THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 5/23/2013

What to watch for: West Memorial Day

Todd Gold
Photo: Perfect Game
The third annual edition of the WWBA West Memorial Day Classic gets underway this morning in the Phoenix area, at Camelback Ranch and the Goodyear Sports Complex, spring training homes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. 86 teams will vie for titles in the three age divisions: 14u, 16u and 18u.

While this is the unofficial kickoff of the summer travelball season and the breakout stories of the summer have yet to be written, here is a look at what to look out for as the tournament gets set to start.

Teams to watch:
18u- Dbacks Elite Scout Team
While a lot of teams have the word elite in their name, this is a squad that truly lives up to the title. A highly talented group brought together by members of the Arizona Diamondbacks scouting department, they boast most of the top players hailing from the state of Arizona in the 2014 and 2015 classes. While their conservative approach to handling pitcher workloads may prevent them from capturing the 18u division crown, their overwhelming talent should give them a chance to contend anyway.

16u- Arizona Prowlers
This is a group that has been together for several years now and have won the past two West Memorial Day titles (14u in 2011 and 16u in 2012) and have kept together most of their core. After gaining experience playing up a year ago, they will now have the target on their back as they return to defend their 16u title.

14u- East Bay Bombers
This team has rolled through the younger age groups as one of the more dominant teams in the country the past few years. This will be their first Perfect Game tournament and it will be interesting to see how their success at the lower age groups will translate as they enter the high school age ranks. While none of their players have yet established themselves as major division I college prospects on the national stage, this will be the first step towards doing so.

Must-see Hitter: 2014 OF/LHP Alex Verdugo (Angels Amatuer Baseball White)
A year ago it was 2013 MIF Riley Unroe who was the main attraction for scouts, and as we enter the home stretch on preparation for the 2013 MLB Draft, Unroe looks like a potential top 50 pick. This year Verdugo comes into the tournament as the player, who on paper at least, has a chance to follow in Unroe's footsteps. The question though becomes, whether his impressive left handed bat will be his ticket to professional baseball, or whether his low 90s fastball and quality curveball form the left side will cause organizations to prefer him on the mound.

Honorable mention: 2013 IF Dustin Peterson (Angels Amatuer Baseball White)
With the MLB Draft just two weeks away Peterson is listed on the Angels ' roster, and if he decides to use the opportunity to give scouts one last look before they make their final decision on him, he will be a huge draw. But it remains to be seen whether he will choose to play in the 18u division or instead focus on pre-draft workouts with organizations. Peterson has a chance to go as high as the top two rounds in the draft, thanks in large part to his offensive upside.

Must-see Pitcher: 2014 RHP Ryan Castellani (Dbacks Elite Scout Team)
The current event record for top fastball velocity sits at 91 mph, and Castellani hit 90 at this event a year ago and was up to 92 late last summer. He's slowly been gaining more and more coordination as he grows into his lanky frame and as a result his command has improved along with his fastball velocity. What makes things even more difficult for hitters is that with his long levers Castellani comes from a lower arm slot that creates a sharp angle from the third base side, making him especially difficult for right handed hitters to pick up.

Honorable mention: 2013 RHP Tyler Viza (AZ Baseball Club Dodgers)
Viza has picked up a good five miles an hour to his fastball velocity since his last Perfect Game event in the fall. He backs it with a quality slider with short tight break and developing feel that has allowed him to develop into one of the best pitching prospects in Arizona's 2013 class and should get him some draft interest in a couple of weeks.

Best raw power: 2014 OF/1B Gerard Hernandez (Angels Amatuer Baseball White)
While he has the strength and bat speed to generate legitimate home run power without a lot of effort to his swing, Hernandez does not get cheated at the plate. He swings with maliscous intent and when he connects he can crush tapemeasure shots.

Honorable mention: 2014 OF/LHP Alex Verdugo (Angels Amatuer Baseball White)
This is a very difficult category. Herandez's raw power stands above the rest, though Verdugo's power frequency is more consistent thanks to his high level hit tool and the raw power is also close to the impressive raw power of Hernandez. Jakob Goldfarb also belongs in this conversation as well.

Best athlete: 2015 OF Tyler Williams (Dbacks Elite Scout Team)
To say that Williams is a track star is not a figure of speech; he has competed in track and field events throughout the nation. He posted a relatively disappointing 6.55 60 yard dash time at the 2012 National Underclass Session 1 Showcase back in December, but he's likely capable of better than that already.

Honorable mention: 2014 OF Marcus Still (Dbacks Elite Scout Team)
Were it not for his teammate Williams, Still would be the clear cut choice here. His strides aren't nearly as long as Williams' but he's a quicker twitch athlete who can give Williams a run for his money in the speed department and a race between the two would make for an interesting contest.

Best infield actions: 2014 MIF Cole Tucker (Dbacks Elite Scout Team)
Tucker has a very high motor and quick twitch athleticism with good body control and balance to make strong accurate throws while on the move. His hands are clean and his arm strength is solid and projects to increase as he fills out his lanky athletic frame. He's a player who has a somewhat light resume to this point, but the more exposure he gets, the more well known he will become on the national stage.

Honorable mention: 2013 SS Trae Arbet (West Coast Clippers)
Like Dustin Peterson (Must-see Hitter honorable mention), Arbet has the draft within his sights and therefore it is up in the air as to whether he'll decide to show his abilities in one last tournament, or focus on pre-draft workouts with individual organizations. But if he does decide to come out to Arizona with the Clippers, he'll be the clear standout in terms of defensive prowess.

Potential breakouts:
2014 MIF Cole Tucker (Dbacks Elite Scout Team)- a very projectable switch hitting shortstop, Tucker is very athletic and shows outstanding body control defensively. He's got some fine tuning to do to develop his game to earn early round draft consideration next year, but his physical talent suggests that he has a very real chance of doing just that.

2015 OF Tyler Williams (Dbacks Elite Scout Team)
Williams has a rare combination of size and speed, and he's still getting bigger and growing into his frame. There's no telling just how impressive of a physical specimen he will wind up becoming by the time he graduates in two years. The bat has begun to show progress, and if that continues he could wind up becoming one of the better players in the 2015 class. He's coming off a good spring for Kellis High School and we're eager to see if he can carry that momentum into the summer.

2014 OF/1B Jakob Goldfarb (Dbacks Elite Scout Team)- has long shown tempting bat speed for his age and as he's matured physically he's begun to develop into a major power threat. Now the question is if and when he'll begin to put all the pieces together to translate his raw tools into in-game production. He's definetly a player who scouts will keep an eye over the next year.

2014 LHP Andrew Shaps (Dbacks Elite Scout Team)- the Arizona State commit ran his fastball up to 88 mph at the National Underclass Session 1 Showcase in early December and showed advanced pitchability for an underclassmen at the time. Now as the 2014 class steps into their draft year, Shaps has a chance to elevate his status from high end division I college commit to potential draft prospect if he can continue to improve his overall package on the mound.

2015 IF/RHP Tyler Wyatt (AZ Prowlers)- He's run his fastball up to 89 mph (at the 2013 MLK Championship) before the start of his sophomore season in high school, and yet it's his bat that stands out the most. Wyatt has already begun to show over-the-fence power with wood bats and has a chance to develop into a one of the state's top 2015 prospects if he can continue to develop.


This list is by no means comprehensive, as there will undoubtedly be several players who play their way onto the list of impact players from the 2013 West Memorial Day Classic. And that is what makes this tournament great, not only do we get to watch players who have shown potential in the past begin to realize their upside, but we also become acquainted with the next group to make a name for themselves on this stage.

Be sure to check the scout blogs for recaps of all the action.
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes
Tyler Kotila
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
Article Image
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....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
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...
Read More
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
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...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.