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Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes (February 22-March 1, 2022)
03/02/2022

Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes (February 22-March 1, 2022)

Over the course of the 2022 high school baseball season, Five Tool will have scouts to go alongside video coverage at select games throughout our regional areas. The Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes this week include Arizona, Southern California and Texas. Our staff has been tasked to look at all sorts of players who perform at a high level as well as players who have 2022 MLB Draft potential.

There will be a wide variety of players in these notes from uncommitted players to Division 1 commits to Division 3 commits and to junior college commits. Some games may have a few players noted while others may have a plethora, all dependent upon performances during the games.

Listed below is the first installment of Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes.

Arizona

Brophy Prep vs. Higley (Feb. 23)

’23 Oregon State commit James DeCremer III of Brophy Prep (AZ) put together a dominant performance on the bump as he struck out nine over four shutout innings of work. What was most impressive about the outing was the RHP’s immaculate inning in the top of the 4th. Nine straight pitches, three straight strikeouts all swinging. DeCremer featured a fastball up to 90 MPH and showcased great control of a hard slider at 81-83 MPH that he was not afraid to throw when behind in counts. Worked with his timing making it tough for batters to stay on top of pitches.

’22 Chapman University recruit Henry Chabot of Brophy Prep (AZ) had a smooth swing through the zone. Was 2-for-2 on the day picking up a home run to right center where he showed his ability to drive the ball to the gap. Defensively, Chabot had quick feet and a good arm behind the dish. Handled DeCremer’s plus stuff picking up some strikes and making it an easy target to pitch to.

–Clay Cummings, Five Tool Arizona

Millenium vs. Liberty (Feb. 24)

’22 Seanan Farney of Millenium (AZ) impressed on the bump by going five innings and allowing no runs and only one hit. The RHP’s fastball still sat 87-88 through the 5th. Topped out at 89 MPH with a slider at 76-78 MPH, curveball at 69-71 MPH and changeup at 78 MPH. Farney commanded both his fastball and breaking balls including a sharp slider that proved to be an efficient out pitch.

The Pima CC signee spotted up, for the most part, but his misses were still tough to hit. Seems to be a guy that if he’s on, he’s going to be very tough to string together hits against. You can tell Farney likes to compete every time out on the bump.

Other notable velo came from ’24 San Diego State commit Austin Charles of Liberty (AZ) 2024. An ambidextrous pitcher who only threw from the right side facing an entire lineup of right-handed hitters. Fastball topped out at 88 MPH while mostly sitting between there and 86 MPH. We know what type of competitor he is, especially from the offensive side, but will need to see him again this spring to get a better feel for his development.

–Aaron Cable, Five Tool Arizona

Desert Mountain vs. St. Mary’s Catholic (Feb. 25)

Uncommitted ’22 Toby Haarer of Desert Mountain (AZ) struck out four while allowing two hits and zero earned runs over 3.1 innings. The RHP spotted up his fastball up to 89 MPH sitting 85-87 MPH. When keeping the ball low, the velo was higher. Worked his curveball at 71 MPH with a changeup at 76-78 MPH. Looks like there is some more velo to come and needs to be on the radar of area junior colleges.

’22 Arizona signee Luke Moeller of Desert Mountain (AZ) is an absolute physical presence. The catcher displayed pop with a laser line drive, but was not given much to swing at the rest of the game. Moeller also looked solid defensively behind the dish.

Desert Mountain’s (AZ) Leo Sarnataro proved to be a good contact hitter, finding the barrel in two at bats. The 2022 Arkansas Tech signee is a well rounded defender that could be used in a utility infield role at the next level.

–Aaron Cable, Five Tool Arizona

Corona del Sol vs. Hamilton (March 1)

Corona del Sol’s (AZ) Jalen Seward proved to be a talented RHH and defensive 1B. The ’22 Kansas signee showcased an aggressive approach with power to both sides of the field. Line drive hitter that hit the cover off the first pitch he saw in back to back plate appearances.

Uncommitted ’23 Landon Springmeyer is a good defensive catcher with power to all fields. The Corona del Sol (AZ) junior blocked well and his throw downs were quick and on target. Hit a HR to right and barreled up another ball at the right fielder in his next AB.

Notable velo came from ’22 Arizona State signee Logan Salomon of Hamilton (AZ). Fastball topped out at 91 MPH while mostly sitting between 87 and 90 MPH. Dominated hitters with and relied heavily on his fastball. The RHP is tall and powerful with a projectable frame. Works downhill consistently.

Hamilton’s (AZ) Roch Cholowsky proved why many consider him to be one of the best infielders in the state. Elite actions at both second and short, the 2023 UCLA commit was all over the field in his season debut. The RHH’s swing works to all fields as he picked up three hits on the day.

’22 Oregon State signee Gavin Turley is a true five tool player. Hamilton (AZ)’s speedy outfielder showed out in the field and proved to be a menace on the base paths. The righty looked comfortable and locked in at the dish and displayed some easy pop. Really quick to the ball and gets his barrel through the zone. Hit a double with some good exit velo that we’ve seen him do over the past few years.

Hamilton’s (AZ) Josh Tiedemann picks right back up where we saw him last. A power hitting RHH with easy pop to the pull side, the ’23 TCU commit launched a two-run home run well over the wall in deep left center to kick off an impressive debut. This dude is a monster in the box and his bat will certainly play at the next level.

Uncommitted ’24 catcher Liam Wilson surprised us out of the 9 hole with a no-doubt bomb to left and single in his next AB. Showed off some quick bat speed and easy pop. An interesting follow in the Hamilton (AZ) lineup this year.

–Aaron Cable, Five Tool Arizona

California

Foothill vs. Torrance (Feb. 24)

Foothill’s (CA) Austin Overn is certainly as advertised. The ’22 lefty showcased some elite speed and on his one swing on the day, hammered a standup triple to right center field.  The USC baseball and football signee covers a ton of ground in center and has an above average arm. Overn was patient in he box as he drew three walks on the day.

’22 Hawaii Signee Brady Schrank of Foothill (CA) is an offensive-minded second baseman that has a great feel for the barrel at the dish. Schrank has enough physicality, but also has some room to add more. The RHH plays hard and flew around the diamond as he went 2-3 with two doubles, one RBI and one walk.

Foothill’s (CA) Ernesto Gonzalez is an intriguing arm. The righty hid his fastball that sat 84-86 MPH, well and slung it from a deceptive three-quarter arm slot. The uncommitted 2023 pounded the zone with three pitches and featured a tight slider. Gonzalez also showcased good command of his changeup as he threw two in right-on-right matchups right underneath the hitters’ hands.

Foothill’s (CA) Andrew Parker is a 2023 name to watch. The uncommitted junior is a solid defender at short and seems to already have leadership qualities. The RHH seems to put together a quality AB each time he steps to the plate and handles the bat well.

Corey Nunez is a ’22 UC Santa Barbara signee with easy actions. The righty from Torrance (CA) has a lanky frame that could use a little bit of added strength. Nunez had a solid day at the plate and showed some sneaky juice with a triple to the opposite field gap.

–Tim Arakawa, Five Tool California

Notre Dame vs. Harvard Westlake (March 1)

Harvard Westlake’s (CA) Bryce Rainer is legit. Loose and whippy in the box but also in control of his movements. Hit an absolute moonshot and showed some moxie as he submitted his early entry for bat flip of the year. Can tell he’s trying to think left center so he doesn’t get pull happy. Before the 3-run home run, Rainer had a double off the wall in center and showed some excitement when getting into second — plenty of passion for the game here. The ’24 UCLA commit is a great looking athlete, for only being a sophomore. The lefty has an impressive 6’3 frame with room to add physicality. Arm and athleticism are plus tools already.

Moonshots were the story of the game as Harvard Westlake’s (CA) Will Gasparino added a towering home run of his own. The ’23 Texas commit is an absolute monster in the box. The righty is every bit of 6’5 and was on time and barreled balls all game long. This swing will certainly play at the next level and the power to the big part of the yard will only continue to develop.

Uncommitted ’24 Tommy Bridges out of Harvard Westlake (CA) needs to be on scout’s maps now. The RHP has a smaller build but is athletic and displayed a repeatable motion. Was consistently at 87 MPH with his fastball and held it through 5 innings. SL was average at 76-77. Really competed well on the big stage and pitched himself out of a couple jams.

’22 Georgetown signee Andrew Citron was lights out and dynamite in his only inning of work. The big righty pounded the zone with his fastball that sat at 89-91 MPH and helped to close out the ballgame for Harvard Westlake (CA) in a commanding win.

’22 Northwestern signee Marty Kaplan is a sneaky good ball player. The lefty from Harvard Westlake (CA) has tools that don’t necessarily pop off the page but he does a ton of things consistently well. Real heady player who projects to be a solid all-around college player. Went 2-4 with a hustle double and RBI in the 10-3 win.

Notre Dame’s (CA) Jack Gurevitch had a couple of quality ABs on the day. The ’22 San Diego signee uses the big part of the field and seems to have a good plan and approach from the left side. Had two knocks on the afternoon and drove in a run with a single back up the middle.

Another notable player from Notre Dame (CA) was Jackson Frankovich. The ’22 San Diego signee showed pull side juice as he belted a solo home run in the 4th to keep his team in the ballgame. Nice, fluid swing that will play at the next level.

–Tim Arakawa, Five Tool California

Texas

Cornerstone vs. Boerne (Feb. 22)

’22 Flamethrower, Cole Phillips out of Boerne (TX) had some easy velocity and a repeatable delivery and solid mechanics. The Arkansas signee sat 94-97 MPH with his fastball (topping 98 MPH) and featured a hard, put away slider (83-84 MPH) that baffled hitters throughout the ball game. We’ve seen him up to 99 MPH before as well. Phillips looks to be a very humble, not flashy, and an extreme competitor. The righty picked up eight punchouts over 4 one-hit innings and will certainly be a name to watch throughout the rest of the season for draft stock.

Cornerstone’s (TX) Garrett Baumann came into his start looking to establish his fastball as long as he could. The ’22 Texas Tech signee utilzied an impressive arsenal of pitches that included a fastball up to 90 MPH, two breaking balls (CB and SL) and a nice changeup. As the game wore on he leaned on his off speed pitches to keep hitters off balance. The RHP challenged the zone and consistently lived on the outside corner. Baumann threw all of his pitches for strikes and stayed away from the middle of the plate.

’23 Texas State Rashawn Galloway put together a great approach and swing at the plate. The RHH out of Boerne (TX) puts the barrel on the ball and crushes mistake pitches. Really looks to be a leader behind the plate and has good receiving footwork.

-Tracy Warren, Five Tool South Texas

Tompkins vs. Reagan (Feb. 24)

Brennan Greer out of Reagan (TX) spotted his fastball well on a cold afternoon. The RHP worked his fastball that sat 85-87 MPH and touched 88, down in the zone to get some called strikes and generate weak contact. He also featured a curveball with some horizontal depth to it. Greer showed the ability to throw all three of his pitches (FB, CB, CH) for consistent strikes. Really impressive 2023 uncommitted arm.

’23 Rice commit Landon West out of Tompkins (TX) was solid defensively behind the dish on a cold, windy afternoon. He made some tough blocks with runners on 3rd that prevented a few runs from coming across. The RHH looked locked in at the dish and went the other way for two extra base hits. West looks to be a key leader on a very talented Tompkins team that is an early contender from Houston to make a deep run this May and June.

–Nick Thames, Five Tool Texas

McKinney Boyd vs. Vista Ridge (Feb. 25)

Brody Walls impressed in all facets of the game on Friday afternoon. At the plate, Walls showed good discipline at the plate, laying off multiple balls just out of the strike zone. The RHH was aggressive when the pitch was in his wheelhouse. On the rubber, the freshman worked quick to the plate with an easy, clean delivery. His fastball had life with arm-side run and he also showed some feel with a tight breaking ball that was utilized as an out pitch. Some technical issues, no velocity available unfortunately. Over three innings, Walls picked up four strikeouts, but got hit around a little at the end of his outing. On the defensive side, Walls showed impressive range, stopping a ball deep to his arm-side. This uncommitted 2025 out of McKinney Boyd (TX) had good arm strength with quick hands in the field and looked like a prototypical shortstop.

Uncommitted ’22 Caden Park impressed on the mound and at the dish this past Friday. At the plate, the McKinney Boyd (TX) senior showcased strong hands and looked to hit for power. The RHH utilized an aggressive bat waggle with a toe tap. On the bump, the righty used a high effort delivery and his fastball appeared to be explosive out of the hand. Park snapped off a few nice breaking balls on a cold, windy afternoon. The North Texas football commit also featured some moxie on the mound.

–Mark Green, Five Tool Texas

JJ Pearce vs. Rockwall (Feb. 28)

Uncommitted ’24 LHP AJ Ripley didn’t seem to care about facing a talented lineup in Rockwall (TX). The JJ Pearce (TX) LHP sat 84-86 MPH through three shutout innings of working striking out two. Didn’t issue a walk working from a 3/4 arm slot. Was able to throw his curveball for strikes in all counts at 67-69 MPH. The big changeup speeds from the same arm action made it tough for hitters to face. It was as impressive of as a short Monday night outing start could get. Efficiency was the big takeaway and not to mention a sophomore sitting 84-86.

Uncommitted ’23 Garrett Schroeder of JJ Pearce (TX) looked beat after his first swing. That was it, it was on from there. His ability to adjust proves the RHH shortstop is ready for the next level. In his first AB, Schroeder took a high fastball to left and flew around the bases for a triple. Made it standing up in 12.5 seconds. Later in the game facing the same type of velo (upper 80’s), Schroeder took advantage of the pitcher’s mistake and went dead center for a solo home run. Pitch was left over the middle at 88 MPH and taken to center at 90 MPH. Shouldn’t be much hesitation here when looking at him for the next level.

Even though he gave up the aforementioned home run, uncommitted ’24 RHP/OF Pearson Riebock of Rockwall (TX) has a chance to be a special talent. Was up to 89 MPH in his inning of work with a 74 MPH curveball he got for a strikeout. Really keeps the ball out front when pitching and is athletic in all facets. Offensively, Riebock ripped a double (4.51s on the turn watching the ball some) with one out to right in his first AB of the night in a lefty-lefty matchup. On his last AB, the LHH got down the line in 4.25s. Had taken a look at the ball and was a little awkward on the last-second stretch to get to first — think he has much better home-to-first speeds in him.

’23 Texas commit Brayden Randle of Rockwall (TX) continues to be a tough out at the plate. And that’s not going to change anytime soon. Looked to gain some more physicality and can be plenty aggressive. Took a ball down and away and went to center with it for a double on a line. I’ve typically seen mostly pull-side power from Randle, but the double the LHH hit was low and away and he went to deep center with it. Team typically looks to him to rally and the word “leader” seems to resonate the most with him captaining things up the middle.

’23 uncommitted Mac Rose of Rockwall (TX) took a low pitch off the left-center wall in his first at-bat. A lefty-lefty matchup that he was able to drive a ball for the double. Played first base and was supposed to close this one out, but didn’t get the opportunity. We’ve had him upper 80’s in the past and is an intriguing arm on the bump. The approach at the plate is pretty calm and collected. Looks old school with the high pants and stirrups with a high stance. Good with the backside load and separation up top, gets his head looking down at the barrel on contact. Continuing to fill out, wouldn’t doubt that he gets after it in the weight room with the make up.

–Jeffrey Kahn, Five Tool Texas

Plano West vs. Braswell (Feb. 28)

’22 Mary Hardin-Baylor signee Bryce Farlander showcased an impressive 4-pitch mix on the bump. The RHP used mostly a FB-CB combo and was able to reach back for 86 MPH when he wanted.  The Plano West (TX) senior kept hitters off balance, generating multiple whiffs on cutter that touched 80 MPH, a changeup with sink and arm-side run, and a CB that broke 11-5. Got multiple K’s looking and had great command of FB.

At the dish, Farlander looked very loose and relaxed. The RHH had good bat speed and a level swing plane. Appears to have strong hit tool and really found the barrel well, hammering an 86 MPH FB to deep RF.

’22 Murray State College signee Kellen Curtis of Braswell (TX) is 6’4 projectable LHP with a big leg kick. The senior loads his hip slightly across his body and generates both power and depth on his fastball that reached up to 84 MPH. Really tunneled well with his CB that breaks on a 10-4 plane and generated strikeouts throughout the outing. The lefty struggled with control early but settled down after the 1st. Curtis is a young senior (still 17) and someone who’s stock could dramatically rise by the end of the year.

’22 Arkansas signee Jayson Jones showed advanced feel of the strike zone is his debut. Was really impressed by the Braswell (TX) senior as he is a team-first guy and intently watched the pitcher from the dugout trying to pick up on subtle cues and nuances. Made a really nice play deep in the hole at SS. Due to his bigger frame, Jones projects to move over to 3rd at the collegiate and pro levels.

–Mark Green, Five Tool Texas

Lake Highlands vs. LD Bell (March 1)

Uncommitted ’22 RHP Joe Potter of Lake Highlands (TX) sat 86-88 MPH in his one inning of work. Topped 89 MPH on a pitch low and away. Threw two curveballs in his outing, one for a ball and one for a strikeout. Has been someone who hasn’t gotten a lot of varsity innings with the amount of seniors on the squad in 2021. Worked out of the stretch and went slide-step with runners on. Lost velo in one at-bat that was mostly 86 MPH, but regained it on the last AB.

Uncommitted ’22 RHP Joshua Ortiz sat 88-89 MPH in his outing. A little more high effort than the aforementioned Potter, but the LD Bell (TX) product is fine to follow. Worked in a changeup at 72 MPH. Worked in with the fastball, but needed to get the ball just a little bit lower. Still one to keep on your radar this spring.

Uncommitted ’22 C Shane Jenkins of Lake Highlands (TX) was sound defensively behind the dish. Threw out a runner with ease on a 2.04s POP time. Worked low behind the dish sticking it when framing. Helped get some strike calls for his pitcher in their favor. Had a clutch moment in the bottom of the 7th ripping a double by the third baseman to move the runner from first to third. Next batter was intentionally walked and that was followed up by the game-winning hit. hits 3-hole for Lake Highlands.

Uncommitted ’23 SS Wesley Scott of Lake Highlands (TX) is a switch-hitter who can attack the baseball. Picked up his hit from the right side of the plate for a double with a slightly open stance and hands starting back and behind his head. Good timing and rhythm, will be one to follow as well.

–Jeffrey Kahn, Five Tool Texas

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