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ProCase 2019 - A Look Back at OF Keith Jones

May 4, 2020
Blaine Clemmens
Northern CA Director of Scouting

    

PODCAST: Northern CA ProCase

The 2019 Northern CA ProCase was held last June 9th at Delta College in Stockton and it featured all but one of the local talents who are in the mix for the upper rounds of the 2020 draft. Of course MLB hasn't announced a draft date yet and we don't know the number of rounds, which could be five at a minimum.

We've begun to build the roster for the 2020 ProCase, where the players will again be put through a pro-style workout with various stats/data recorded during the workouts which can be found HERE from 2019, as well as competitive at-bats/game-type action. 

If the event cannot be held at Folsom Lake College due to Covid-19 precautions we have a contingency plan to hold it at Islanders Field in Lathrop. We have NOT adjusted the date at this time and are constantly surveying potential necessary changes. We do have alternative future dates/location set.

Click on the highlighted player name which is linked to his profile with more video and notes, etc.

A LOOK BACK AT...

OF Keith Jones (Heritage) - report from 6/9/19

2020 OF Keith Jones (Washington State commit) turned some heads at the June 9th ProCase. He was on the 2018 Area Code Games Underclass team so he's certainly not a secret around these parts but there are times when you are on the field with a player and they just start to feel differently than when you see them from the stands. Jones is one of those players who is more impressive when you are down on a field with him vs being in the stands.

One of the important 'old school scouting' things to do (which I believe in) is shaking a player's hand, looking them in the eye, etc. Well, when meeting Jones and shaking his hand, the impression left on me was, 'whoa, those are some mitts on him and he's going to get a lot bigger and stronger.' The frame is a very solid 6-foot-2, 190-pounds (listed then, now 200-pounds) and there is ample room for him to fill out, particularly his upper body. He's strong but nowhere close to what he will be when he gets man-strength in a few years. 

Jones ran a 7.09 60-yard time, which obviously is not blazing but it's an adequate time for a player who projects as a corner outfielder and the time also indicates that he's not just a big body, but he moves well with body control. The other measurable tools also graded out well for him, with an 87 mph velocity from the outfield and 89 mph exit velocity (wood bat off a tee). The arm strength was a pleasant surprise because when watching him throw in a regular pregame the arm didn't appear quite that strong, due in large part to his easy throwing motion and smooth movements.

As a corner outfielder with a L/L profile, there are some comps that start to come to mind, such as Michael Brantley, with Jones having the look of a player who could grow into a 6-foot-2, 215/220-pound player as he physically matures. Aside from a physical/profile comp, Jones' offensive tools look to have a chance to evolve beyond some players who may be presently appreciated more at this time. He swings easy, the power comes naturally and again, he's got a lot of strength he can gain. When on time he creates leverage that allows for EASY carry and projectable home run power. Jones maintained good balance in his BP swings and during the live hitting portion he carried the same mechanics into the box.

His mechanics should allow for him to develop into an all-field hitter, with above average raw power to the pull side and the ability to drive the ball the other way. Defensively he showed tools that should equip him to be at the least an average defensive outfielder with an arm that can play above average. The run tool will settle into the fair/slightly below average range but he will be an adequate runner, certainly not a detriment on the bases.

All in all, whether he goes to school or has an opportunity to sign out of high school, Jones drips of projectable offensive talents and it's conceivable that he not only develops into a legitimate MLB prospect, but also develops beyond many players who presently are a bit further along than him.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Of course given the Covid-19 pandemic, future event dates/locations could change. If they do, we will alert all registered players and make adjustments to our calendar.
SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Norcal Underclass Games (INVITE-ONLY) CA 06/06 Islanders Field - Lathrop
Northern California ProCase (INVITE ONLY) CA 06/13 Folsom Lake College or Islanders Field
SoCal Underclass Games (INVITE ONLY) CA 06/13 Hart Park
SoCal ProCase (INVITE ONLY) CA 06/14 Hart Park
California State Games CA 07/25 Southern California


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