Prep Baseball Report

2020 Games: Top Overall Prospects


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 wrap up the event coverage with our Top Overall Prospects list. This list what extremely difficult to put together at an event of this caliber and the prospects were very highly bunched after the top few. Guys like Tyler Stone, Drew Calloway, Griffen Chewning, Landon Wallace (CA), Joel Rubin and Kai Taylor could have easily been included and are potential D1 types.

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 Overall PROSPECTS:

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.

 

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. 

JACOB BERRY 3B / 1B / QUEEN CREEK, AZ / 2020

Arizona commit 3B/1B Jacob Berry showed without question the most present strength of any prospect in attendance and has done an impressive job improving himself athletically in recent months, putting up a 7.39 60-yard dash. Berry likely ends up at first base in college/pro ball, but it's now not out of the question that he could stick at 3rd after showing increased mobility and putting up a very solid 86 mph velocity across the diamond. Berry is a true switch-hitter and will be able to drive the ball out of any park from both sides, posting an impressing 94 mph exit velocity left-handed and nearly matching it at 84 mph from the right side. He uses a very simple swing with virtually no stride, snapping the barrel vertically into the slot and shows about average present raw power generated mostly with physical strength. Despite the level of physical maturity I could easily see Berry adding another 20-plus pounds to his 6-foot, 190-pound frame and showing above average to plus raw down the line. There's no question he can be an impact bat in the PAC-12 and could even turn himself into a pro prospect in two years if the home run power really starts to show up in games.

 

RYLAND ZABOROWSKI 3B / 1B / BASHA, AZ / 2020

Zaborowski has made a recent jump and may have been the best physical specimen at the entire event, positing a 7.16 60-yard dash at 6-foot-6, 205-pounds with room on his frame to become an absolute monster at some point. He moves well at 3B, with impressive actions for an infielder of his size and plenty of arm (85 mph) to generate carry across the diamond. Zaborowski shows easy power in the box, generating natural loft when making contact out front and turning in an impressive 92 mph exit velocity. Hits from wide base with short stride; torso gets forward very early in his swing and could hit for even more power by staying behind the baseball. 

 

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.  

TRAVIS WARinNER SS / 2B / MOUNTAIN RIDGE, AZ / 2020

5-foot-8 158-pound frame. Warinner continues to show high-end defensive actions and could be an immediate contributor at the position. Very smooth and fluid. Despite not possessing elite speed (7.22 60-yard dash), Warinner shows the type of instincts that will allow him to stick at the position with plenty of arm (84 mph infield velo). Also showed some pop in his bat registering an 88 mph exit velocity with a simple swing, tipping the barrel forward to initiate his swing and aggressively getting his backside through the baseball. 

SHANE ERICKSON C / 3B / IRONWOOD RIDGE, AZ / 2020

5-foot-10 195-pound frame. Broad shoulders, sturdy frame. Erickson continues to impress at the plate showcasing raw power and the ability to make consistent hard contact. Posted a 90 mph exit velocity. Toe tap and barrel tip timing mechanism. Creates considerable separation by keeping his hands back and loaded as hips begin to fire. Advanced synchronization, timing, and rhythm throughout the swing. Listed as a C/3B, Erickson only worked out behind the plate in this look, where he profiles best. Pop times ranged from 2.00 - 2.07 with 75 mph arm strength. Erickson’s bat and continued progress behind the plate make him a very intriguing prospect. 7.77 60 yard dash.  

NOAH NithmAN OF / OF / SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR, AZ / 2020

5’10 160-pound switch hitting OF Noah Nithman has always been able to run and hit, but showed the best 60 time we've seen from him (6.76) and stood out defensively in game action, making multiple plays to take away extra bases in CF. Projects as a center fielder at the next level if he can significantly improve present arm strength/action (73 mph outfield velocity in this look), but more likely is pigeon-holed to LF. Nithman continued to impress at the plate with his smooth left handed swing that generated an 89 mph exit velocity. 

 

Jack Nehls 3B / SS / Westview, AZ / 2020

6-foot, 160-pound frame. IF Jack Nehls was solid across the board, with plenty of room to add strength/mass as he matures. Nehls is an athletic mover on defense, showing soft hands and easy actions, likely translating to second or third base at the next level; 81 mph infield velocity. Nehls showed impressive power this spring with loose wrists and projects for even more power as his body matures, adding strength and mass. 81 mph exit velo more indicative of current strength level than ability to drive the ball. Ran a solid 7.09 60-yard dash. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

VINNIE LAGATTA SS / OF / VALLEY CHRISTIAN, AZ / 2020

5-foot-9 150-pound frame. Upright and slightly open stance. Takes a long stride with big forward momentum shift into the swing. Swings with intent. Swing path generates some loft; 79 mph exit velocity. LaGatta impressed on the infield where he showed confident, steady hands and a fast arm. Has a quick transfer and the ability to throw on the run; 83 mph infield velocity. Has the ingredients and athleticism to project as a middle infielder defender. Also ran 7.15 60 yard dash. 

 

EFRAIN MANZO SS / 3B / CHANDLER, AZ / 2020

6-foot-1, 180-pound frame. Strong, athletic build. Manzo stood out during BP, driving the baseball with authority to the pull side and showing a combination of strength and bat speed that could produce real power. Generates serious whip of the bat head. His 94 mph exit velocity was second-best at the entire event. His future defensively is less clear, however the bat could play enough to settle in at first base if necessary. Posted an 80 mph infield velocity and ran a 7.39 60-yard dash.  

MICHAEL DIAZ 3B / OF / BROPHY PREP, AZ / 2020

6-1, 190-pound 3B/OF Michael Diaz couldn't run the 60 due to a minor football injury, but brings a physical presence and generates some real bat speed from the left side; 87 mph exit velocity. Diaz is the type of athlete that should be able to make rapid progress as he continues to spend more time on baseball. Produced as a sophomore at the varsity level. Worked out as 3B but hands likely profile best to corner OF spot; 82 mph infield velocity. Bat will likely play enough to settle in LF. Will be an interesting follow as he continues to get more time on the diamond.  

 

ISAIAH ADAMS SS / 2B / HAMILTON, AZ / 2020

5-foot-10, 140-pound frame. Hit from an upright stance with minimal loading pattern and stride. Short, compact swing. Direct path to the baseball; 78 mph exit velocity. Middle infield profile. Advanced average actions. Light on his feet with good lateral movement. Showed a quick transfer and the ability to throw from multiple arm slots; 78 mph infield velocity. Presently a ways off physically, but shows the type of infield actions and athleticism (6.98 60-yard dash) that should make him and an intriguing prospect for schools down the road. Could easily be a 2021 Grad based on age.