Joe
Valenza

+ 1B Joe Valenza (Plainfield North, 2027) really looked the part Monday and should only continue to become more intriguing as he continues to fill out. The frame immediately stands out at 6-foot-2, 194-pounds with wide, broad shoulders and plenty more room to add on strength. The left-handed hitter has an easy, longer swing with the ability to use the whole field, maintaining length through the zone and through impact. Valenza also showed an accurate arm on the infield while playing with steady hands at the first base position.

Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-1, 185.5 pounds. Lean, athletic, high-waisted frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, hangs foot into a longer stride.  Longer swing, length through the zone, worked uphill at times, approach to the gaps and up the middle.  62.1 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 84 mph max exit velocity (76.4 avg.); 303-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 73 mph. Short, high 3/4 slot. Throws flash carry.
Defense: Two hand gather out front, steady hands, glove-pat transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.58 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71 Edge Score.

INF Joe Valenza (Plainfield North, 2027) came away a winner from the event, following a quality showing during batting practice. He stands at a high-waisted 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame with more to come in the future. The left-handed hitter showed a loose swing that worked naturally uphill while working gap-to-gap throughout his round.