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We would like to thank all who participated in PBR Alberta's 2017 Southern Alberta Talent ID this past week. This was a great opportunity for 2018-2021 prospects to be put on college radars. Many players impressed during their individual workouts at the showcase.

Interested in attending a PBR Alberta event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

For now, please take a look at the statistical results from the event by clicking here.

PBR Alberta's 2017 Southern Alberta Talent ID - Top Performers

Over the weekend, I flew across the country to the Southern Alberta Talent ID with Chris Kemlo, Ontario Scouting Director, to oversee the inaugural showcase. Needless to say, it was a resounding success, despite fighting the elements for most of the day.

A colder province by nature, it was fitting as players were forced to endure near-freezing temperatures in Alberta’s first event. That didn’t stop them from showcasing themselves at Prairie Baseball Academy in Lethbridge, and while 60-yard times and exit velocities were down, we were still impressed by what we saw.

At the Talent ID, we saw representation from a number of local programs such as Vauxhall Academy, Okotoks Dawgs, and Calgary Jr. Dino’s to name a few. Oregon State commit and one of the top 2019 prospects in the country Cesar Valero was in attendance, but while he made an impression, what stood out the most was the clear talent in the province across a number of age groups.

Here’s a look at eight standout players from the Open ID:

Liam Vulcano SS / 2B / Vauxhall, AB / 2018 Scouting Report: Uncommitted shortstop Liam Vulcano is smaller in stature, but an impressive player. At the plate, Vulcano sprayed line drives to both gaps with ease, in the field he was smooth, under control and quick on the transfer, and he also ran a 7.03 during the coldest part of the day. Overall, Vulcano had one of the best days of any player in attendance, and can definitely play the middle infield at the next level.

Cesar Valero SS / C / Foot Hills Composite, AB / 2019 Scouting Report: Oregon State commit Cesar Valero is one of the more interesting prospects to watch in the country. The 16-year-old has some juice in the bat, but he tends to get long, which slows down the swing. Near the end of his round, though, he got into a groove, driving balls to the gap with effortless power. Shortstop is his bread and butter right now, as the slick-fielding infielder is smooth, moves well around the diamond and has plenty of arm to keep him on the left side of the infield.

Cooper Jones SS / OF / Vauxhall, AB / 2018 Scouting Report: Uncommitted outfielder Cooper Jones is one of the toolsiest players in the province that is still on the board. At 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, Jones has a knack for doing everything with natural athleticism. His actions in the outfield were clean, moved well and the arm showed some carry, while displaying more of the same in the infield portion. At the plate his swing is simple and easy from the left side with some jump to it, but also shows advanced rhythm and timing.

Dryden Howse SS / C / Foothills Composite, AB / 2020 Scouting Report: Howse is coming off being named the Alberta Bantam Player of the Year, and he showed us why. The uncommitted 2020 catcher is a physical kid, and at the plate he has some tools that are going to play down the road. The setup is a little loud, and can bother his timing, but he finds a way to get barrel to the ball and he drove it to the pull-side with authority all day.

Levi Abbott RHP / Vauxhall, AB / 2020 Scouting Report: Of all the pitchers, uncommitted 2020 right-hander Levi Abbott was among the most impressive. At a young age, the Vauxhall product is tall, lanky, loose, and already has a feel for how to pitch. Abbott put has control of three pitches, mechanics were clean, and arm was quick as he sat 80-82 mph with some cut. Abbott will be an arm to follow in the coming years, as he’s sure to blossom into a special pitcher.

Seth Gurr RHP / OF / Catholic Central High, AB / 2020 Scouting Report: Another young arm, uncommitted 2020 right-handed pitcher Seth Gurr did more than enough to garner some attention. Gurr and Abbott are very similar, though Gurr lacks the same kind of zip on his fastball right now. Still, Gurr is a pitcher who projects well, fastball shows some arm-side life, and comes out of his hand with some looseness.

Ayden Makarus C / 3B / W.H Croxford, AB / 2019 Scouting Report: One of the top catchers in the province, uncommitted Ayden Makarus is a physical player with some tools. A 6.98 runner this past September, Makarus is an athletic and flexible catcher, moves well around the plate and had a 2.00 POP time in cold conditions. At the plate he showed arguably the best raw power, going to all fields with authority.

Koby Brander RHP / 1B / Cochrane High School, AB / 2019 Scouting Report: A big strong right-hander, uncommitted 2019 arm Koby Brander caught our attention as soon as he walked into the room. Brander works with a quick, up-tempo delivery, sitting 80-82 with his fastball, while bumping 83 mph a number of times. Brandon also worked from a good downhill plane, and didn’t show much effort in throwing his pitches. There’s more in the tank, and Brander could easily become a power pitcher down the road. He’ll be interesting to see in the spring.