strikes.

-2012 C/RHP AJ Young (Gila Bend HS, AZ) got on the mound and ran his fastball up to 85 mph, but its his ability at the other end of the battery that landed him a scholarship to Utah. He has a power bat and can do some damage on balls to the pull side and has a strong arm behind the plate. He's been a huge presence for ASBA's 18u squad to this point in the tournament.


SoCal Diplomats
The Diplomats come into the weekend shorthanded, as they are missing several players whose high school season is still going as they have marched deep into the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs. In spite of missing a few key palyers, they managed to sweep through pool play at 3-0 and locked up at least the No. 2 seed (with a good shot at the top overall seed) in the 16u playoffs. This is the same squad that made a run to the semifinals of the 16u MLK Championship back in January. Lucky for the Diplomats Kaiser High School was knocked out of the CIF playoffs early as it freed up talented prospects:

-2014 OF Ryan Mota (Kaiser HS, Fontana, CA) went 5-for-10 with a pair of triples and five RBI in the three games of pool play. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds he looks the part and stands out during pregame warmups. He shows good raw power at the plate with the potential to develop more of it. He has tools that suggest he can be an adequate left fielder long term, but his bat will have to continue to develop in order to be a valuable asset at the next level. Based on what he showed this weekend, he has a good chance of doing so.

-2014 MIF/RHP Chris Mathewson (Kaiser HS, Fontana, CA) Mota's high school teammate showed good two-way ability, hitting .500 (3-for-6) and drawing three walks at the plate. He also sat 82-85 with his fastball and backed it with a solid 74 mph curveball during two perfect innings of relief (17 of his 20 pitches were strikes) in which he picked up a Win and struck out four.
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General | Press Release | 5/25/2023

Perfect Game & Launch Hydrate Team Up
Perfect Game Staff
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850 Twixt Town Rd. NE | Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Introducing Launch Hydrate: The Official Sports Drink of Perfect Game, Powering Athletes with Next-Gen Hydration CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Thursday, May 25, 2023) – Perfect Game, the world’s premier youth baseball and softball organization dedicated to hosting the highest quality amateur events while providing meaningful opportunities and information to players, coaches, and families, is excited to announce its official partnership with Launch Hydrate, a leading innovator in the sports nutrition industry. This partnership will provide Perfect Game participants access to Launch Hydrate’s revolutionary sports drink as well as exclusive events, promotions, and products. Launch Hydrate’s Sports Drink sets itself apart with...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
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Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
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Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
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Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
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Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
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James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
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A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
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Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
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Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
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Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
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Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
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College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
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Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
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