Prep Baseball Report

Uncommitted Upperclass: Preview


Brett Thorney
State Scouting Director

This Sunday, October 18th, the PBR Arizona team is hosting its Uncommitted Upperclass Showcase, at Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Arizona, open to 2021 & 2022 prospects. The showcase is near full and will feature 75+ uncommitted prospects from all across the state of Arizona. This annual event has become a popular showcase for seniors still trying to find home at the next level as well as juniors trying to get on the radar for future opportunities. 

Among the 75-plus names headed to Cactus Shadows on Sunday is SS Brayan Espinoza (Nogales, 2021). Espinoza is the No. 7-ranked ranked shortstop in the state’s senior class. The way Espinoza plays the game can be greatly appreciated. He shows rare grittiness, high energy, hard-nosed style of play that is fun to watch. At 5-foot-11 175-pounds with a large athletic build, proportional compact frame, present athleticism & strength. Espinoza looks the part of middle infielder with soft quick hands and good arm strength He hits from a spread out base with a natural athletic approach, showing an above average ability to hit. One of the top infield prospects that should be followed come Sunday. 

Another shortstop attending the event on Sunday is 2021 SS Ty Nelson (Saguaro). Like Espinoza, Nelson is another player who plays the game at a high level with energy. Playing in a lean athletic 5-foot-10 180-pound frame with strong legs, Nelson has shown soft twitchy hands in the past with a quick exchange and release. His arm seems to have improved significantly with his body that has gotten noticeably stronger over the summer. Offensively, he has displayed a similar middle approach that he had back in January with some extra pop in our live coverage.  He's the type of guy that works counts, looking to get on base. His speed wont wow you but he plays the game quicker than his running would show. 

There are plenty of other ranked 2021 prospects headed to Sunday’s event, too, including OF Brexton Clubb (Liberty) and RHP Cody Albright (Notre Dame Prep), both of whom are also uncommitted and should be players to follow during the event. Both players haven't been to a PBR event in their HS careers yet but we have had a chance to follow them through our live coverage. Clubb is an athletic OF who has been swing a hot as of late. He really took it to the weight room once the AIA season shutdown and it really showed in his pop and overall tools. Albright has a pitchers body at 6-3 / 190-pounds with some strength. He has natural arm strength where we have seen him run it into the upper 80's as of late. Albright is one of the top uncommitted right-handers with upside left in the class. 

Outside of the 2021 class coming on Sunday, be watchful for Junior, Garrett Sloan (Estrella Foothills, 2022) who has two-way potential as right hander & third basemen. He’s built at a sturdy 6-foot, 183-pounds with above average strength. He dealt with a back injury over the course of the summer but has come on strong lately. We recently saw him sitting 83-85mph with his FB in the AZ Fall Classic as well as showing some pop at the plate. 

There is plenty of more uncommitted talent that will be there on Sunday. For a look at the most up-to-date roster attending Sunday’s showcase, click here

ITINERARY

  •  8:15 to 8:40 a.m. – Position Players Check-in
    + Stretching
    60-yard Dash
    + Defensive Evaluations
    Offensive Evaluations
    Round of Batting Practice with Trackman & Blast Motion
  •  1:30 to 1:45PM p.m. – Pitcher Only Check-in
    + Stretching
    Bullpen Session
    + (Catchers will also be evaluated during this time)
  • Catchers will stay for both sessions.

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