2020 Games: Infield Analysis
July 10, 2018
The Invite-Only 2020 Games took place on Tuesday, June 5th at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils. The event featured many of the state's top sophomores and gave players an opportunity to earn an invitation to play for Team Arizona in our premier national event, the PBR Future Games in August. Today, we continue the event coverage with our Infield Analysis. This list was extremely difficult to put together and was expanded to include 15 prospects due to the talent level on the infield at this event. Even in doing so we were still forced to leave off a number of talented prospects like Hunter Bagshaw, Luke Bass, Seth Chick, Jacob Stockton, Ben Staiger, Matthew Rice, Brock Arnold, Dean Bittner, Dakota Duffalo, Joey Harmon and more from an event that was absolutely loaded on the infield. Some players like Daniel Davila, who showed some rust positionally after missing the spring, will be very highly-rated at another position (RHP).
Complete video, data, pictures and scouting reports have been posted to players' individual profiles. As always contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or information.
TOP Infield PROSPECTS:
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Colten Keith 3B / RHP / Verrado, AZ / 2020Arizona State Commit. 3B/RHP Colten Keith came into the event as the top-rated player in Arizona and did nothing to change that. His 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame continues to mature and add strength, which has allowed his tools to steadily improve since we first discovered him last winter. Keith turned in a 6.69 60-yard dash, 87 mph exit velo, 87 mph infield velo and 90 mph outfield velo, all tops at the event except for on the infield where he was bested by 2 mph. Despite a very high leg-lick, he shows a natural ability to be on time with the baseball and make loud contact to all fields, even driving the ball hard to LF some during his round of BP. Keith was also the best we've seen him on the mound, repeatedly touching 90 mph during his inning of work with a short, quick arm action. His breaking ball has developing into more of a true curveball at 72-76 mph with sharp 11-5 break and we also saw a soft 72 mph changeup in warm-ups. As a pro prospect Keith is likely a 3B/RF with elite bat speed who could hit in the middle of any lineup as a potential high draft pick, but if he makes it to school there's no question he's a legitimate two-way option.
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Trevor Long 3B / RHP / Chaparral , AZ / 2020Already highly-rated by PBR, 3B/OF/RHP Trevor Long stood out as easily the top uncommitted prospect in attendance. a true two-way player, it would be a tough call at present as to where he fits best down the road. His 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame is starting to develop and add strength, which combined with the athleticism (6.99 60-yard dash) may make the ceiling higher at 3B or RF. He showed the best right-handed swing of any player at the event, with a balanced, athletic setup, loose wrists and easy bat speed out front with some power to the pull side; 92 mph exit velocity. Despite having the tools to play up the middle, Long's actions profile best at 3B where he shows easy carry on his 89 mph throws across the diamond. He also played some outfield doing game action and is a natural mover who should show an above average to plus arm out there if he can't stick on the infield long term. On the mound, he showed 86-88 mph velocity on the fastball, working downhill from a high 3/4 arm slot with big arm speed. Long threw two distinct breaking balls, with the tilted 76-79 mph standing out as a potential future out pitch with tight rotation and sharp, late break. He also mixed in a slower curveball in the lower-70's that also showed tight rotation and more 12-6 shape, but less consistency than the slider. There's no question Long has established himself as one of the top 2020 prospects in the state and a high-DI prospect.
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Jacob Berry 3B / 1B / Queen Creek, AZ / 2020Arizona commit 3B/1B Jacob Berry showed without question the most present strength of any prospect in attendance and has done an impressive job improving himself athletically in recent months, putting up a 7.39 60-yard dash. Berry likely ends up at first base in college/pro ball, but it's now not out of the question that he could stick at 3rd after showing increased mobility and putting up a very solid 86 mph velocity across the diamond. Berry is a true switch-hitter and will be able to drive the ball out of any park from both sides, posting an impressing 94 mph exit velocity left-handed and nearly matching it at 84 mph from the right side. He uses a very simple swing with virtually no stride, snapping the barrel vertically into the slot and shows about average present raw power generated mostly with physical strength. Despite the level of physical maturity I could easily see Berry adding another 20-plus pounds to his 6-foot, 190-pound frame and showing above average to plus raw down the line. There's no question he can be an impact bat in the PAC-12 and could even turn himself into a pro prospect in two years if the home run power really starts to show up in games.
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Ryland Zaborowski 3B / 1B / Basha, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 41 / POS: 8
Zaborowski has made a recent jump and may have been the best physical specimen at the entire event, positing a 7.16 60-yard dash at 6-foot-6, 205-pounds with room on his frame to become an absolute monster at some point. He moves well at 3B, with impressive actions for an infielder of his size and plenty of arm (85 mph) to generate carry across the diamond. Zaborowski shows easy power in the box, generating natural loft when making contact out front and turning in an impressive 92 mph exit velocity. Hits from wide base with short stride; torso gets forward very early in his swing and could hit for even more power by staying behind the baseball.
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Drew Bond SS / RHP / Sunnyslope, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 20 / POS: 6
5-foot-9, 150-pound frame. Bond is a true two-way player in high school, but appeared to be a considerably better prospect as a position player on this day. Bond shows impressive feel for the game with smooth actions and enough arm to defend any of the three infield positions; 83 mph infield velocity. Also showed an advanced approach in the box, working hard to stay inside the baseball and making loud contact to the middle of the field. Posted an 83 mph exit velocity and 7.19 60-yard dash. Ran his fastball up to 83 mph on the mound. Athleticism shows with an explosive lower half and quick arm. Change up was thrown at 70-72 mph with some fade. Also flashed a curveball thrown with fastball intent at 67-70 mph with sharp 11/5 break.
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Travis Warinner SS / 2B / Mountain Ridge, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 16 / POS: 5
5-foot-8 158-pound frame. Warinner continues to show high-end defensive actions and could be an immediate contributor at the position. Very smooth and fluid. Despite not possessing elite speed (7.22 60-yard dash), Warinner shows the type of instincts that will allow him to stick at the position with plenty of arm (84 mph infield velo). Also showed some pop in his bat registering an 88 mph exit velocity with a simple swing, tipping the barrel forward to initiate his swing and aggressively getting his backside through the baseball.
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Jack Nehls 3B / SS / Westview, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 27 / POS: 5
6-foot, 160-pound frame. IF Jack Nehls was solid across the board, with plenty of room to add strength/mass as he matures. Nehls is an athletic mover on defense, showing soft hands and easy actions, likely translating to second or third base at the next level; 81 mph infield velocity. Nehls showed impressive power this spring with loose wrists and projects for even more power as his body matures, adding strength and mass. 81 mph exit velo more indicative of current strength level than ability to drive the ball. Ran a solid 7.09 60 yard dash.
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Efrain Manzo SS / 3B / Chandler, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 29 / POS: 10
6-foot-1, 180-pound frame. Strong, athletic build. Manzo stood out during BP, driving the baseball with authority to the pull side and showing a combination of strength and bat speed that could produce real power. Generates serious whip of the bat head. His 94 mph exit velocity was second-best at the entire event. His future defensively is less clear, however the bat could play enough to settle in at first base if necessary. Posted an 80 mph infield velocity and ran a 7.39 60-yard dash.
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Vinnie LaGatta SS / OF / Valley Christian, AZ / 20205-foot-9 150-pound frame. Upright and slightly open stance. Takes a long stride with big forward momentum shift into the swing. Swings with intent. Swing path generates some loft; 79 mph exit velocity. LaGatta impressed on the infield where he showed confident, steady hands and a fast arm. Has a quick transfer and the ability to throw on the run; 83 mph infield velocity. Has the ingredients and athleticism to project as a middle infielder defender. Also ran 7.15 60 yard dash.
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Michael Diaz 3B / OF / Brophy Prep, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 31 / POS: 6
6-1, 190-pound 3B/OF Michael Diaz couldn't run the 60 due to a minor football injury, but brings a physical presence and generates some real bat speed from the left side; 87 mph exit velocity. Diaz is the type of athlete that should be able to make rapid progress as he continues to spend more time on baseball. Produced as a sophomore at the varsity level. Presently profiles best as at a corner infield/outfield spot; 82 mph infield velocity. Bat will likely play enough to settle in LF. Will be an interesting follow as he continues to get more time on the diamond.
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Isaiah Adams SS / 2B / Hamilton, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 30 / POS: 11
5-foot-10, 140-pound frame. Hit from an upright stance with minimal loading pattern and stride. Short, compact swing. Direct path to the baseball; 78 mph exit velocity. Middle infield profile. Avanced average actions. Light on his feet with good lateral movement. Showed a quick transfer and the ability to throw from multiple arm slots; 78 mph infield velocity. Projects to stick at SS with continued physical develpment. Presently a ways off physically, but shows the type of infield actions and athleticism (6.98 60-yard dash) that should make him and an intriguing prospect for schools down the road.
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Tyler Stone 1B / RHP / Chaparral, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 40 / POS: 3
6-foot-2 220-pound frame. Large, sturdy frame. Stone has shown he can hit on a consistent basis and this was no different as he produced probably the hardest hit ball of the day in game action with a stand-up triple deep to RCF. Keeps hands tight to body throughout the swing. Generates bat speed and natural loft; 88 mph exit velocity. Has continually shown ability to be offensive producer and this day was no different. Profiles as a first baseman at the next level and could also add value on mound when arm returns to health. Posted a 7.77-60 yard dash. Will need to work to maintain body and improve athleticism in order to reach ceiling as a prospect.
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Ryan Ellis SS / C / Mountain Ridge, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 34 / POS: 12
IF Ryan Ellis spent most of his time behind the plate during the high-school season, but profiles much better to 2B, with his 5-foot-6, 130-pound frame and 7.00 60-yard dash. Explosive first step and quick feet combine for impressive lateral movement. Compact, quick arm; 80 mph infield velocity. Offensively Ellis' does a great job keeping his barrel in the zone and shows an advanced, easy rhythm from the left side with the ability to make hard contact to all fields (86 mph exit velocity). Undersized prospect doesn’t play small and is a consistent producer against high-level compettion.
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Griffen Chewning 2B / 3B / Notre Dame Prep, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 49 / POS: 1
IF Griffen Chewing has made major strides with his game, adding significant strength to his now 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame. Chewning showed present bat speed and posted a very solid 88 mph exit velocity. Shows present strength now and keeps barrel in zone, making lots of hard contact to LCF. Can definitely defend third and possibly second base at the next level. Posted a 79 mph infield velocity and ran a 7.37 60 yard dash. Plays hard and produces in game action. Has turned himself into a potential D1 prospect.
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Will Maxey 3B / SS / Hamilton, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 38 / POS: 7
6-foot-2, 165-pound frame. Starting to develop physically and with plenty of projection remaining. Has a chance to elevate himself as a prospect significantly with continued growth. Just scratching the surface. Wide set up and short knee knock stride. Very linear swing path in and out of the zone. Swing produces hard, line drive contact; 84 mph exit velocity. Projects as a third baseman defensively. Posted an 82 mph infield velocity and a 6.99 60 yard dash. Also pitched in this event. Fastball ranged from 77-80 mph topping at 81. A combination of tall posture and uphill shoulders enable him to generate some plane despite throwing from a ¾ arm slot. Rotates into front hip well. Change up was thrown at 71-74 mph with fastball arm speed. Curveball showed gradual break at 63-66 mph.
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