SoCal Upperclass ID: Quick Hits (Sunday)

The USC commit opened with a blazing 6.48 laser-timed 60 immediately making his presence felt before showing off his newfound switch-hitting ability. From the left-side he was his usual line drive to the gaps self, but from the right side he showed more than enough power and barrel control to make you feel he can do it long term. The arm has improved (84 mph) in its strength and accuracy. Overn’s speed is fun to watch in the outfield where he attacks balls while playing with great body control.  

Culver City HS has had it’s fair share of quality pitchers in recent years and Evans appears to be the next one. Big, physical build at 5-foot-10, 185-pounds, Evans featured a simple, clean arm action that is compact and efficient through to his over the top release point. Fastball at 84-86 T88 mph featured an average IVB of 22” that he was able to spot to targets in all quadrants of the zone. Changeup at 72-73 features late action that bores in on righties from the same slot with max spin of 1831 rpm, putting him in top 20% for all high school pitchers. Command of the changeup was also present during his session. Curveball is sharp with depth featuring an average of -9.1” of induced vertical break putting him in the top 10% of all high school pitchers. It’s easy to envision Barnes throwing much harder with even more movement in the future.  

At 6-foot-3, 175-pounds with long limbs, there’s a lot to like about Pyle when you consider what his ceiling is and where he’s at now. Strength showed itself at the plate where he pounded balls to the tune of a 96 mph max exit velo. Showed a middle-left as his pullside was favored during BP. Gets the barrel on plane thanks to fast hands (23 mph) through the zone. Defensively his footwork, arm, and routes to ball all play. Has a good understanding of angles to the ball. On the mound he features a high spin (2149 RPM) fastball that he’s able to spot for strikes consistently working 82-87 mph. Changeup at 73-77 mph flashes fair movement late while the curveball shows depth at 69-72 mph.  

Woods showed some baseline tools that will certainly draw the attention of college coaches. Clocked a 7.12 laser-timed 60 showing athletic actions that carried into his outfield workout where it plays. Plays with excellent body control attacking balls in the outfield where he funnels out front and showing a quick release with arm strength at 85 mph with accurate throws. Excellent first step. Hands are fast (24 mph) at the plate where he showed a consistent barrel, squaring up pitches to all fields.  

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Whitton started his day with a 6.63 laser timed 60 giving us an indication of what was to come. A big, lean, athletic outfielder he showed during the defensive portion of the workout that he is more than capable and athletic enough to lock down a corner spot with no problem and where his recovery speed will give him a chance to play in center field. Arm (80 mph) plays now in the outfield. What it lacks in velocity he makes up for in instincts, speed, and footwork/body control. The bat isn’t far behind the aforementioned skill set. Hit fly balls to right early in BP before moving more middle with line drives. Whitton is a very projectable outfielder with present desirable tools that should make him a name to know heading into spring.  

This was Uribe’s first PBR event since the Preseason All-State in 2019 after which he suffered an injury to his throwing arm. This is also the third time I’ve seen Uribe in the last couple months and it’s awesome to see him back in form. At his best he’s a strike throwing machine with three-pitches that he commands to all quadrants. He’s been at this best in recent viewings touching 90 mph consistently with the fastball only to back it up with a tight, hard breaking ball with depth and a late diving changeup. All of his pitches come from the same window and the release point on all three varies by less than a 1/4 inch. Before the arm injury Uribe was on track to being one of the top arms in his class, it’s awesome to see he has regained his form and has continued to see velocity improvements as well.  

In our first showcase viewing of Gamble he didn’t disappoint as he showed off big power at the plate and significant athleticism on defense both at catcher and first base. He moved very well around the bag at first getting body in position to throw with quick feet. Same played behind the dish where blocked/recovered quickly, presents a good target, and receives with soft hands. Arm strength at catcher (74 mph) and first base (72 mph) plays. Throwdowns were on the bag with his one miss low to the second base side. At the plate it’s a non-stop power display with several balls off the fence - one over it - and multiple 100 mph+ readings on exit velocity.  

Millikan HS has a reputation for producing very good middle infielders and De Carlo has a chance being that next guy. A slick fielding shortstop, De Carlo flashes ample range to both sides with a big, strong (82 mph) arm that is capable of making throws from all angles. Plays with great balance and from the ground up. Hands are true and pure. Pair that with his developing strength at the plate (93 mph EV) and what you have is a player who is going to attract a lot of recruiters attention next spring. Clocked a 6.87 laser-timed 60 to open the event. 

Opening with a laser-timed 60 at 6.75 Brown was set to make the most of his appearance at the Upperclass ID Camp. Carried that hot opening into his BP round with a middle-left approach that consistently squared balls up. It’s a simple setup using fast hands to whip the barrel through the zone. Present power seems effortless and easy. Balls have the knuckleball look coming off the barrel. On the infield his arm (75 mph) plays for the left side as he’s able to make accurate throws from multiple angles. Footwork is fair as is the range while the soft hands and clean exchanges are a bonus to his ability.