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Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes (March 24-29)
03/31/2022

Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes (March 24-29)

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 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 Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes.

California

Northview vs. San Dimas (March 24)

Uncommitted 2023 Sal Batres was solid on the bump against a tough San Dimas (CA) lineup. The RHP from Northview (CA) showcased a swing-and-miss SL (75-77 MPH) both in the zone and to chase. The junior featured great tempo and a fastball up to 89 MPH that was consistent for four plus innings. Absolute competitor and bulldog.

2023 USC commit Dean Curley has a nice toolbox and excels in all areas of the game. The junior from Northview (CA) is a physical presence at SS and in the box as he went 2-3 in this one. Curley’s hit, arm, and speed tools are all above average to plus. Really defends well and has a chance to develop some power. Just seems to float around the field and makes it look as if the game comes easy. Curley is a strong leader for a very talented Northview (CA) squad.

Diego Frey out of Northview (CA) is a notable 2022 uncommitted bat. The RHH put together a few good swings on the day and showed some extra-base power to the right-center gap. Tall, lanky build that can add some physicality. This dude can certainly make an impact on a collegiate ball club sometime next spring. Get on this one.

Uncommitted 2022 out of Northview (CA) Ivan Barragan just found barrels all day. Put together tough, competitive at-bats all game long and showed a really good feel for the barrel as he picked up three base knocks in this one.

Another standout performer for Northview (CA) was uncommitted 2024 Moses Medrano. The RHH showed some savviness for a young player as he was solid behind the plate and showed pull side juice with a solo home run. Keep an eye on his development. This dude has a chance to keep making noise on the big stage.

San Dimas’ (CA) Robert Castillo is the stereotypical definition of a dude. The 2022 Long Beach State signee has a constant motor and a high level feel for the game. Prototypical west coast type player who will definitely define the “Dirtbag” mascot in Long Beach next year. Has a David Fletcher type feel to his game especially if the glove can develop.

-Tim Arakawa, Five Tool California

Servite vs. Santa Margarita (March 25)

Uncommitted 2023 Colin Galvin worked a couple good outings of relief for the Servite (CA) Friars. The RHP escaped a threat late in the ball game with a nifty PFP and worked a quick 1-2-3 seventh inning to get the save and the secure the win for his squad. Galvin seems like the most trusted and first guy out of the pen for Servite.

Uncommitted 2025 Miles Scott came up with a HUGE two-run base knock late in this one that ended up being the decisive run. The freshman out of Servite (CA) has really athletic actions both offensively and defensively. Look for this dude to be a household name as he grows and gets bigger throughout his high school years. The actions are there, physicality should come.

Santa Margarita’s (CA) Collin Clarke is an intriguing 2023 arm. The uncommitted junior featured an above average fastball that consistently hovered around 87 MPH. The RHP has a good, solid frame but also has some room to add velocity that would elevate his game to the next level.

-Tim Arakawa, Five Tool California

El Dorado vs. Cypress (March 26)

Uncommitted 2023 Nathan Huy is an intriguing arm for the El Dorado (CA) Hawks. The LHP went three innings allowing only an unearned run. Had a good feel for all three pitches and ran his FB up to 85 mph. Definitely projects to be a starter at the next level and with a little bit added velo he will be a coveted arm.

Uncommitted 2024 AJ Frausto showed some really good actions both offensively and defensively. The right-handed hitter had a couple of competitive at-bats and was rewarded with a knock late in the game. The up-and-coming sophomore out of El Dorado (CA) defended well at 2B and made the routine plays. Good prospect in the making here.

2023 San Diego State commit Garvey Rumary was the hero on the day with a walk-off RBI double down the line in right. All game long the LHH from El Dorado (CA) was just barely missing balls at the plate. The junior is definitely looking to get the barrel out and do damage to the pull side. Rumary has good plate coverage which allowed for him to look to drive the ball the right. Had a gritty last at-bat that resulted in the game winner.

2023 Long Beach State commit Abbrie Covarrubias is a good looking shortstop for Cypress (CA). The dirtbag commands the defense well from short and has enough range and arm to stick there as he transitions to the next level. On the offensive side of the game, the star junior is athletic in the box and has a good feel for his barrel and the strike zone.

2022 Cal State Northridge signee Bren Wilkinson shined behind the dish for Cypress (CA). Really controlled the game behind the plate and kept the pitching staff dialed in. Definitely a leader behind the plate and has the defensive skill to be a good defender in college.

-Tim Arakawa, Five Tool California

Franklin vs. Elk Grove (March 29)

2023 Mississippi State commit Nolan Stevens was impressive in this one as he held a high-powered Elk Grove lineup to only two hits and no runs. Franklin’s (CA) workhorse has legitimate two-way potential at the next level, hitting 91 MPH numerous times, while also finishing 2-2 at the plate with a pair of hard-hit singles. The LHP sat 88-91 MPH and featured a sharp 79-80 MPH slider which he threw for strikes in any count. Stevens picked up five strikeouts over six scoreless innings of work. In the box, the talented junior has a powerful swing that generates some bat speed. Aggressive hitter who took some big swings early in counts. A real high-level player with all the tools to play at the next level and beyond.

Uncommitted 2024 Jordan Lopez had a nice game finishing 2-4 with three runs batted in at the plate. The leadoff man for Franklin (CA) is a contact hitter with a flat bat path. He looks to spray the ball around the field, and did so in this one. The sophomore is having a good spring so far, leading the way for a very young, but quality Franklin team as they move to 10-3.

-Adam Yacek, Five Tool California

Texas

Southlake Carroll vs. Keller (March 25)

Arizona State commit Ethan Mendoza led the hitting on both sides with two doubles and one run scored. The ’23 second baseman out of the two-spot provides a spark plug on the Southlake Carroll (TX) lineup providing energy when the team is down. First double was early in the game with his squad down one run of 89-91 MPH pitching. Second double came in the 5th with his team down one run as well trying to break into the Keller (TX) bullpen. Slight hitch in the swing which helps generate bat speed. Looks really confident at the plate and truly attacks the baseball. Made three plays at second with an arm strong enough to hold it down at short. Dependable player in all ways.

Max Reyes is an uncommitted ’22 shortstop in the three-spot for Southlake Carroll (TX). Lined a ball that went up the middle and into the center-left-center area and hustled for the double. Looks great at the point of contact — head down the barrel, good “Power-V” position with his back knee bent using the lower half to drive the ball. Gets out of the box quick and plays hard. Not really much action at short, but showed well in pre-game in and out. What lacks with average arm strength, the defender makes up with quick feet and a quick transfer. Seen him before make plays with range and athleticism — that’s what you’ll get here on the defensive side.

Fordham University signee Nate Rusher was 89-91 MPH in his outing. The Southlake Carroll (TX) RHP struck out five in 3.1 innings of work giving up two hits with no earned. Ultimately got the loss in this one, but pitched his team through some tough moments. Works out of a high 3/4 arm slot slightly falling off the mound going with the momentum sweeping his back leg across his body after delivery. Worked around the zone, got some swing and misses and kept his composure in the tight situations.

’22 Texas Tech signee Zach Erdman kept the ball mostly low in his outing. The LHP struck out eight in five innings of work with three walks, five hits and two earned on 87 pitches. Battled throughout the game showing some resiliency. Sat 89-91 MPH early on, but stayed in the upper 80s throughout the outing. Ball came out of the hand like a slingshot and his curveball (67-71 MPH) curveball showed to be a swing-and-miss pitch when he got command of it. Change up was 72-73 MPH and mixed in all three pitches in his outing.

’23 LHP Ty Zahradnik wore his emotion on his sleeves helping fuel his fire on the mound. The 6-7, 220-pound lefty was 85-88 MPH topping 89 MPH with a curveball at 69-71 MPH and changeup at 77-78 MPH. Lots of downward motion on the delivery. Seemed to “get into” his pitch more on the fastball with some head movement and a lower frame and a release point further out. Healthy mix of fastball and curveballs to batters. Went three shutout innings getting the victory with one hit and three strikeouts. Showed his ability to command his pitches with just one walk. Fierce competitor who loves to pitch.

– Jeffrey Kahn, Five Tool Texas

Bridgeland vs. Cy Woods (March 25)

Bridgeland’s (TX) Justin Kim swung the bat well with three base hits as he led a potent Bears offense in this one. The 2022 Princeton signee has a simple approach which allowed him to stay up the middle, and get to a tough elevated fastball to take it the other way.  Also makes the routine plays up the middle. Really impressive stuff from the senior on a loaded Bridgeland team looking to contend this year.

Uncommitted 2023 Ben Polleschultz out of Bridgeland (TX) was really impressive after coming on to start the third. Worked quick and pounded the zone all night, throwing 47 of his 63 pitches for strikes, good for a 68% strike rate. Loved his tempo and composure on the mound. The whole tone of the game changed when he had the ball in his hands. Limited the Wildcats to just 2 runs and 5 hits (all singles) on a night when runs were not hard to come by. Threw the remaining 5 innings to close it out, while striking out 6 and not allowing a free pass. He’s one velo jump away from being an elite 2023 arm.

-Nick Thames, Five Tool Texas

Clark vs. Madison (March 25)

Uncommitted 2024 Jake Neely out of Clark (TX) was impressive in his start last Friday night. The RHP sat 86-89 MPH for the majority of his outing and touched 90 MPH. The talented sophomore kept hitters off balance as he effectively tunneled his fastball with his curveball (74-76 MPH) and changeup (73-76 MPH). Really got after hitters as he generated a lot of swing and misses and weak contact. This dude is a star in the making and will be a name worth keeping tabs on as we transition into the summer ball cycle.

-Tracy Warren, Five Tool South Texas

Burleson vs. Mansfield Timberview (March 25)

Uncommitted 2025 Cayden Mitchell out of Mansfield Timberview (TX) cruised through four innings of work on the mound. The freshman struggled through his fifth and final inning, but responded in a big way at the plate as he hammered a 3-1 curveball to left center field for a two-run home run. Given his age, the righty has a very strong arm, is an above average defender, and has sneaky power at the dish. Really impressed with this dude’s showing.

Burleson’s (TX) Kyndall Cassidy put together a stellar outing at the dish in this one. The lefty picked up two base knocks including a big three-run triple that really opened things up and led the charge with a total of four RBI. The uncommitted 2023 is extremely physical and plays hard no matter the situation. Interesting prospect here.

2022 Drue Saenz is obviously the vocal leader of this Elk squad. The uncommitted catcher has a strong arm and really showed it off as he made a nice throw to first as he was sliding away from the base. The RHH went 1-3 at the plate, but made some noise as he blasted a two-run home run deep into the night and well over the wall in left center field. Jumped all over a 3-2 fastball in the bottom of the fifth.

-Parker Shaha, Five Tool Texas

Trinity Christian Academy vs. Benbrook (March 26)

Benbrook (TX) shortstop Dee Kennedy didn’t have the most successful day at the yard, but he still found ways to impact the game. The RHH hit a couple ground balls to short, but reached base safely in the 4.35s home-to-first range. Gets good extension at the dish with a two-handed finish. Some explosion in the swing, but mostly a line drive hitter. Was previously committed to a school in the SEC, but finds himself as an uncommitted 2023 who is going to have plenty of options.

Trinity Christian Academy (TX) third baseman Steven Ramos is a big, physical left-handed bat at the plate. Put multiple good swings on pitches looking to the opposite field gap. Showed his ability to wait back on the offspeed pitch driving a ball for a double. Had another at-bat where he reached safely on an error, but the ball was still hit hard to left center — hustled out of the box and ended up on second as a result. Had another at-bat with a hard hit baseball where the LHH was just a little out front. Still showed some raw power and there’s definitely something here. Swiped a couple bags as well showing off another potential tool in the making — more of a straight line runner. Seems to fit the build of a third baseman, made a play on a slow roller his way. Has a strong arm, but can be a little quick with getting rid of the ball. There’s still a lot to like and should gain more confidence on the defensive side with more reps.

’23 shortstop Abe Woods tallied two hits in the one. The TCA (TX) product went up the middle on one single and to left on the other. Keeps his hands up high at the plate with some whip action on the swing with a two-handed finish. A little Derek Jeter feel especially as he wears The Captain’s No. 2. Really quick with his release and looks the part at the position. Didn’t get too many balls his way, but seems to be a vacuum with his fielding. Good follow for the rest of the spring and especially into this coming summer.

– Jeffrey Kahn, Five Tool Texas

Cypress Christian vs. Northland Christian (March 29)

Cypress Christian’s (TX) Warren Haudek was impressive out of the bullpen for the Warriors. The uncommitted 2025 tossed the final 3 innings, allowing only one hit, zero runs, and four punch outs. Worked quick and threw 65% strikes. Fastball was up to 84 MPH with the breaking ball coming in at 69 MPH. Oozed confidence and energy on the mound. Wasn’t afraid to attack batters. Mature beyond his years. Big fan of this freshman.

-Nick Thames, Five Tool Texas

North Forney vs. Forney (March 29)

Aiden Sims could end up being the next big draft arm out of Forney (TX). Obviously it’s early — and there’s no reason to put that type of pressure on a young, promising 2024 RHP — but he’s made a big jump to 89-91 MPH since I saw him last summer and is developing a slider at 77-79 MPH. Showed a change up in warm-ups at 72-73 MPH, but stuck with the FB-SL combination throughout the game. Gave up some runs, but struck out 7 in 4.2 innings of work with the wind blowing hard from right to left. At times, the FB had some hard run making it tough for hitters to react to. Tall and lanky right hander with his signature long hair who has a great presence on the mound and should fill out. Would be willing to bet another velo jump will come this time next year.

It was just one inning of work from Forney (TX) RHP Ryan Dickey, but he was very efficient in relief. Struckout all three batters faced and was 90 MPH on the last pitch. Worked from a 3/4 arm slot with a repeatable delivery. Slider had sweeping action and the fastball had some heavy run inside to RHH with more speed. Slider was 75-76 MPH from the Odessa College signee.

Nick Gray has a really loose arm on the bump and can be very tough to hit when he has full command of the slider. The RHP for North Forney (TX) sat 87-88 MPH through three innings of work and topped 89 MPH. Slider was hard at 78-79 MPH and had a change up at 82-84 MPH. Someone who’s going to become even tougher to hit as there should be an increase in velocity over the next 1-2 years. Overall great athlete who went to center field after his outing. Reminds me a lot of Riley Bauman, the 2020 out of Rockwall (TX). Was 89-90 MPH in April of 2020, signed with Navarro College and was 90-93 by the fall — now at Abilene Christian.

’22 North Forney (TX) outfielder Juan Cantua does a lot of great things every time he plays. The switch-hitter stayed on the left side of the plate and picked up a double going the other way on a breaking ball up in the zone. Really calm approach at the dish seemingly slowing the game down against good pitching. Plays with a lot of energy and can be a pest on the bases. Someone you can trust at each outfield position as well. Signed to Angelo State University.

– Jeffrey Kahn, Five Tool Texas

Georgetown vs. Rouse (March 29)

2022 Baylor signee Zachary Mazoch is a true leader behind the plate who is very vocal and a great competitor. The senior out of Georgetown (TX) moves well and makes sure his pitcher knows he has his back. The LHH has a great approach at the plate that looks to be middle away, but proved he can adjust if pitched inside. Quiet hands at the plate and good hand eye coordination. Mazoch showed some serious resolve as he came up with the clutch game winning single in the 12th inning to give his squad a narrow 1-0 victory over 5A top-ranked Rouse.

Uncommitted 2023 Eli Hellmann was very clean at shortstop. Made the routine plays and also made several slow roller plays look easy. The junior out of Georgetown (TX) has a strong and accurate arm at and made big plays when they were needed. The RHH had two hits at the top of the line up and showed off a patient approach at the plate. Stayed true to his swing and did not try to do too much. Really impressed with this dude as he did not let the pressure in a tight ball game get to him.

-Tracy Warren, Five Tool South Texas

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