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Quick Hits: Upper Class Showcase

November 1, 2022
Shea Sbranti
Arizona Scouting Director

On Sunday, October 30th, Prep Baseball Report Arizona hosted the Upper Class Showcase at Grand Canyon University. The Upper Class Showcase is an open showcase provided for players in the 2023-2024 classes in the state of Arizona. Giving the players the chance to showcase their skills in front of the PBR Arizona Staff using state-of-the-art technology on field.

Today, we’ll start by giving you the Top Performers from the Upper Class Showcase, which we like to call Quick Hits. In Quick Hits you will be able to see how these players tested and were evaluated by the PBR Arizona Staff throughout the showcase. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more post event coverage.

FULL EVENT STATISTICS

Bobby Pierce Jr SS / 2B / Casteel, AZ / 2024

The 5-foot-8 155 pound shortstop and second baseman had a great showing at this weekend's Upper Class Showcase. Pierce has a smaller athletic build, that with added strength and size we will likely see more jump off the bat. At the plate Pierce showed a slightly open stance with a light leg lift load and repeatable swing that produced mature rounds of BP working the ball to the center of the field. In the field is where Pierce showed his strengths displaying soft athletic feet with quality side to side ability with an accurate 82 mph arm across the infield. As of right now Pierce profiles as a second baseman at the next level, however with added size, we would not be surprised to see him on the left side of the field.

Brody Jacobs OF / RHP / Sandra Day O'Connor , AZ / 2024

The 6-foot-4 200 pound RHP and OF was one of the stand out performers at this weekend's Upper Class games. Showing a tall projectable frame with room for added strength. On the mound Jacobs had an event high 88 Mph FB that spun at 2350. Jacobs moves well down the mound with a High Three Quarter slot arm action and repeatable delivery. Jacobs looked to me more comfortable out of the stretch while in the wind up he did have some slight arm side miss. At the plate Jacobs has a wide stance, quiet toe lift load and a bat path that worked inside the ball well working the majority of his contact to the center of the field. The 2024 graduate will be a high follow for the Arizona staff this upcoming spring at SD O’Connor.

Jose Mendoza SS / RHP / Apollo, AZ / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 95 / POS: 20

5-foot-10 150 Pound Mendoza is currently the 95th ranked player in the state of Arizona for the 2023 class. Mendoza showed off the highest infield velocity of the day throwing it 86 MPH across the field. At the plate Mendoza put together one of the more polished rounds of the day, showcasing a tall stance and his hands close to the ear. With a middle of the field approach. Mendoza isn't the type of hitter that was going to wow you with power, he works to the middle part of the field with an above average contact tool and ability to drive line drives into the gaps. Mendoza is a high follow going into his senior season at Apollo.

Cooper Sobeck OF / 3B / Desert Ridge , AZ / 2024

Rankings  StateRank: 61 / POS: 13

The 6-foot-1 175 pound, Sobeck was one of the standouts at this past fall's Valley Open. Once again Sobeck brought another gear to this year's Upper Class Showcase. Sobeck stands tall in the box, with a slightly open stance and simple short lift load, keeping his balance center. Sobeck showed he does not get cheated at the plate showcasing a heavy intent flat pathed swing that produced hard contact to both sides of the field averaging a 90.8 mph EV and maxing out at 97.1. We look forward to following Sobeck this spring as we predict with added strength will produce some big time extra base hit numbers for Desert Ridge.

David Galindo RHP / 3B / Saint Mary's, AZ / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 45 / POS: 15

5-foot-11 210 pounds, the 2-sport athlete is currently in his football season playing quarterback at Saint Mary’s High School. Galindo has a large frame, stocky build and strong lower half which translates to his success on the mound. This past weekend Galindo came in as a two-way prospect. This past Spring and Fall we have seen Galindo 85-87 while occasionally touching 88. On the mound this weekend Galindo continued to show us what he does best, a smooth action from the right side with an effortless FB ranging 84-86 with above average command. At the plate Galindo stands tall with a narrow base and slightly open stance. His hands work back in his stance and flat through the zone producing power to the pull side gap. We look forward to seeing Galindo this spring at Saint Mary’s high school.

 

 

Cody Newhart OF / RHP / Sandpoint, ID / 2023

6-foot-2 190 pound Newhart had the loudest rounds of BP for the Upperclassmen this past weekend showing off an event high 101.6 EV and a max distance of 394ft. The big righty showed to be relaxed in the box showing a flat path and high finish, with confidence in being able to pull the ball with ease. In the outfield Newhart showed an 80 mph arm with good feel for the glove. While Newhart is an Idaho native we look forward to following his progression as he goes into his senior season at Sandpoint high school.

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