FTB Tryout PBR Upgrade: 2021/2022 Breakdown

September 12, 2017

By Doug Freeman
Florida Scouting Director

Orlando, FL- From August 18-20th one of the top organizations in the country, FTB, held their Fall 2017 Tryouts for players from the 2018-2022 classes. Players participated in bullpens on Friday night, went through a full pro-style workout on Saturday, and finally ended the weekend on Sunday with a game.

Below is a breakdown of the 2020s in attendance that added the PBR Upgrade option:

Trey Burd SS / RHP / Providence , FL / 2021

5-foot-10, 140 pound SS/RHP. Offensively, he stands upright and uses a leg kick load. When he gets separation in the stride he hows a balanced lower half. There is looseness in the hands with a level path. Will see the benefits of the strength as he gets older as wella s hitting from a stronger front side. Defensively, he shows quality footwork with a good first step. Tends to break down to field the ball and would see benefits working with rhythm through the ball. On the mound, he lands slightly closed and throws from a 3/4 slot. Threw a fastball at 68-70 mph, a curveball at 64-65 mph and a changeup at 60-61 mph.

Caleb Rodriguez LHP / OF / Hagerty, FL / 2021

Rodriguez is still very young with a lot of room to grow and fill out. Offensively, he has an early somewhat arm bar load. He can get rotational, but shows a balanced lower half that he clears well. He is aggressive through the zone with present bat speed. From the outfield, he worked through the ball well, topping out at 71 mph. On the mound, he has a simple, repeatable delivery with some drop and drive. Fastball worked 62-65, changeup at 59 mph and a curveball at 54-55 mph.

Justin Montanez SS / RHP / Nature Coast Tech, FL / 2021

5-foot-9, 150 pound. Offensively, he has a wide base with some stiffness. Showed a feel for the barrel, but would benefit with some added rhythm and extension in the swing. Defensively, he showed sound defensive actions that will continue to improve as he gains athleticism and strength. On the, mound he has a simple and repeatable delivery. Could see benefits from using more of his lower half. Fastball ranged from 72-73 mph, curveball at 61-62 mph and a changeup at 68 mph.

William Hagen 1B / RHP / Melbourne Central Catholic, FL / 2021

5-foot-11, 190 pound 1B/RHP. Offensively, the right handed hitter has some present strength for his age. He has simple swing and creates natural loft. As he learns to clear his backside and utilize his lower half he will have a chance to hit for some power as he gets older. Defensively, he shows above average defensive actions at first. He moves well around the bag and shows quality footwork with the ability to pick the ball in the dirt. On the mound, he worked 72-74 mph with his fastball, 57 mph with the curveball and 68-70 mph with the changeup.

James Snipes SS / RHP / Shiloh Hills Christian, FL / 2021

5-foot-10, 130 pound infielder. The right-handed hitter hits from an upright stance. He shows quality separation and although the path can be steep, he showed the ability to find the barrel and hit line drives from gap-to-gap. Defensively, the hands work and will continue to improve as he gets older and the athleticism and strength comes.

Christian Soto 1B / 3B / CPCA, FL / 2022

5-foot-11, 195 pound corner infielder. The big right handed hitter hits with a small leg kick and small stride. He has present strength and bat speed. There is some steepness in the swing and when he learns to utilizes the lower half the strength could translate to gap-to-gap power. Defensively, he shows sound defensive action and has the big strong frame for first base.

Tyler Mitchell OF / RHP / Matanzas, FL / 2021

5-foot-9, 160 pound. Ran a 7.43 60 yard dash. Offensively, the right-handed hitter has a very simple load and produces a short, simple swing. The path is level through the zone with a feel for the barrel. Would see benefits from added rhythm and utilization from the lower half. Defensively, he had accurate throws and a strong arm for his class from the outfield topping out at 78 mph.

Brian Erb SS / RHP / Nature Coast, FL / 2021

5-foot-11, 130 pound SS/RHP rand a 7.59 60 yard dash. Offensively, the right-handed hitter he uses a small leg kick and consistently found the barrel working line drive from gap-to-gap. He will benefit learning to clear his backside and hit from a strong front side in the lower half, but there is some present feel for the barrel. Defensively, the actions are sound. He will benefit from added athleticism and rhythm through the ball, but the hands work well. On the mound he featured a three pitch mix of a fastball ranging from 70-72 mph, a curveball at 64-65 mph and a changeup at 61 mph.

Schyler Arroyo C / OF / Hagerty , FL / 2022

On the the younger participants, he showcased a potential for a bright future. Offensively, the right-handed hitter starts slightly open, is aggressive through the zone and shows above average bat speed for his class. There is some stiffness, but should loosen as he continues to mature. The path is short and consistently finds the barrel. Defensively he also shows a lot of promise. He has a stocky catchers frame, with quick twitch actions. The feet are quick and shows an above average catch to release with a clean and quick transfer. Also showed a strong arm, topping out at 71 mph and a pop time of 2.15.

Aries Samek SS / 3B / Teaneck, NJ / 2021

Lean 6-foot, 170-pound SS/3B. The right-handed hitter starts with a wide base and uses a medium leg kick trigger. He is aggressive through the zone, with a slightly uphill path. the hands are loose and shows some bat speed out in front. There can be length at times, but as he continues to become stronger the swing will be more consistent. Defensively, he shows a quality first step and the hands and feet work well together at times through the ball. There is some present athleticism and tolls with more to come as h e matures.