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Tournaments  | Story | 7/20/2016

16u BCS Finals Day 2 Scout Notes

Brandon Hohl


Day 1 Notes | Daily Leaders | Top Ranked Players Team Database

Mizuno Baseball USA righthanded pitcher and Perfect Game Top 500 player Javan Smitherman (2018, Kilgore, Texas) had an impressive short outing at CenturyLink Sports Complex on Tuesday. Varying his leg lift between hip and chest height, Smitherman kept his hands high and kicked out towards the plate. He delayed separating his hands as long as he could, and as he separated them it led to a very short and fast arm swing that resulted in a high three-quarters release, finishing with a slight head whack while keeping his lower body under control. Working a two-pitch mix of fastball and curveball, Smitherman worked hard inside and soft away with his fastball showing some arm-side run and sitting at 86 mph, although he reached all the way to 90. Occasionally, he would elevate late in the count or when his arm could not catch up to the rest of his body. His curveball ranged from 68-74 mph, and as the velocity increased his curveball started to show more slider movement and the break would get tighter and show more sweeping movement. Regardless of whether he did this on purpose or not, Smitherman showed a great feel for his off-speed by throwing it multiple times for a first-pitch strike and also doubling up. He finished with 3 1/3 innings pitched, allowing just two hits with five strikeouts.

Leadoff hitter and Vanderbilt commit for the FTB Rockets, Tyler McKenzie (2019, Loxahatchee, Fla.), stands with a slightly open stance in his legs with his hands set by the shoulder with the bat at 45 degrees. He starts his swing with a gather to the rear leg, and as his stride separates he tips the barrel towards the pitcher and creates elastic tension throughout the body. He really tries to keep his hands close to the body throughout his bat path making it look like he wants to hit the ball to the opposite field. McKenzie was able to work a long first at-bat resulting in a line drive single to right field with a 5.0-second turn. There’s not a lot of bat speed yet, as it seems like more of a feel for contact, but there is still time for him to develop strength and the subsequent bat speed that will come with those strength gains. Also, while he did not play the field on Tuesday I really looking forward to seeing him perform defensively. Tyler finished the game 1-for-3 with a run scored.

Playing shortstop for the FTB Rockets was switch hitter Kaeber Rog (2018, Curacao). He stands with almost identical stances from both the left and right side of the batter’s box. Rog stands slightly open and deep in to his legs, and his hands are held high above his head with the bat at a 45-degree angle. He loads his hands slightly down and back but still keeps them high above the shoulder. From the left side I thought his bat path was too negative, especially for a four hitter and someone who’s going to drive the ball. The stances may have been identical but Kaeber seemed much more comfortable from the right side. He used a fluid knee-to-knee leg lift that created elastic tension when the stride went forward, and bat speed was there for both sides of the swing. He finished the game 1-for-3 with a line drive single from the right side and a run scored. Rog was also really impressive on defense making a diving play up the middle to save a run.

Probably having the best offensive day at the plate for FTB Mizuno was Zachary Mazur (2018, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.). He stands at the plate with a slightly open stance while striding open. As he strides his hands load behind his shoulder creating a strong torqued body position. His bat drops below his shoulder leading to a good approach to the ball with bat speed. His lower body gets to a strong power-L position with the back knee down and the front leg locked out. I saw him hit a line drive single to right-center field and come back his next at-bat with a line drive double to nearly the same spot. He also recorded a 4.65-second time on the turn down the first base line. Mazur finished the day 3-for-3 with two singles and a double.

The 142nd ranked prospect in the nation, Alberto Gonzalez (2018, Laredo, Texas), took the mound for the Texas Fire. Gonzalez is a righthanded pitcher with a high, slow leg lift, kicking forward into his stride while separating his hands with the arm swing going behind his back to a high three-quarters release point. He worked his fastball for the majority of his pitches with it averaging 86 mph and touching 91. There was a different effort level depending on the count for Gonzalez. Pacing himself early in the count with the fastball, he would turn up the velocity with two strikes. He also threw a 11-to-5 curveball at 60 mph. The pitch had sharp drop but came up out of the hand at release. I would like to see curveball thrown harder but it was a successful part of his outing nonetheless. Alberto finished his outing with 3 2/3 innings pitched, allowing two hits with eight strikeouts.

I got to see the FTB55 Elite at the 5-Plex and really liked the actions at the plate from the middle of the order. We’ll start with their No. 3 hitter and first basemen, Marcos Pujols (2019, Palm Bay, Fla.), who is a strong-bodied athlete and a big target at first base. At the plate he stands upright, with his feet open and slightly wider than shoulder width, with his hands held at shoulder height, set away from the body with the bat held vertical. Keeping the back leg torqued he begins his swing with a leg lift, his stride separates, and then tips the barrel in to a strong loaded position. He has a good bat path and is still developing bat speed.

Hitting fourth for FTB55 Elite is USF commit and the 149th ranked player in the class of 2018, Brady Allen (Lakeland, Fla.). Of the three hitters from FTB55 Elite I’ll touch upon, his actions at the plate are what I liked the most. He has strong stance with his feet spread at shoulder width, slightly open, rear leg torqued, back elbow up and his barrel slightly tipped towards the pitcher. He doesn’t need to move much from this spot as it is already a strong launch position for a hitter. To start the swing he leg lifts with internal rotation, creating a coiled front side, then takes a long linear stride, landing with a bent lead leg. He generates a lot of bat speed from this torqued position and it’s impressive to watch him swing. He works up to the ball with the body and finishes with strong lower half mechanics.

Finally, the fifth hitter for FTB55 Elite is uncommitted third basemen, Carson Weekley (2018, Tampa, Fla.). Weekley is a strong athlete with some more room to grow. He stands with a wide stance, legs bent and his hands high above the shoulder. Weekley has good rhythm at the plate, shifting back and forth from leg-to-leg and rocking the barrel. He keeps his rear leg braced throughout his rhythm but begins the swing with a leg lift and linear stride forward. The hands separate from the lead leg in to a strong launch position above and behind the shoulder. The barrel is tipped towards the pitcher at 45 degrees. He lands with a bent lead leg, beginning his path from the ground up with great lower half movements. His back knee is in the power-L position with his torso over the plate, hips extended with a locked-out lead leg, and the barrel whips around the shoulder, staying on path for a long time in a positive attack angle to the ball. Weekley, in an unfinished game, went 1-for-2 with a double.
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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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