Valentino
Salgado

2017 New Jersey State Games (July 26-27, 2017)
Salgado has a broad shouldered, athletic build at 5-foot-6 158-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.16-seconds and recorded an exit velocity of 87 MPH. Stood out as one of the top overall 2019s at the event. Possesses advanced barrel control and pop for age. Offensively – starts in a crouch with a wide stance and hands above back shoulder with bat close to head. Uses a weight transfer and stride to start swing. Hands load straight back with some fluidity. Short, quick hands and hips through the zone, uphill swinger with line drive pop and gap to gap potential as he continues to strengthen build. Defensively – throws from SS topped at 81 MPH with carry and backspin on the bag. Bouncy, athletic, high energy type player. Can play SS, 2B, and 3B seamlessly. Clean glovework and quick exchange. Plays through throws to first base with little effort. Plays under control but plays fast.

 
Preseason All-State Showcase (February 11th, 2017)
Salgado has a stocky build at 5-foot-6 158-pounds. One of the top performers from the event. Ran a 7.32 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts in a tall stance with feet set up slightly wider than shoulder width with weight visibly on back side. Hands start high above shoulder with bat parallel to the ground.Uses a toe tap to start swing. Hand load is small, but they rise up. Bat wraps around head. Creates some extension in hands and arms in swing to create some power. Balanced finish. Shows some feel for the barrel. Line drive type hitter. Hips clear the zone fluidly. Exit velocity recorded at 88 mph. Defensively-  recorded throws that topped at 80 mph across the infield from SS. Shows some athleticism in the infield and some bounce to step. Able to throw from multiple slots and contort body. Throws were from a high-3/4 slot with back spin and carry. Showed off range and arm strength on back hand. 


Last Chance Open I.D. Showcase (November 5th, 2016)
Salgado has a stocky build at 5-foot-6 158-pounds. Offensively- starts with wide feet and weight evenly balanced. Hands are just above shoulder with bat parallel to the ground. Loads weight back and uses a small leg kick to start swing. Hands are loaded straight back, top arm locks out. Drifts to the ball on swing, can get more out of legs if he can stay back over his backside more. Defensively- put on one of the better performances in the infield. Throws topped at 79 mph across the infield - but feet were quick and showcased very athletic movements when moving laterally. Showed quickness and soft hands especially on back hand, where his planting, catch, and throw were seemingly in one motion. Slow roller Salgado showcased how he can contort his body to throw in a different direction from where he is running. Impressive defensive showing overall.