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Tournaments  | Story | 10/26/2012

Slugger Morgan powers Jays

Photo: Perfect Game

JUPITER, Fla. -- Top Canadian outfield prospect Gareth Morgan is still enjoying his junior year at North Toronto (Ont.) High School but he's a young man that has also been given the opportunity to experience the world.

Morgan, a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder with big-time power from the right side of the plate, in the last year alone has played ball not only in his native Canada and points north and south across the eastern part of the United States, but also in the Dominican Republic and Seoul, South Korea.

This week Morgan is here with his Ontario Blue Jays teammates and head coach Dan Bleiwas for his first experience at the PG WWBA World Championship. The event that got off to a late start Friday thanks to rain and tropical storm-force winds provided courtesy of Hurricane Sandy, which sat offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.

Morgan and his 30-plus Blue Jays teammates have been riding a Travel Canada bus for a couple of weeks making their way down to this event, and it's been quite an adventure.

"Riding the bus can get a little annoying, but I guess it's fun traveling through all the states," Morgan said Friday afternoon after the Blue Jays beat the loaded Texas Scout Team Yankees, 5-2, in their tournament opener. "There's a lot of time on the bus, and we travel (many hours straight) sometimes, so there's a lot of time to talk and fool around and do whatever.

"It's great and I can't complain about being here in Florida," he added. "There are a lot of people here that can watch me."

The PG WWBA World Championship's appeal is its unmatched ability to bring hundreds of MLB scouts and college coaches to the Roger Dean Sports Complex to observe and evaluate many of the top high school-aged prospects in North America. Morgan is one of dozens of Canadian prospects playing on three teams from Ontario and British Columbia, including the Blue Jays. There were more than 50 golf carts filled with at least 100 scouts and coaches watching the Blue Jays-Texas Scout Team Yankees game.

"We're really pleased with the squad we brought down here," Bleiwas said Friday afternoon. "We have depth all over the place, starting on the mound, and our lineup top to bottom we're really pleased with because we have guys that can contribute all over the place."

The Blue Jays already played games against Division I college teams like Florida State, Troy State, Florida Gulf Coast and Florida International, among others, before arriving here on Wednesday.

The team travels with an academic advisor and tutors so the players don't fall behind in their class work, and the game the Blue Jays played Friday morning against the Texas Scout Team Yankees was their 51st of the fall.

"It was slow-going the first week, to be honest with you,  but we started to see some progress about a month ago," Bleiwas said. "We've been headed in the right direction every since."

The weather conditions put a strain on everyone involved with the tournament, from players, parents, umpires and the scouting and college coaching communities to Perfect Game staff members charged with recreating what was a meticulously designed schedule. With everyone working together, games were played Friday against just about all odds.

Bleiwas thinks by having his team all together on the same bus and in the same hotel helped lighten their load.

"It's challenging, but I think we're well-equipped to do that with the kids all staying together and not having to rely on parents to get them where they need to be," he said.

Morgan, ranked the No. 7 overall prospect in the class of 2014, was one of eight Ontario Blue Jays that were members of the Canadian National Junior Team that earned the silver medal (second to the United States) at the IBAF 18U World Baseball Championship played in Seoul in September.

The other Blue Jays -- all from Ontario -- that played on that team and are also here this week include outfielder Josh Naylor, catcher Owen Spiwak, middle-infielder Daniel Pinero and right-hander Christian Botnick. Naylor is a 2015 and was the youngest player from any country to play at the World event. Pinero, a 2013, recently committed to the University of Virginia.

Morgan is a special talent. He is ranked the 18th overall (high school, junior college, college) prospect in the 2014 draft class and the No. 7 high school prospect in that draft. This is his first experience at a Perfect Game event and he certainly chose the one that would get him the most exposure.

"There's still a lot of time for him (to get the necessary exposure) in that he's young; he's still a 2014," Bleiwas said. "This isn't a great day for him to hit, obviously, so I don't know what he can show today. But he's done an exceptional job all fall against college pitching and competition with our National Team. Just the adjustments he's made and the progress he's making going from being an athlete to becoming a true hitter. We're excited about that.

"He hasn't suffered from any lack of exposure," Bleiwas continued. "He's a little precocious; people have been seeing him since he was 14 years old and he's 16 now, so people have been seeing him for a couple of years (but) it's always significant to play in an event like this."

Morgan said the 50 mph wind gusts and intermittent rain only bothered him while he was patrolling right field.

"I didn't have to make any adjustments at the plate, just out in the field," he said. "When the ball goes out you have to know which way the wind's blowing so you don't make a mistake and over-run the ball."

It has been quite a ride for Morgan (and his Blue Jays teammates), both literally and figuratively. He first earned a spot on the Canadian National Junior Team as a 14-year-old, and when named to the team in March of 2011, Greg Hamilton, Baseball Canada's director of national teams, told Shi Davidi from sportsnet.ca that Morgan "has a chance to be a very special player."

"(With his size) he looks like Jesse Barfield ... (and) he projects to have plus power, plus arm and runs well for a big man," Hamilton said.

Morgan, for his part, has always enjoyed being the boy among men.

"I enjoy playing against guys older than me who are already in college," Morgan said. "I feel like it helps me get better and better every day (and) I feel like I've come a long ways since last year."




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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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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