Uncommitted Spotlight - 2021 prospects (pt. 2)

December 9, 2020
Dan Jurik
Scouting Director - Pacific Northwest

Puyallup, WA - Earlier this Fall we were able to hold an event specifically for uncommitted 2021 prospects.

Fall events events such as this provide players with the opportunity to build their profile with the most up-to-date information and video footage before heading into the off-season. All players in attendance receive an online profile with their verified statistics, player report, picture and video. Additionally, all subsequent stories written about a prospect will be linked to the player’s profile, ultimately creating a one-stop shop for recruiters.

Showcases help identify which prospects have asserted themselves towards the top of their class as well as who might be one of the next youngsters to emerge onto the scene. They also serve as potential identifiers for invite-only events such as our Future Games and Junior Future Games

For a full statistical release from the showcase, click HERE

For the statistical leaders, click HERE

UNCOMMITTED SPOTLIGHT

2021 PROSPECTS

Justin Haines 3B / RHP / Sumner, WA / 2021

Strong, burly frame at 6-foot, 180 pounds. Developed build. Tall, upright set-up offensively with a slightly open lower half and wide base. Closes off to the pitcher with a low, short stride. Quick, compact hand load with barrel to create separation. Stays balanced/quiet throughout while staying inside of the ball. Quick barrel with a direct path into the zone. Middle of the field approach with a level finish. Defensively, size and actions fit well at the hot corner. Keeps weight centered in his pre-pitch approach with posture on the balls of his feet. Flattens out back with hip hinge to stay over ball and funnel into his stance. Showed feel for soft glove hand. Glove tap exchange that syncs up with footwork & throwing motion. Low ¾ release with momentum behind throws. On the bump, pitched a quick, aggressive tempo. Stays tall at leg lift before getting into a drop & drive move with his lower half at hand break. Keeps level shoulder line as he gets down the slope. Lands with clean direction towards target. High, extended takeaway with arm path. High ¾ release with an aggressive finish out front. Extends out over lead leg with considerable forward trunk tilt as he keeps eyes on target.

Alec Harshaw RHP / 1B / Kamiak, WA / 2021

Long, lanky frame at 6-foot-4, 175 pounds. Equal build between upper & lower half. Offensively, sets up with a narrow, upright stance with alignment working towards pitcher. Hovers on backside before taking a short stride into a wider hitting base. Uses a push-back load with hands to create separation against front side. Heavy barrel action into contact that generates power from leverage/strength in frame. Stays tall in lower half throughout. On the mound, worked from the far left side of the rubber. High leg lift with some coil in towards back hip. Closes off shoulders until landing. Slight cross action at footstrike. Short stride length for height with minimal sink on back leg while getting down the mound. Arm gets extended after hand break then shortens up into low ¾ release. Backside comes thru after release with a tall, upright finish. Creates some angle on the ball with a strong lead leg.

Jaden Klebaum OF / West Valley , WA / 2021

Sloped upper half with a wiry frame at 5-foot-8, 145 pounds. Sets up in the box with a wide stance and weight pre-shifted onto backside. Weight stays in back hip as he takes a knee knock leg kick prior to forward stride. Hands stay below rear shoulder as he keeps flexion in his upper half before initiating swing. Showed some adjustability with lower half while adjusting barrel. Contact type approach with a level finish thru contact. Defensively, showed solid footwork in the OF with the ability to adjust actions. Used long strides while ranging to the ball with the ability to shorten up and break down while funneling/catching. Works thru the ball with an inside-crow hop to create momentum. Clean, compact arm action with ¾ release. Backside comes thru on all throws.

Evan McCarrell C / 3B / Henry M. Jackson , WA / 2021

5-foot-8, 180 pounds with a mature, durable build and stocky frame. Uses an upright, slightly open stance in the box with loose, relaxed hands. Hovers on backside with a low leg lift then takes a balanced drift into his forward move. Slight shift with hands to adjust barrel angle and create some separation. Lands in a wide base with weight centered. Barrel gets into the zone early and covers some depth. Flat path into contact with an uphill finish. Showed off gap-to-gap power with lift to his pull-side. Defensively, received with low hips and presented a compact target. Slightly staggered set-up with his lower half. Strong glove hand. Clean, consistent exchange out of crouch & into throwing motion. Lower half aligns with target while he separates hands at chest height & gets to low ¾ release point. Showed consistent ball flight to the bag throughout

Ezekiel Rodriguez SS / 2B / Central Kitsap, WA / 2021

5-foot-9, 175 pounds with a sturdy build and some stocky strength in frame. Offensively, sets up with a very open, crouched stance in the box. Lots of flexion on back leg to begin before his closes off his alignment and works towards the pitcher with his forward stride. Hands stay quiet, with minimal movement and use a subtle scap load to create stretch against front side. Hands stay tight, working inside of the ball and allowing the barrel to cover plenty of depth in the zone. Level swing plane with a middle of the field approach in BP. Defensively, shows confident actions at SS with consistent tempo and reliable body control. Sound footwork with a soft glove hand. Keeps balance while ranging laterally. Works down to the ball late and lets it travel into his posture. Easy exchange with hands into a full arm path with high ¾ release. Adjusted arm slot as needed