Emilio
Morales

USC commit. Morales is coming off a bit of a down high school season but he’s definitely making up for it this summer. The buzz coming into the event was he’s been catching/throwing very well and that certainly was the case here. With pop-times in the 1.97-2.01 range - he flashed a 1.98 in-game - the USC commits’ arm appears to be fully healthy once again. Throws were on the bag too. Swung the bat well during BP showing some of his sneaky pop which could become a bigger part of his game as his 6-foot-3, 186-pound frame continues to fill out. A very strong showing for Morales here. 

4/3/18 - 4/6/18 - This kid has a chance to be a Mega-guy on the mound. Fastball was up to 89 before settling mostly 85-87. It has some arm side life to it, but he didn't throw it very much while we watched him. Fastball jumps through the zone and was almost more effective than Jones' was. A bit of a shorter stride length right now. Changeup has a chance to be a plus pitch at 76-78 mph and he throws it with fastball hand speed. Some sinking action and was able to back door it. Really good feel for the pitch and ripped it off in any count. Swing and miss changeup. Slider was 68-73 mph. At times it was more of a curveball for slower strikes, but he dropped his slot a touch when he wanted it to sweep away from right-handed hitters. Very competitive. Still a bit of immaturity in there, but he's only a soph. The frame is ideal pitcher frame with high-waist and athleticism at 6'2" 170. Much more to come from this kid. Dominated in his outing. Whip to the arm. Very good behind the plate with soft hands. Some strength from the right side with a short, compact stroke. Is a catching prospect who is a bigger prospect as an arm.