Ethan
Mendoza

The recent Arizona State commit is a pleasure to watch every time I see him. The instincts and intensity he plays with stand out everytime.  He had some good swings during the tournament.  He had multiple barrels on the weekend.  He has calmed down on some of his pre-swing motion but he still generates plenty of bat speed and swings with intent everytime.  He splits time between short and 2nd for the Dragons and is the leader of their defense.  Mendoza will be a big part of the Dragon’s postseason aspirations. 

 One of our favorite players to watch is Mendoza. The Jr. SS is always making something happen and plays the game with some serious bounce.  There wasn’t a lot to talk about in this outing, but the bat speed is real.  He has quieted down the leg kick from years past and it is a more controlled aggression now when he is in the box.  He is an avg. runner but it plays up because of his instincts and his 1st step.  I don’t expect Mendoza to be uncommitted much longer.

Watching Mendoza compete on the diamond is a treat every time we see him.  He plays the game with some serious bounce and confidence.  His foot speed continues to improve and he should be able to stick up the middle at the next level.  He has plenty of arm strength to play either position on the left side of the infield, as evident by his 88 mph velocity across the infield. At the plate, Mendoza has plus bat speed and consistently makes hard contact. He produced multiple balls with 95+ exit velo.  Mendoza is another Futures Game participant who should be off the board sooner than later. 

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-foot-9, 155 pounds
Hit: RH. Balanced stance with a smooth load and big leg kick. Quick, whippy swing on an uphill path launching balls to the pull side with regularity.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity in BP
Arm: RH. INF-81 mph. Short arm swing from a high ¾ slot with good accuracy and carry on throws.
Defense: Soft hands with a clean exchange and good footwork
Run: 7.07 runner in the 60

Positional Profile: OF
Arm: RH. OF-84 mph. Long arm swing from a high ¾ slot with good carry on throws.
Defense: Good hands with a clean exchange and good footwork

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-foot-9, 155 pounds
Hit: RH. Balanced stance with a smooth load and big leg kick. Quick, whippy swing on an uphill path launching balls to the pull side with regularity.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity in BP
Arm: RH. INF-82 mph. Short arm swing from a high ¾ slot with good accuracy and carry on throws.
Defense: Good hands with a clean exchange and good footwork
Run: 7.40 runner in the 60

Still very young but he has the fundamental-athletic actions at shortstop and at the plate that should allow him to progress as he matures physically. Ran a 7.96 60-yard dash. Showed pop with 78 mph exit velocity and good arm strength for his frame with 72 mph across the field.