Prep Baseball Report

2020 Games: Pitching Analysis


Jordon Banfield
Arizona Scouting Director

The Invite-Only 2020 Games took place on Tuesday, June 5th at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils. The event featured many of the state's top sophomores and gave players an opportunity to earn an invitation to play for Team Arizona in our premier national event, the PBR Future Games in August. Today, we continue the event coverage with our Pitching Analysis. Trevor Long narrowly edged Colten Keith for the top spot as the secondary stuff and and delivery are slightly more advanced, While Keith is an absolutely elite level position prospect who can also add value on the mound, it's truly 50/50 where Long ends up as there's potential for starter type stuff. after the top three arms it gets much tighter and leaving off guys like Brock Arnold and Garrett Moltz who show clean deliveries from the left side and should add velo as they get stronger was extremely difficult. 

Complete video, data, pictures and scouting reports have been posted to players' individual profiles. As always contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or information.

TOP Pitching PROSPECTS:

 

 

Trevor Long 3B / RHP / Chaparral , AZ / 2020

Already highly-rated by PBR, 3B/OF/RHP Trevor Long stood out as easily the top uncommitted prospect in attendance. a true two-way player, it would be a tough call at present as to where he fits best down the road. His 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame is starting to develop and add strength, which combined with the athleticism (6.99 60-yard dash) may make the ceiling higher at 3B or RF. He showed the best right-handed swing of any player at the event, with a balanced, athletic setup, loose wrists and easy bat speed out front with some power to the pull side; 92 mph exit velocity. Despite having the tools to play up the middle, Long's actions profile best at 3B where he shows easy carry on his 89 mph throws across the diamond. He also played some outfield doing game action and is a natural mover who should show an above average to plus arm out there if he can't stick on the infield long term. On the mound, he showed 86-88 mph velocity on the fastball, working downhill from a high 3/4 arm slot with big arm speed. Long threw two distinct breaking balls, with the tilted 76-79 mph standing out as a potential future out pitch with tight rotation and sharp, late break. He also mixed in a slower curveball in the lower-70's that also showed tight rotation and more 12-6 shape, but less consistency than the slider. There's no question Long has established himself as one of the top 2020 prospects in the state and a high-DI prospect.

 

Colten Keith SS / RHP / Verrado, AZ / 2020

Arizona State Commit. 3B/RHP Colten Keith came into the event as the top-rated player in Arizona and did nothing to change that. His 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame continues to mature and add strength, which has allowed his tools to steadily improve since we first discovered him last winter. Keith turned in a 6.69 60-yard dash, 87 mph exit velo, 87 mph infield velo and 90 mph outfield velo, all tops at the event except for on the infield where he was bested by 2 mph. Despite a very high leg-lick, he shows a natural ability to be on time with the baseball and make loud contact to all fields, even driving the ball hard to LF some during his round of BP. Keith was also the best we've seen him on the mound, repeatedly touching 90 mph during his inning of work with a short, quick arm action. His breaking ball has developing into more of a true curveball at 72-76 mph with sharp 11-5 break and we also saw a soft 72 mph changeup in warm-ups. As a pro prospect Keith is likely a 3B/RF with elite bat speed who could hit in the middle of any lineup as a potential high draft pick, but if he makes it to school there's no question he's a legitimate two-way option. 

Daniel Davila SS / RHP / Flowing Wells, AZ / 2020

5-foot-10, 160-pound RHP/IF Daniel Davila missed the entire spring due to AIA transfer rules, but showed very little rust on the mound where he sat 85-87 mph from a lower ¾ slot. Davila’s athleticism shines on the mound where he is able to generate quick arm speed using a compact delivery. Displayed the ability to spin a tight, low 70’s slurve for strikes. Change up was firm thrown at 77 mph with fastball arm speed. Davila also impressed as a position player. Has the hands, feet, and arm to play middle infield. Shows the ability to keep his feet moving and play through the ball. 81 mph infield velocity. At the plate, Davila starts with a tall balanced set up before shifting his weight over his back leg. Uses a leg kick trigger to get his center of mass moving forward into the swing. Low hand set up aids in a linear bat path. Showed some present bat speed and will only continue to improve as he matures physically; 86 mph exit velocity. 7.34 60 yard dash. 

 

Zach Rogers RHP / Mountain Ridge, AZ / 2020

6-foot, 170-pound frame. Rogers continues to increase his fastball velo a tick or two every time we see him. On this day he pounded the zone with a sinking fastball, up to 86 mph from a low 3/4 arm slot with limited effort. Rogers projects to continue adding velo and should be very tough on right-handed hitters coming out of the pen. Changeup showed promise at 75-78 mph with sinking action at its best. 69-72 mph curveball showed two-plane break. Had a productive spring, serving as the varsity closer for Mountain Ridge. 

 

Andrew Calloway LHP / 1B / Sabino, AZ / 2020

Impressive 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame. Calloway threw his fastball at 76-77 mph topping at 78 from a ¾ arm slot with some run. Have seen up to 83 mph in the past and recently missed significant time with injury. At times in this look, Calloway got very linear to plate, causing hip rotation to stall, lead leg failing to stabilize, and his center of mass sunk very low to the ground losing considerable plane. Curveball was thrown at 62-65 mph with 11-5 shape. Arm slot may be more conducive for a slider. Change up was more of a straight change thrown at 71-73 mph; maintained fastball arm speed with the pitch. Showed good feel for all of his pitches. High follow prospect with significant upside when the velo jumps as his body indicates it should. 

Kai Taylor RHP / OF / Perry, AZ / 2020

6-foot, 155-pound frame. Taylor has previously spent lots of time behind the plate, but is now more focused on pitching where his ceiling is the highest. Taylor touched 85 mph with his fastball and showed feel for two secondary offerings with a clean arm action and fast, loose hips that should generate even more velo as he matures physically. Spun a tight breaking ball up to 74 mph and also threw a change up at 72-76 mph. Interesting follow that continues to progress every time we see him on the mound.

 

Joel Rubin OF / RHP / Saguaro, AZ / 2020

6-foot-2, 175-pound RHP/OF Joel Rubin has some crudeness to his game, but possesses an intriguing set of tools, with a 7.19 60-yard dash, 88 mph outfield velo and 88 mph exit velo. Rubin sprayed the ball some on the mound this day, running his fastball up to 86 mph, but has reportedly been into the upper-80's previously. Did a good job maintaining fastball arm speed on change up at 75-76 mph. Also flashed a curveball at 65-68 mph. Also shows some raw power and is comfortable mover in the OF with RF profile.

 

David Utagawa RHP / 1B / Corona del Sol, AZ / 2020

6-foot-3 200-pound frame. Tall, strong build with thick lower half. Interesting combination of skills posting an 88 mph exit velocity while also throwing 85 mph off the mound, but Utagawa’s future appears to be on the mound at this point. At his best, Utagawa’s fastball ranged from 80-85 mph with downhill plane and some life to his arm side. Impressive arm spiral and arm speed. Lead leg hyper extends into ball release causing back hip to pop up. Change up was thrown at 71-74 mph with some fading action. Curveball worked 67-69 mph. Continued development of the secondary will help further solidify Utagawa’s prospect status. Also posted a 7.45 60-yard dash and 82 mph infield velocity. Projects as a first baseman defensively. 

 

Ryan Bolden LHP / Arcadia, AZ / 2020

6-foot-4, 165-pound frame. Highly projectable body with long limbs. Throws from a low ¾ slot with a long, loose arm action. Made good use of his lower half, especially considering his frame. At times can get stuck over his front side after ball release cutting off torso rotation and deceleration path. Fastball ranged from 79-81 mph with arm side life. Flashed a change up that showed potential. Slider was thrown at 68-72 mph with inconsistent shape. Could make substantial strides in the coming years with added strength and mass. Consistency within the delivery and the development of the secondary should make Bolden a very interesting prospect.  

Seth Chick SS / RHP / Estrella Foothills, AZ / 2020

Listed at 6-foot-3 200-pounds, IF/RHP Seth Chick has been a well known prospect and continues to intrigue on both sides with his 83 mph fastball and 90 mph exit velocity. At this point he appears to be farther along as a hitter with some real raw power and a defensive future at an infield corner; 7.43 60 yard dash.  On the mound Chick worked 78-82 mph, T83 with his fastball from a ¾ arm slot. Used a simple delivery with the ability to repeat it. 70-72 change up showed some fade. Spike curveball was thrown at 68-72 with 11/5 shape. Improving athleticism  and quick-twitch ability will be key to adding velocity.

 

Drew Bond SS / RHP / Sunnyslope, AZ / 2020

5-foot-9, 150-pound frame. Bond is a true two-way player in high school, but appeared to be a considerably better prospect as a position player on this day. Bond shows impressive feel for the game with smooth actions and enough arm to defend any of the three infield positions; 83 mph infield velocity. Also showed an advanced approach in the box, working hard to stay inside the baseball and making loud contact to the middle of the field. Posted an 83 mph exit velocity and 7.19 60-yard dash. Ran his fastball up to 83 mph on the mound. Athleticism shows with an explosive lower half and quick arm. Change up was thrown at 70-72 mph with some fade. Also flashed a curveball thrown with fastball intent at 67-70 mph with sharp 11/5 break. 

 

Tyler Moore RHP / 1B / Casteel, AZ / 2020

6-foot-3, 195-pound frame. Has significantly cleaned up body since winter. Showed arm strength working 81-84 mph with his fastball. Mostly straight. Upright posture and abbreviated stride enable Moore to create downhill plane to the plate. Short, compact arm action is followed by bringing the ball close to the head during the high cocked position. Front foot and hip open as soon as lead leg deploys to the plate. Change up was more of a straight change with occasional cutting action at 72-73 mph. Curveball was thrown at 65-67 mph with some bite and 11/5 shape. Present size and arm strength of Moore is intriguing. If he can tap into his body to create and transfer more energy, velocity could jump significantly. Development of the secondary will be critical as well.  

Drew Woody LHP / OF / Highland, AZ / 2020

6-foot-1, 170-pound LHP/OF Drew Woody has really started to make progress physically and mechanically, turning in a 7.09 60-yard dash and 86 mph exit velo, in addition to flattening out his bat path to keep his barrel in the zone longer. Woody also ran his fastball up to 80 mph on the mound with a clean arm action. Curveball ranged from 65-69 mph with inconsistent shape. Change up was thrown at 73-74 mph with fastball arm speed and fading action. Athleticism and arm action make Woody an interesting follow on the mound as he continues to develop physically. 

 

Brock Peery RHP / 3B / Mountain Ridge, AZ / 2020

5-foot-11, 184-pound frame. Worked out as a two-way player in this event. Offensively, Peery showed an aggressive swing that produced hard contact in the air during his round of BP; 87 mph exit velocity. Defensively profiles as a corner infielder. Looked comfortable positioning his body and playing through balls on the infield; 79 mph infield velocity. Peery continues to impress with his abilities on the mound as a low slotted sidewinder. Advanced feel all the way around. Generates impressive sink on his fastball that ranged from 71-75 mph. Have seen up to 80 mph in the past from the ground ball machine. Change up ranged from 65-67 mph and should help neutralize platoon splits at the next level giving him an effective weapon against LHH’s. Slider flashed hard break and tight rotation at 66-69 mph. Will be a good addition to someone’s pen at the next level.  

Ricardo Santiago OF / RHP / Salpointe Catholic , AZ / 2020

6-foot 175-pound frame. Strong, athletic build. Showed ability as both a position and pitcher. Hit from a wide set up and maintained balance throughout the swing. Good extension through contact; 84 exit velocity. Defensively projects best as a corner outfielder where he moved confidently and aggressively. Good footwork and momentum through his throws; 85 mph outfield velocity. Posted a 7.35 60-yard dash. On the mound Santiago worked 78-81 mph with his fastball that had some life to his arm side. Have seen up 84 mph two weeks prior. Created good downhill plane on pitches down in the zone. Showed the ability to spin an 11/5 breaking ball at 67-69 mph. Also threw a change up at 69-73 mph that was an effective weapon when thrown in the bottom half of the strike zone.