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Alberta Insider: Alberta Prospects Take To Arizona

As we bare the cold conditions here throughout Alberta in which January and the New Year brings, we still have prospects and uncommitted talent who will be taking to the field this week in Arizona as it’s another reminder that spring and baseball is right around the corner, no matter how cold it gets.

This week see’s a handful of players from the Alberta region take their talents to sunny Arizona for the MLK Championship in Phoenix from the 12-15. A lot of these players will be on the Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team which consists of an underclass and senior team.

Below we take a look at the players who will be in attendance with some information and background reports.

MLK Upperclass Division

Gage Brebant C / OF / Fort McMurray, AB / 2018 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team Report: Left-handed hitting catcher who works the gaps well. Great speed for his position, ran a 6.9 at the Best of the West Showcase. Solid defensively, soft hands and clean catch and throw game. Gained 22 pounds between jr and sr year and continues to work hard in the weight room.

Mark Chappelle OF / 2B / Westwood, AB / 2018 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team Report: Provincial sprinter, ran a 6.58 at the Best of the West Showcase, speed transfers well in the outfield, takes good angles and gets behind the ball. Top or bottom of the order bat, bunts well, puts the ball in play and uses his speed to get on base.

Cesar Valero SS / C / Okotoks Dawgs, AB / 2019 Rankings  OverallRank: 84 / POS: 14 Team: Pacific NW Regional Team Report: The Oregon State commit is the top 2019 prospect from Alberta. Power from the right side, slick actions defensively at shortstop and looks the part in right-field as well. Athletic and strong at 6-foot-1, 184-pounds, ball comes off the bat differently than most and Valero’s tools will make him a no doubt follow for pro scouts leading into June of 2019.

MLK Underclass Division

Ayden Makarus C / 3B / Okotoks Dawgs, AB / 2019 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team (Underclass) Report: At 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, Makarus is freakishly strong and athletic. The scariest thing about this 2019 grad is that at times he is still raw and learning the game. His positive attitude, work ethic and overall approach to the game is contagious and he is always willing to learn and get better. Ability to hit line drives that carry with backspin to all parts of the field consistently, quickly makes adjustments during at bats, aggressive but intelligent approach to hitting.

Melvin Lorenzo SS / RHP / Foothills Composite, AB / 2019 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team (Underclass) Report: Lorenzo moves well on the infield and the ball carries surprisingly well out of his hand for his size. Athletic movements and plays through the ball with aggression and confidence. Balanced stance and level bat path, line drive hitter with good approach and plate discipline. Fills up the strike zone on the mound with 3 pitches, shows poise and ability to throw strikes with off-speed when behind in the count.

Max Poole RHP / SS / Fort McMurray Oil Giants, AB / 2018 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team Report: The uncommitted 2018 grad shows confidence and feel with all of his pitches. At 6-foot-1, 180-pounds and room to add some size to his current frame, he projects to be a top-end college starter by his junior year of college. Clean arm path, front side stays closed through delivery and gets out over his front side with intent.

Quinn Tassie OF / LHP / Fort McMurray Oil Giants, AB / 2018 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team Report: The 2-way left-hander has committed to play at Midland University in Fremont, NE next year. Speed and first step to track down balls in the gap from CF, one of the top defensive outfielders in Alberta. Line-drive hitter who looks to drive the ball early in counts, closed stance with loose hands and good extension through the zone.

Damiano Palmegiani 3B / Vauxhall Academy, AB / 2018 Team: DBacks Langley Blaze Report: Palmegiani is a quick-twitch infielder with the ability to do damage at the plate. Smooth on the transfer, has the ability to throw on the run as well as from different slots. At the plate the hands start from a low position, allowing him to get under the ball and generate some backspin. Barrell is quick through the zone, maintains balance through his swing.

Matthew Dobberthien 3B / RHP / Bishop O'byrne, AB / 2019 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team Report: 6-foot-2, 175-pound, athletic build and extremely strong. Dobberthien is very quick and athletic for his size, there is a ton of room to add bulk to existing frame. Possess’ a ton of tools and raw ability, should develop into one of top prospects in 2019 class.

Justin Breen 3B / 1B / Father Mercredi, AB / 2019 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team Report: Named the 15U Baseball Alberta player of the year, Breen is near the top of his 2019 class. He was selected for the the Tournament 12 this past year along with playing for Team Alberta at the Canada Summer Games. He understands his strengths at the dish, utilizes this in his disciplined approach taking pride in being a tough out. Raw power with excellent bat speed that will only improve as he continues to grow and get stronger.

Liam Thorne OF / 2B / Okotoks Dawgs, AB / 2019 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team Report: Thorne tracks the ball well in the outfield, showed good arm strength in the fall during the Okotoks Dawgs showcase. Generates good bat speed, athletic and loose movements. Thorne will be looking to kick off a breakout year in 2018 at the MLK Championship.

Ryan McFarland RHP / 2B / St. Mary's, AB / 2019 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team Report: Lean build at 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. McFarland has an effortless arm action, high ¾ slot with good extension through his delivery. He is a 2-way guy as well playing up the middle on the infield. Short arm action with ability to make throws on the run. Line drive hitter with off-field approach, keeps his hands inside the ball well.