THE FIVE: CCS Focus Uncommitted

October 3, 2019
Ryan Ozella
N. California Area Scout

Central Coast Section, CA - With the Fall Season in full effect and players working hard to get ready for the Spring season, I wanted to highlight five players from the Central Coast Section that have continually impressed me in my viewings this past year. Coaches should be keeping the names on their lists and looking to add them to their rosters. Be sure to click players names to see notes, stats, video and previous coverage.

The Five: CCS Focus Edition

Brady Chavez RHP / OF / Santa Cruz, CA / 2020

Chavez's game continues to improve and there's still more room in the long frame to keep adding strength for the two-way player who finished as the 2019 Player of the Year in the SCCAL. As an OF the handsy swing shows the ability to whip the bat through the zone creating extra-base hits to gaps while also showing a patient approach; the athleticism out of the box is strong allowing him to turn singles into extra bases. Playing RF for most of the season, the arm is accurate and keeps balls online to bags using good footwork to prevent runners from advancing. On the mound, Chavez shows a three-pitch mix being able to attack the zone; when he's pounding the zone and changing speeds it's tough for hitters to square him up.

Bryce Gundersen SS / 2B / Scotts Valley, CA / 2020

Svelt and twitchy, Gundersen is a middle infielder that projects well down the road with strong tools that will keep allowing him to make leaps. The bat is a carrying tool and with his athleticism projects to be a top of the order bat at the next level. Gundersen utilizes his frame well keeping the legs underneath him through the swing and allowing the barrel to get out front and create lots of hard contact; as he keeps adding weight the power will keep jumping and continue to show up in game. Defensively, the twitchy actions give him strong range and the ability to have his hands and feet work together while on the move; his arm has the strength to make throws in time and keep it on the bag.

Max Farfan 3B / 1B / Salinas, CA / 2020

Large, wide and showing physical strength, Farfan is the type of corner power bat that can develop in the middle of a lineup at the next level. The frame still has the space to tighten and mature (will graduate at 17 years old) with the agility to fit at the hot corner. The swing is simple, yet powerful staying behind the baseball and working on an upward path; the ball jump off the bat and shows easy carry to gaps and in-game over the fence power. At 3rd, the footwork is solid showing strong range and the arm strength to have the ball jump out of his hand; the in-game instincts are also strong being able to understand where to go with the baseball.

Fisher Johnson OF / RHP / Aptos, CA / 2021

Another two-way player who shows physical projection with a L/R profile, Johnson was a role-player for a talented Aptos squad in 2019 looking ready to make a big jump and become a key part of the 2020 squad. At the plate the LH swing shows power potential with the ability to get the barrel upwards through the zone, staying behind the baseball well; ball comes off his bat easily and as he matures should keep jumping. The arm fits the RF profile showing easy carry to the bases and there's still more coming. On the hill the long arm creates strong angle from its H-3/4 release and shows the makings of an above-average breaking ball.

Nico Button C / Serra , CA / 2021

Button has the tools to be a major contributor for Serra this upcoming season with catch and throw skills that can make big jumps over the next couple seasons. The wide shouldered frame has some current strength in the upper half that looks to carry over to the power in the bat. The compact swing shows late hand speed and can produce lots of extra-base hits. Behind the plate, Button shows off strong receiving skills and the arm strength to be an all around catcher. Those catching skills have kept improving and his lateral agility allows him to beat balls to the spot.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
NorCal Uncommitted Senior Games	CA	10/06	College of Marin
NorCal Top Prospect Games	CA	10/13	College of Marin