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Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes (March 7-13)
03/16/2022

Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes (March 7-13)

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 Five Tool Scouting Staff Notes.

Arizona

Mountain Ridge vs. Pinnacle (March 7)

Zachary Yorke of Mountain Ridge (AZ) proved to be both a pitcher and umpire’s best friend on the afternoon. A move-in this spring from Archbishop Mitty (CA), the 2022 Grand Canyon signee threw out a couple of runners and showed off an impressive arm with back picks at 1st and 2nd. The senior catcher showed a lot of comfort throwing the ball around the diamond and is a large frame behind the plate. The LHH also picked up an RBI single late in this one. Big, imposing bat at the plate with some good feel the other way.

Mountain Ridge’s (AZ) Cooper Neville has been on an absolute tear at the dish early in this 2022 high school season. The 2023 Grand Canyon commit started things off with a bang going to right center in the bottom of the first for a leadoff home run. The left-handed utility infielder utilizes quick bat speed and has impressive pop out of the leadoff spot. Neville now has hit three home runs in five games (at this point) for the Mountain Lions and shows no signs of slowing down.

Uncommitted ’22 Johnny Garber was a one-man wrecking crew for the Pinnacle (AZ) Pioneers. The right-handed hitting catcher carried the load on offense for his squad. While his team struggled to really got going until late in this one, Garber belted a home run and also added a two-run single to make things interesting in a 10-9 defeat. Generates some serious bat speed, swings with no batting gloves. Good, aggressive hard-nosed baseball player.

-Clay Cummings, Five Tool Arizona

Mountain View vs. Williams Field (March 8)

2022 BYU signee Ezra McNaughton is a physical presence on the field. The LHH infielder has a projectable build with a fast-twitch swing while being an above average runner. The Mountain View (AZ) senior has easy power to all fields and hit an absolute laser beam over the wall in left for a two-run home run in this one.

Mountain View’s (AZ) Willy Roberts showcased both contact and power tools at the plate on the morning. The LHH is a strong, multi-sport athlete and is no stranger to competition. The uncommitted 2022 picked up a single and also launched a solo shot to get things started for his team in the first inning.

Williams Field’s (AZ) Kenan Harvey was a standout due to his high level of athleticism. The uncommitted 2023 has explosive movements all over the field and hit a 400 foot line drive over CF to keep his squad in the ball game. Will certainly be interested to see this kid continue to develop and add strength over the rest of the spring and throughout the summer circuit.

-Aaron Cable, Five Tool Arizona

Queen Creek vs. Skyline (March 8)

2022 Central Arizona signee Sebastian Tomerlin has “team leader” written all over him. The Queen Creek (AZ) senior commands the fastball well and sat 82-86 MPH with good arm side run. The RHP leaned on a slider that sweeps across the zone and hides the ball well in his delivery. On offense, Tomerlin is an aggressive bat out of the three-hole, a hard runner and an overall dirtbag. Played QB for varsity football as well. Tomerlin impressed in all facets of the game and is truly a versatile athlete.

Queen Creek (AZ) freshman Ryker Waite made quite the impression in his start hitting out of the two-spot in the lineup. The uncommitted 2025 LHH is hard-nosed kid that stays dirty on the field. Tripled to the opposite field and took home on a great heads up hustle play shortly after. Was lights out defensively and paired his routine abilities with a diving play up the middle. This dude is going to be a fun guy to watch over the next four years.

-Aaron Cable, Five Tool Arizona

Desert Mountain vs. Sunrise Mountain (March 8)

2022 Arkansas Tech signee Leo Sarnataro impressed up the middle on Tuesday afternoon. The Desert Mountain (AZ) senior made a nice diving play at second to take away a hit and save a run. Was also was smooth on double play turns. The RHH also showed the ability to take the ball the other way with a nice double late in the ball game. Very fundamentally sound player here.

Desert Mountain’s (AZ) Luke Moeller is a big time prospect with an impressive bat. The 2022 Arizona signee has a frame that gives him a presence each time he steps into the batter’s box. The RHH smoked a line drive to left in this one and looks to make violent contact when he connects. Really impressed with the “team first” mindset from Moeller as he definitely is a vocal leader on this Wolves team that looks to defend their 2021 State Championship.

2022 Cal Baptist signee Ryne Palmer turned in a dominant outing on the bump against the 2021 state champs. This was actually a rematch of last year’s 5A title game. The Sunrise Mountain senior came in with a plan to establish his fastball which touched 87 MPH up in the zone and bury his breaking ball below the knees to generate swing and misses and ground ball outs. The RHP tossed a complete game shutout and needed only 79 pitches to do it. This dude put together an absolute gem and will be a name to watch on a talented Mustangs squad who are looking to make another run this May.

-Clay Cummings, Five Tool Arizona

Ben Frankin vs. Yuma Catholic (March 10)

2022 San Diego State signee Issac Araiza was lights out and proved to be an absolute UNIT on the bump. The RHP featured an above average fastball that touched 92 MPH with great command. The Yuma Catholic (AZ) senior recorded six strikeouts over five innings and showcased a sharp breaking ball that was used primarily as an out pitch. This dude is a big time pitcher that will be a name to watch the rest of the spring and as he transitions into the Mountain West next year. Pitches with a ton of passion showing his ability to compete against every batter.

Another mentionable performance from this one was uncommitted 2022 Roberto Romero. The senior from Yuma Catholic (AZ) can really swing it and showed the ability to hit to all fields. The LHH was 3-3 on the afternoon and added in one double. Romero is a dude that can certainly help out a collegiate ball club next spring.

-Aaron Cable, Five Tool Arizona

California

Rocklin vs. Davis (March 8)

Stanford signee Toran O’Harran went 2-3 with a stolen base in this contest. A plus athlete at third base from Rocklin (CA) who is a quick runner with above average arm strength. The ’22 had a slight back leg kick up on contact and gets great extension with a two-handed finish. Made loud contact in his ABs.

’22 Brandon Larson, a UC San Diego signee from Rocklin (CA), is a 6-5, 215-pound LHH first baseman and RHP. Started on the mound in this contest. Ended the night with eight strikeouts through six innings of work. Fastball was 84-85 MPH topping 86 MPH and curveball was 67-69 MPH. Change of speeds made him tough to hit. Collected plenty of swing and misses in this outing. At the plate, the big lefty takes big swings in the box. Power-hitter profile, but didn’t collect a hit. Still not someone you don’t want to face because his presence in the box with size and strength. Hitting well this season and will be a threat in all games.

-Adam Yacek, Five Tool California

Rodriguez vs. Napa (March 8)

‘22 University of Pacific signee Jack Metcho is 5-10, 160-pound leadoff man with an athletic profile. Could be good option out of the 2-hole at the next level. Aggressive on the bases, had three stolen bases in this game while going 2-for-4 at the plate — contact hitter. Solid defensively with smooth actions.

’22 University of Nevada signee Trentin Schmidt is another aggressive player with more pop in the bat. Aggressive on the bases with two swiped bags in this game. Potential top of the lineup type guy at the next level.

’24 OF Kyle Sandner has an athletic build and some muscle for a sophomore. Projects power and showed great swings in game. Finished 2-for-2 attacking the baseball with bat speed. Showed patience and maturity at the plate, definite college level prospect.

-Adam Yacek, Five Tool California

J Serra vs. Orange Lutheran (March 8)

David Horn, 2022 Vanderbilt signee, was solid against a good Orange Lutheran lineup. Fastball sat low 90s through first four innings touching 93 over a handful of times. It’s easy velocity for J Serra RHP who projects to be a weekend starter in his collegiate career. FB command faltered at times, but the stuff is good enough to make up for it. Slider was 80 MPH with a changeup at 84 MPH.

Ryusei Fujiwara, a 2023 uncommitted for J Serra, is an interesting follow. Put together a couple quality ABs on the day picking up a knock and a line-out to left. From Japan, Fujiwara was the lone bright spot offensively for the Lions. Played a decent defensive game at shortstop as well.

’22 TCU signee Louis Rodriguez showed up in a big way. The Orange Lutheran RHP had a bulldog mentality with high pitchability. The SL was the go-to pitch as he neutralized a pretty heavy RHH Lion lineup. Athletic, repeatable motion. The FB/SL combo has a chance to be REALLY good. Fastball sat 86-88 MPH and slider was 83 MPH.

’24 uncommitted Ben Reiland had the best offensive day between both sides. The LHH outfielder looked comfortable and on time from his first AB. Can go line-to-line with high feel for the barrel. Bat to ball skills are plus. Good athlete who can play all three OF spots. Minus the power, which may come, has an Andrew Benintendi feel to his game.

’22 LSU signee Mikey Romero makes the game look slow and easy. Plus defender at SS and did collect an RBI single on a rather quiet offensive day for him. No doubt the tools are there and the swing plays. About as even keel as a heart beat you can have. Never in a rush.

’24 LSU commit Derek Curiel flashed the athleticism and speed that makes him a potential draft guy in a couple years. Beat out an infield RBI single running a 4.2s home to first down the line.

’22 TCU signee Karson Bowen is a prototypical backstop you want. Has the physicality needed to catch in college — strong lower half. Good receiver that Rodriguez showed tons of confidence in. Showed ability to handle the bat executing a hit-and-run with a single into right.

NorCo vs. Rancho Cucamonga (March 9)

Jacob Kruswicki is an uncommitted 2022 grad who should find a home this spring. LHH in the 2-hole for NorCo that collected a couple knocks on the day. Good approach at the plate and a good defender at 1B.

’23 UCLA commit Cameron Kim took some really good swings on the day. Consistently barrels balls to the big part of the field. Great plate coverage with flat path long through zone. Plus range at short with solid defensive actions. Plenty of athleticism for his size.

Grant Gray, 2023 uncommitted, is an ELITE athlete who will only continue to grow on the diamond. Already has double digit D1 football offers. Runs well and came through late with a go ahead knock.

Robert De La Torre is a 2024 follow for me. LHH OF who barreled a double that one hopped off the right-center field fence. Loved his ability to stay behind the baseball.

’24 University of Oklahoma commit Cole Hansen hit a big three-run home run to blow the game open. Has present strength from the backstop, showed a presence at the plate and has solid actions defensively behind the dish.

Logan Ortega, a 2023 uncommitted, is another follow through spring/summer. Simple swing with good feel for the barrel from the left side.

Uncommitted 2024 Jacob Brown made quick work to come in and get the save. Three-pitch punchout for the 6-6 arm featuring a FB/SL mix. The slider is a big swing and miss pitch down in the zone. Lot to dream on for Brown as added velo will up his stock.

Joshua Alameda, 2024 uncommitted, is a name to follow for Rancho Cucamonga. Really has a knack to hit and is the leader of the cougar squad. Good feel for his game

-Tim Arakawa, Five Tool California

Elk Grove vs. De La Salle (March 10)

Elk Grove’s (CA) Kade Brown is a big time bat out of the Golden State. The 2022 Sacramento State signee stands tall at 6-5, 205 pounds and is a lanky, aggressive hitter at the plate. The RHH attacked fastballs on 0-0 counts multiple times, looks to do damage each and every time he steps into the box. Also hit a three-run home run to opposite field in this one. Looking forward to watching this one lead the Thundering Herd throughout the season.

Anthony Martinez out of De La Salle (CA) is a big and stocky ball player that stood out in Thursday’s action. Coming in at 6-2, 220 pounds, Martinez looks like he could easily add 15 to 20 pounds to his frame and add to an already powerful bat. The ’22 UC Irvine signee is touch below average defensively but can be an impact bat at the college level. The LHH went 2-4 with two line outs, made loud contact all day. Martinez is a presence in the box and very patient with a good eye that can hit to all fields. This dude can just flat out hit.

-Adam Yacek, Five Tool California

Crespi vs. Sierra Canyon (March 10)

2023 Hawaii commit Isaiah Magdaleno caught one heck of a game for Crespi (CA). The junior’s catch and throw is a major plus while his receiving and blocking are both above average. This dude certainly has a future behind the plate, but it is more likely that it will be on the mound as he’s a young junior and already up to 91 MPH. Magdaleno has a rocket for an arm and looks like he will be successful at whatever position he ends up playing at the next level.

2022 Duke signee Kassius Thomas is a pretty good Robin to complete the 1-2 punch on the mound for Sierra Canyon (CA). An electric arm that sat 91-94 MPH through the first four innings of his outing, but struggled with FB command early as arm wasn’t catching up and on time. However, the senior RHP made an adjustment and settled in quickly. Thomas dominated through the four innings with his fastball and showcased plus feel for a hard, swing-and-miss SL that contributed to three of his 12 strikeouts on the day.  The FB/SL mix is devastating for right-handed hitters and could make him some money come July.

2022 UC Davis signee Andrew Cisneros is my type of guy. The Sierra Canyon (CA) senior is a little bit undersized, but I really like his feel for the game. Can do a bunch of different things to impact the game and plays winning baseball for a talented Trailblazer team. The RHH looked comfortable in the box in this one as he picked up three hits and drove in a run.

Max Martin out of Sierra Canyon (CA) collected the final five outs of this one and showcased a nice FB/SL mix. The 2022 UC Irvine signee is wiry, but has the frame to add more at 6-5. Really gets into the backside and almost jumps to the plate which makes his fastball, that sat 86-89 MPH and touched 90 MPH, play up and give hitters fits. The RHP also featured an impressive slider as an out pitch.

Another notable performer in this one was uncommitted 2022 Eddie Mgdesyan. The Sierra Canyon (CA) senior is a physical ballplayer who showed a good feel for the bat. The RHH has a fluid swing and quiet load, but explodes at contact and hits balls hard. Mgdesyan picked up two base knocks in this one and also added an RBI.

-Tim Arakawa, Five Tool California

Jesuit Carmichael vs. Valley Christian (March 11)

Andrew Sloan, a 2022 University of Pacific signee, has a stocky, prototypical catcher’s build and did a fantastic job blocking. Has good hands receiving behind the dish as well. At the plate, makes hard contact. Showed it on a double going 1-for-3. Overall, very impressive catcher who looks to be a good offensive and defensive catcher at the next level.

Switch-hitting shortstop Brandon Forrester leads off and is a fast, quick-twitch athlete. Started the game with a two-strike single — short to the baseball. The Oregon State signee is smooth defensively — made a couple of nice plays in game — very quick hands with a strong arm.

Easton Kreshel is a tall, athletic outfielder with room to put on muscle. Had a solid day at the plate. Upright stance, good swing, hard contact in all three at-bats. An uncommitted 2022 out of Valley Christian (CA) who is a definite college prospect.

-Adam Yacek, Five Tool California

Texas

Cy Woods vs. Summer Creek (March 10)

’22 Northeast Texas CC signee (now committed to Sam Houston State University) Andrew Orr had another stellar outing on Thursday morning. The LHP picked up 8 strikeouts in five innings of work and leaned on a fastball that was 83-86 MPH with some arm side run. The senior from Cy Woods (TX) was able to change speeds very frequently and was getting swing and misses on his fastball up late in counts. Orr paired his fastball with a curveball at 67-70 MPH and a changeup at 73-76 MPH. The 6-5 lanky lefty should continue to improve and will be a key piece that can help Cy Woods make a run in the postseason.

2023 Florida State commit Tristan Russell is always a fun one to watch. The switch hitting SS took all of his at-bats from the left side of the plate Thursday and hit multiple balls hard. The Cy Woods (TX) junior was able to work deep into counts and foul off the right pitches until he found his. Russell also showed off some speed with a 4.22s home to first time. Also is a defensive prowess with a great internal clock and got rid of the ball quickly. This dude will be a fun one to watch throughout the rest of the spring.

’23 TCU commit Sam Myers may be one of the best left-handed bats in the area. The Cy Woods (TX) junior doesn’t miss barrels in his at-bats and has a simple load with fast hands through the zone. In centerfield, Myers can cover a lot of ground, get plus angles and work through the ball well. It is most likely that he will be able to stick out in center long-term. Myers is one of several impressive pieces on this Wildcat team looking to make some noise in May.

’22 Pepperdine signee Adam Troy was a fun one to watch in his start on Thursday. The 6-3 RHP worked well against a loaded Cy Woods lineup. The Summer Creek (TX) senior was sitting 85-87 MPH with his fastball and touched 88 MPH a few times. Troy was able to work ahead in the count to the majority of hitters all gam, but really impressed when throwing his changeup to LHH that was 78-79 MPH.  This dude will be a name worth watching over the course of the high school season.

’22 University of Texas Signee Jayden Duplantier continues to shine. The Summer Creek (TX) senior might be the most athletic kid in the 2022 recruiting class and it shows on the field. Has above average actions to both his glove side and back hand and is able to pick out hops well. Duplantier may not have the strongest arm, but his ability to work quick and attack the ball makes up for any question about that. At the plate, he is very aggressive early in counts and will hit the ball hard when you make a mistake. This is one of the guys you want to keep off the bases because he is a threat to always take the extra bag.

-Parker Wayne, Five Tool South Texas

Allen vs. Highland Park (March 10)

’23 uncommitted Sam Webster out of Highland Park (TX) is a physical-looking RHP who hides the ball well in his delivery. Works out of the stretch only — FB/CB tunnel very well together. Uses it to his advantage and has ability to command fastball up in zone, then change eye levels with the hammer. Topped out at 90 MPH, but sat mid-to-upper 80s. Breaking ball has tight spin and really falls off the table. Can throw it hard (72-75 MPH). Entered in relief going five innings to shut down Allen (TX). Looked to enjoy the intensity of pitching in a tight game after HP took the lead late.

’22 Temple College signee Colin Huspen is a tall, projectable RHP. Works very quick to plate with good rhythm/balance and clean repeatable delivery. Fastball had some arm-side run up to 89 MPH in first inning. Was consistently 85-86 MPH with a frisbee movement on the breaking ball (72-74 MPH curveball). Great horizontal movement. Struck out five in 3.1 IP against a tough HP offense.

-Mark Green, Five Tool Texas

Keller vs. Allen (March 10)

’22 Northwestern State signee Mike Dattalo can really swing it. Have had three looks at him this season and have seen him absolutely hammer the ball in every single game. The RHH is a big, strong kid with a good eye at the plate and finds the barrel well. Down one in the 7th against Highland Park, Dattalo hit one to the RCF wall to give his team a tying runner in scoring position. Also homered and doubled off the wall in the previous game against Allen.

There’s a ton of intrigue around uncommitted 2023 LHP Ty Zahradnik. the 6-7, 220-pound LHP is big and physically imposing. Has good balance and repeats delivery well. Fastball was up to 89 MPH and sat 85-88 MPH. Velo held throughout his outing. Curveball was 67-71 MPH on an 11-5 plane and played well off his fastball — froze a lot of batters. Flashed a few changeups at 77-78 MPH to give hitters a different look. Struckout six through four innings and allowed a pair of runs. Super intriguing prospect who will be on a lot of radars this year.

Panola College signee Caleb Chacon comes across his body and really reaches back for it. Fastball had arm-side run and was up to 88 MPH in the first two innings… then settled down to 82-86 MPH. Curveball was 70-75 MPH with tight spin and broke late, played really well off his FB. Threw the changeup at 74-77 MPH with the ability to throw it for strikes. Got a lot of weak contact and went the distance (7 IP, 6K, 4H, 0 BB, 0 ER) against Keller (TX).

-Mark Green, Five Tool Texas

Keller vs. Highland Park (March 10)

UT Tyler signee Keever Vincent starts with his hands at his belt, rocks back and pitches slightly up hill. The Keller (TX) product’s fastball was consistently 85–86 MPH with quite a few 87 MPH’s. Velocity held throughout all four innings. Commanded the fastball well up in the zone and then would drop a hammer. Was very good at using that combo to mess with hitters eye levels. Threw his curveball hard (75-76 MPH) and had good vertical movement. Ended with nine strikeouts through four innings of work with a couple unlucky hits. Was mostly dominant on the mound in his outing.

University of Texas signee Collin Valentine has some projectability. Tall on the bump, the Highland Park (TX) LHP drops his hands to his belt then breaks out towards his knee. Loads slightly across his body and creates good deception. Knows what he’s doing on mound, good pitchability. Fastball was 82-85 MPH and threw a harder changeup at 77-78 MPH with natural cut — played well off his fastball. Got multiple whiffs and weak contact. Sttock will get even higher when he begins to fill out his 6-3 frame with the potential for more velocity to come. Gave up one hit over four innings, and Keller hitters were unable to find a barrel — lots of weak contact.

Uncommitted 2024 LHP Max Stammel has a deliver that looks almost identical to Madison Bumgarner’s. Fastball was 78-82 MPH and the LHP was able to command it on both sides of the plate. Breaking ball had great horizontal movement and tunneled well with his fastball. Had some deception and kept hitters off balance. Went two one-hit innings with two strikeouts and no earned runs allowed. Someone to keep an eye on moving forward.

-Mark Green, Five Tool Texas

Mansfield Legacy vs. Mansfield (March 10)

Mansfield Legacy’s (TX) Dylan Schlaegel showed out on Thursday evening in a battle against Mansfield. The uncommitted 2023 has a strong, muscular build and is a plus athlete and runner. The junior has high upside at both on the mound and in the outfield. In this one, the RHP tossed three scoreless innings and picked up four punchouts. Looks to be a natural outfielder as he recognizes the ball well off the bat and has a quick first step. At the plate, Schlaegel sets up well and has a quick bat with a good path but needs to find a little more consistency barreling the ball up. This dude has started to pique interest from some D1 schools and will be a name worth watching over the course of the spring season.

Mansfield Legacy’s (TX) Blake Julius is a firecracker on the mound. The 2023 Oklahoma State commit stands tall at 6’6″ and has easy arm action from a 3/4 slot. The RHP has good command of both his fastball and curveball and hit his spot a high percentage of the time. Julius has plus velocity that sat 88-89 MPH but has been reported to have hit 93 MPH on occasion. Good swing and miss stuff from the big righty. This one will be a fun guy to watch develop over the years.

-Brady Usherwood, Five Tool Texas

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