By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker
@ShooterHunt

College coaches all around the country are, still, eagerly searching for talent to add to their 2018 recruiting classes. The PBR staff is constantly being questioned by coaches as to what talent is still available, and which players coaches need to go see. This week, In the Weeds, focuses on the uncommitted, under the radar players from Canada (Ontario specifically) who have a chance to give recruiting classes a late boost before the signing period. Each player has a unique skillset that has either been undervalued or under recruited, but who will be a nice addition. On the list of eight are three pitchers, two athletic infielders, a high-level outfielder, power-hitting first baseman, and a strong catcher.

Daniel Carinci SS / 2B / Pickering , ON / 2018 Rankings  State Rank:6 POS:1 Carinci just looks like a gamer as he moves around on the field. Nothing fazes him, and he’s not scared at the plate or on defense. Athletically, the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder is gifted with some twitchy actions that will allow him to play any infield (or outfield in a pinch) position at the next level. To me, he looks like a guy that you can plug at any position and not have to worry about. Plus, with his speed, he is a threat at the top of the order. Showing some definition muscularly, Carinci should have a chance to come in and play right away, especially after a fall filled with at-bats against college pitchers that will allow him to adjust and succeed later on.

Zachery McQuaid RHP / OF / Maxwell Heights , ON / 2018 Rankings  State Rank:11 POS:5 Less than a year after surviving a life threatening car accident, McQuaid was able to run his fastball up to 89 mph, and with the quickness that his arm exhibits, there is likely even more coming in the future. Having shown the courage to overcome an obstacle that few can imagine, McQuaid has the life experience and fortitude that is not easy to find in a young player. Long and athletic with a 6-foot-2, 175-pound pitcher’s frame, McQuaid’s arm works loose with whip from a high ¾ slot. There is effort throughout as he gets the most out of each pitch while striding open, and getting extension. Though his fastball jumps out of his hand at 86-89, it is the intent with which he throws his sharp, multi-tier breaking ball (70-73), that stands out. He shows feel for the pitch, and it looks to have the makings of a true, putaway pitch that recruiters crave. McQuaid also flashes a changeup at 77-79. Overall, college coaches looking to possibly catch some lightning in a bottle, may have there chance with McQuaid who should be aided by more innings, but whose raw abilities show larger upside.

 

PLUS 6 more uncommitted players: