Follow @PBR_Ontario

Interested in attending a PBR Ontario event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

Scout Blog: Senior Prospects In Ontario

With the 2019 grads off to school, it’s time to put an emphasis on the senior class here in Ontario, as there currently a large portion of uncommitted talent for college coaches to get their hands on.

We highlight some of the top players we’ve seen over the summer with 6 prospects from the 2020 class that are sure to be guys to lock in on.

Drew Howard RHP / SS / All Saints, ON / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 2 Report: The dual infielder/right-handed pitcher was a complete player this summer, manning shortstop for his club team while also being a reliable arm on the mound. The tools are there for Howard as he works in the 85-88 range and we’ve seen him up to 89 mph with a sharp, near 12/6 curveball. There is life and clean actions off the hill, while his athleticism takes over defensively at shortstop. More of a line drive approach with gap power at the plate from the right side, Howard is a very intriguing two-way guy, with upside all over the diamond.

Nicholas Thibodeau C / Notre Dame Catholic, ON / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 11 / POS: 1 Report: Big strong right-handed hitting catcher with power from the right side, Thibodeau was a ProCase attendee this past year and fit right in, showcasing bat speed and loud contact, while there is arm strength and actions to work with that will allow to stay behind the plate moving forward. A definite 2020 who coaches need to be on with the tools he currently possesses.

Tanner Dawe RHP / AB Lucas, ON / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 19 / POS: 6 Report: Big strong right-handed arm that we’ve seen up to 88 mph this summer. Dawe attacks with his heater and goes right after hitters and doesn’t waste time and try to be too fine. He mixes in a curveball/ changeup combo with more feel currently with the breaking ball, and looks to be a guy whose velo will continue to climb, becoming a three-pitch guy who can take the reins this fall and heading into the 2020 summer as a definite arm to be on.

Darius Armorer OF / RHP / Sinclair, ON / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 3 Report: Armorer is one of the more athletic and toolsy position players in the 2020 class. Its an above average arm from the outfield that can easily play in right. He moves well as our best 60 time on him is 6.90. Hits from the right-side and will surprise some with the power we’ve seen him display. Lots to like and work with here, is only going to get stronger and is a guy who you do not want to sleep on as there is big upside with Armorer.

Bennett Moore RHP / 1B / Goderich District Collegiate Institute, ON / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 39 / POS: 13 Report: Long and lean right-hander of the Ontario Nationals, Moore works from a downhill angle, using his 6-foot-6, 185-pound frame well to get on top of guys and produce weak contact. Mixes in a curveball with 11/5 shape and while there needs to be more consistency, we’ve seen him be able to use this and compliment his fastball, getting swings and misses and keeping hitters off balance.

Ayden Wood OF / LHP / Courtice Secondary School, ON / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 38 / POS: 8 Report: Wood was a standout at our Spring Training event in Florida, and carried that into the summer as the two-way player is athletic, can run, and has also been up to 85 mph on the mound with a curveball from the left-side. Wood is controlled and balanced at the plate with bat speed and contact, line drive oriented player who puts together quality at-bats and puts pressure on the defence with his speed. He plays with energy and has that hard nosed Canadian mentality we are used to seeing from players in this country.