NorCal Uncommitteds at Area Code Games
July 20, 2023
Follow @PBRCaliforniaFollow @LesLukachFollow@Clemmens_PBR
New Episode LIVE now! - At The Yard Podcast
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - Top players from around the country will be competing at the Area Code Games at the University of San Diego from August 6-11. Most of them are committed to a four year college, but each year there is a small handful on most teams that are still uncommitted, for one reason or another.
On the Athletics roster there are seven players (to my most recent awareness) who are uncommitted, six of them from NorCal and one from the Reno area. I was at the ACG tryout so I have seen each of them recently but five of them I've had a much deeper look at, whether at NorCal ProCase or Bay Area World Series (some at both), or during the spring season. The other two uncommitteds not listed below are RHP Diego Emerling (College Park HS) and OF/RHP Thomas Young (Douglas HS; Minden, NV).
Click on the name of the player to access his profile, which includes stats (TrackMan, Blast, running, throwing, etc)
Scouting Report
Had a strong showing at BAWS 2023, with good numbers relative to hitting talent, and ability to get off low pop times (75-76 mph, 2.04-2.08), etc. In a crowded field of talented catchers at the ACG tryout he clearly stood out to the area scouts who select the team. With the hand speed (23+ mph) and ability to make impact contact up to 97 mph, coupled with the catching tools, he profiles well. As a crosschecker once said to me, it's about the usability of the ability. He now has his opportunity to perform on one of the biggest stages possible.
Scouting Report
The breakout pitcher at BAWS 2023, his performance earned him an invitation to the ACG tryout and he made the most of the opportunity. Best bolt at BAWS was 91 mph, on his last pitch. Showed a wide slider that at times was sharp and also a CHG. Then at the ACG tryout, he was steadily 92-93 mph and touched 94. The slider once again flashed as a future out pitch (79-80 mph) and a CHG with depth at 83-86 mph. Gut feel here is that the 94 mph is just a glimpse of what will eventually be his FLOOR for fastball velocity. Would not be shocked if he touches 95 in San Diego and leaves the weekend with a plethora of offers from major programs.
Scouting Report
One of the fastest baseball players in California, he's been as low as 6.46 and routinely is below 6.50. The throwing arm is good, there are stronger arms for sure, but is always around 86-87 mph in the showcase workouts, such as at ProCase and BAWS. The wheels and his range will contribute to getting more outs for his team than would having a slightly bigger arm. If asking most local D1 coaches, the one reason for Lee being uncommitted would be their skepticism of whether he will hit or not. Then again, that's generally the skepticism for 99% of HS players. I held the same questions about Lee as a hitter earlier in HS career, but having watched him in spring games and in events vs high quality competition, he's made adjustments and made a believer out of me. The tools are 73.8 mph bat speed, 95.3 max EV.
Scouting Report
Among all players in NorCal, uncommitted or committed, Wentworth very likely holds the most interest from the MLB area scouts. He checks nearly every box, starting with the body, he's a left-handed hitter, he can run (6.60-6.65), he can throw (91 mph), he shows the hit talent with swing and approach as well as EVs (99.6 max) and bat speed (79.5 max), and that's just as a position player. Then on the mound the FB is up to 89 mph, has slider and CHG, though as a sophomore I saw a CB out of him I liked better than the sliders I've recently seen. Regardless, if polled, the area scouts would have him as their top HS talent in the early versions of their pref lists. He's also a tremendous talent as a quarterback but in speaking to him, he's indicated that it's baseball he is focused on going forward. Having seen him three times recently (ProCase & BAWS as well), count me all in on Wentworth.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
California State Games | CA | 08/11 | Fullerton College |
NorCal Uncommitted Games | CA | 10/08 | Chabot College |
Scouting Report
Abraham is known to be one of the most competitive and mature pitchers in his class. He can craft his way through a game, with feel for three pitches, strike-throwing ability, willingness to get outs early in the count but can go and get extra velo (best I've seen is 92) for a big strikeout. Old school in the way that when his HS coach gives him the ball, he's intent on not giving it back. Wasn't able to be at ProCase this year (was in 2022) due to pitching in the NorCal Regionals just a few days before the event. Previously committed to a Pac-12 school.