Academy Team Report - Vauxhall Academy
January 23, 2018
Andrew MacLean
PBR Alberta Director of Scouting
Each week we will highlight a prospect in the province. We look at an updated in their measureables as well as a projection looking forward.
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Alberta Insider: Academy Team Report- Vauxhall Academy
Academy: Vauxhall Academy of Baseball - Vauxhall, AB
Head Coach: Les McTavish
Asst Coach: Joel Blake
Asst Coach: Jim Kotkas
About the Academy: Vauxhall Academy of Baseball is located in a small Alberta farming town with an approximate population of 1,600. Les McTavish and his coaching staff have built the foundation to a “family and community first” culture that has countless alumni returning to visit each year. Some of the top high school players can apply and are also recruited to attend, they live in dorms on site at the high school. The indoor training center is connected to the dorms with Jets Stadium directly across the street. With a day to day motto of “Better Person - Better Player”, focus for the players is on academics community and athletics. On top of the 3 coaches on-field, the Jets have MLB International Director of strength and conditioning coach Jeff Krushell/Jamie Mitchell assists, Mental Trainer Josh Hoetmer who also works with Hockey Canada and ART specialist Greg Morrison who is a former 14-year professional player and owner of the Medicine Hat Mavericks.
2018 Schedule Highlight: Bishop Gorman Classic - Las Vegas, Missoula Mavericks Tournament, Montana
Rival Game: Okotoks Dawgs Black
Notable Alumni: Nolan Bumstead (CSUN), Brady Moxham (Midland College), Jared Kennedy (Canisius College), Tyler Scott (Bryan College), Garrett Nicholson (Central Michigan University), Nolan Rattai (Northern Kentucky University), Wesley Moore (CSUN), Brett Mercier (Indian River State College), Victor Cerny (CSUN).
Prospect Report
Uncommitted Seniors: LHP Joshua Tardif, INF Kaiden Cardoso
Top Prospects: Damiano Palmegiani, Martin Vincelli Simard, Adam Macko, Levi Abbott, Dayton Peters
Committed Players:
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Adam Macko LHP / Vauxhall High School, AB / 2019
Commitment: Purdue
Scouting Report: Clean and repeatable mechanics, delivery has rhythm yet varies timing, efficient arm path, strong front side with ability to get extended out front. Fastball sits 84-88 topping out at 90 mph this past summer. Curveball is thrown with late break for strikes and complemented by a changeup that sits 76-78.
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Cooper Jones SS / OF / Vauxhall Academy, AB / 2018
Commitment: Southeastern CC
Scouting Report: Athletic left-handed hitting prospect that can play multiple positions but biggest asset is the bat and how Jones projects at the next level. The swing is loose and easy with feel for the barrel, stays under control with some natural lift in swing that should allow for him to hit with some power as he matures and add strength. Will fit in nicely at Southeastern CC.
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Jaden Griffin LHP / Vauxhall Academy, AB / 2018
Commitment: VCU
Scouting Report: One of the top pitchers in the country, the 6-foot, 200-pound left-hander has been on the radar since an impressive performance at Tournament 12 as a sophomore. Has put on some size in the last year, some looseness in the delivery, good arm action. Fastball currently sits in the low-to-mid 80s range, competes on the mound. Physically, Griffin is close to his ceiling, but from a pitchability standpoint, there’s more velocity in the tank, and he’ll be a bulldog on the mound for VCU next Fall.
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Liam Vulcano SS / 2B / Vauxhall Academy, AB / 2018
Commitment: UBC
Scouting Report: Vulcano is a standout on the infield for Coach McTavish and the Jets. Smooth, quick hands with a clean transfer and very good balance working through the ball. Uses efficient footwork and momentum to create carry on the ball. The middle infielder creates surprising power at the plate considering his 5-foot-8, 160-pound frame. The ball jumps off his bat with a very short, quick swing and level bat path throughout the hitting zone.
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Garrett Hawkins RHP / Vauxhall Academy, AB / 2018
Commitment: UBC
Scouting Report: Hawkins fits the mold of the ideal or prototypical pitcher’s body. 6-foot-5, 195-pounds. He utilizes the long legs and arms to create leverage and good extension when finishing. Hands come set at shoulder height, arm path is compact and clean, arm does not lag or get caught behind his body. Minor leakage as front foot is landing, still braces his front side well and gets out over his landing foot during finish. As gains strength in lower half, and continues to improve on athleticism, Hawkins could be a guy to keep your eye on over the next two years at UBC, there is definite draft potential pouring from the exciting Vauxhall product.
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Commitment: Cal State Northridge
Scouting Report: Palmegiani is a quick-twitch infielder with the ability to do some damage on both sides of the ball. Not a very physically imposing player, the 6-1, 179-pound third baseman is more hands than feet right now in the infield. Smooth on the transfer, has the ability to throw on the run as well as from different slots. The feet are a little slow right now, but it should figure itself out in time. At the plate the hands start from a low position, allowing him to get under the ball and generate some backspin. Barrel is quick through the zone, a little rushed with his timing at times, but can still keep up with velocity. Despite his size, he can can ambush a fastball and show off some power to the pull side.
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Commitment: Midland JC
Scouting Report: At 6-foot-1, 215-pounds, Vincelli-Simard is one of the more physical catchers in the country. A Quebec-native, the Vauxhall Academy catcher shows some serious pop from the right side, tends to get caught on the front side at times, bat is a little slow, but the ball jumps off the bat. Behind the plate he shows some mobility, throws on a downhill plane, has a bit of a hitch at the top of his throws. As it stands, Simard’s tools are raw, but he has the framework to be a solid catcher at the next level.
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Ty Penner 2B / Vauxhall Academy, AB / 2018
Commitment: UBC
Scouting Report: Listed at 6-foot-4, 175-pounds. Penner has a ton of room to add bulk and muscle to his current frame. He shows quick actions both on the infield and at with the bat. On defense he moves well for his size, works through the ball and stays under control. Exchange is quick and stays in front of his body. At the plate, shows good rhythm and is very relaxed in his stance. Hits into a very strong front side and the hand quickness and bat speed are there, ability to hit the ball to all fields with intent. If he continues to work at this game and develop the way he has during his time at Vauxhall, should develop into a nice middle of the order piece for UBC.
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Owen Harms SS / 2B / Vauxhall Academy, AB / 2018
Commitment: Cloud County CC
Scouting Report: 5-foot-10, 165-pound average sized frame, broad shoulders, loose and flexible. Harms is a LHH who plays both positions up the middle, considering body type, footwork, and actions he looks best on the right side of the infield. Uses his legs and quick hands on feeds, puts himself into position early with good footwork, smooth and natural release from all angles. Offensively, there is potential for plus power here from the left side. Tall stance, hands start high, good timing and gets his foot down early with average stride. Hands are fluid through the zone. Will be a player to watch as he continues to develop his game at Cloud County over the next two years.
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UPCOMING ALBERTA ACADEMY REPORTS
- Okotoks Dawgs Academy
- Edmonton Prospects Academy
- Oyen Badlands Academy
- Calgary Junior Dinos Academy
- Fort McMurray Merc Academy
- Grand Prairie Northern Lights Academy
- Edmonton St.FX Academy
- Lethbridge PBA Junior Academy
