Blake
Baccello

Unsigned Senior Showcase (October 30, 2016)

Baccello stands in at 5-foot-10, 150-pounds with a lean athletic frame. Ran a 7.28 – 60, improved from previous recorded time of 7.81 in August 2015. Offensively- Righty sets up square to the pitcher with his feet outside his shoulders in a wide stance. Slight knee bend with an upright torso while his hands are held in front of his back shoulder showing pre-pitch bat movement. On pitch his trigger is a quiet step forward while his hands move back slightly into the hitting position. Good lower body rotation getting his whole frame involved and getting the hips through. Quick hands to the zone with an upward lift bat path throughout into a high two handed finish. Covers the plate well with potential to drive the ball gap to gap. Recorded an exit velocity of 74 MPH. Defensively- In the outfield shows good footwork getting to the baseball. Fluid crow hop mechanics with a good outfield arm swing throwing down hill towards intended target. Quick transition from glove to throwing hand. In the infield shows good footwork getting in front of the ball with fluid fielding mechanics. Funnels quick and efficiently to his throwing hand and shows quick aggressive footwork prior to release. Recorded a positional arm velocity of 74 MPH.

Eastern NY All-Star Game (September 13, 2015)

Stands at 5-foot-6, 130 pounds, with an athletic body build. Improved his Home to 1B time (4.83 to 4.66).  Defensively - He has a smooth approach through the ball, with smooth, soft, quick hands, throws with a high 3/4 arm slot, plays through the ball nicely, with some range, and has accuracy on the target.  Offensively - At the plate his setup is relaxed and very balanced, short stride, with a back load.  His hands are very compact, swinging with a level plane, with a shoulder high finish through the ball

Hudson Valley Open (August 12, 2015)

Baccello, a slight but athletically built middle infielder ran a 7.81 60 with a 4.83 Home to 1B. Exit velocity was 73 MPH and arm strength was 70 MPH across the diamond. Offensively- Blake hits from a slightly spread stance with a small and controlled load of the hands and stride. Bat angle stays in the 45 degree range. Clears out lower half and stays short to contact. Front knee locks out occasionally taking his swing path into foul ground, limiting acceleration through the ball and finish. Groundball/line drive results with table setter's mentality. Repeats swing pitch to pitch. Defensively- Active footwork into his approach, fields everything out in front and quick with transfer from glove to hand. Funnels up into throwing motion and displayed quick release. More in the tank velocity wise as his focus was getting the ball in and out. Projects more at 2B now but could fill SS role if need be. Continue improvements with foot speed and arm strength will only enhance his projection.