The Invite-Only 2019 Top Prospect Games took place on Wednesday, June 27th at the Kansas City Royals Complex in Surprise. The event featured many of the state's top rising seniors and gave players an opportunity to perform in front of a strong group of colleges coaches and pro scouts as we gave out all 25 roster packets that were printed. Today, we continue the event coverage with our Infield Analysis. An argument could be made for basically any of the five listed as the top catcher in attendance, however Kyle Hasler's frame, combined with his offensive and defensive tools earned him the top spot on the list. Anthony Sortino is likely the most polished offensive player of the group, while Tyler Cotto possesses the best all-around defensive skill set with tons of physical protection. 2020 Kenneth Jimenez showed well after beginning to catch full-time and performed even better at the Future Games in Indianapolis. Trey Newman is as solid as any on both sides of the ball right now and is very likely to be an early contributor in college, he just lacks some of the physical projection of the guys ahead of him. Sorting and Newman both made commitments shortly after the event to New Mexico State and Utah Valley respectively. Other standouts included Daniel Johnson, Dylan Skov, Ethan Snodgrass and Matthew Hall who spends most of his time on the infield in HS, but projects best behind the plate. 

Complete video, data, pictures and scouting reports have been posted to players' individual profiles. As always contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or information. The next opportunity for players from the 2019 class to be evaluated by PBR in front of college coaches will be at our Fall Unsigned Senior Showcase on 10/10 at Sunnyslope HS.

TOP Catching PROSPECTS:

 

 

Kyle Hasler C / RHP / Hamilton, AZ / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 22 / POS: 3 6-foot, 180-pound frame. Hasler shows about as much arm strength as you'll see, posting an impressive 83 mph velocity from the crouch and a best pop time of 1.87. Hasler also has a strong swing (93 mph exit velocity) and performed well in the middle of Hamilton's lineup this spring. The swing is a bit mechanical with a very early deep hand load and when cleaned up could elevate his prospect status even further. Also posted a 7.43 60-yard dash. Hasler also got up on the bump and sat 84-85 mph with his fastball. Controlled tempo on leg lift, very long stride, chest is almost touching front knee at release. Flashed an overhand curveball at 71 mph with downer movement. Next-level prospect behind the plate.

 

 

Anthony Sortino C / 3B / Horizon, AZ / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 33 / POS: 5 5-foot-11, 208-pound frame. Apparent present strength. Sortino turned in a big offensive spring at Horizon and he was able to find the barrel with authority during both of his live AB's and posted an 80 mph exit velocity. Sortino threw significantly better than I've seen from him previously, posting a best pop time of 1.95 and 78 mph catcher velocity with a very quick transfer and solid footwork. Also posted a solid 60-yard dash for his position at 7.15 seconds.

 

 

Tyler Cotto C / 3B / Valley Vista, AZ / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 38 / POS: 6 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame. Athletic build with significant physical projection. Cotto was a late addition to the roster and didn't catch in game action, but it's clear he can really throw. Cotto posted an event best 1.86 pop time with quick feet and on-line carry and appears to be a DI defender at the position; 70 mph catcher velocity. Offensively Cotto hit from a balanced set up from the right side. Short stride, gets center of mass moving forward before firing the hips. Back foot tends to come off the ground prior to contact with some scissoring action. Swung with intent; 87 mph exit velocity. Also posted a 7.29 60-yard dash. Very interested to see more from him. Likely D1 or high-end juco prospect.

 

 

Kenneth Jimenez C / 2B / Nogales, AZ / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 3 5-foot-7, 170-pound frame. Compact build, sturdy lower half. Jimenez was the only 2020 prospect at the event and appears to have found his best position behind the plate. Jimenez has surprising juice (90 mph exit velocity) given his frame and turned in a best pop time of 2.01 seconds with 78 mph velocity from the crouch. Jimenez also ran significantly better than we've seen previously with a 7.07 60-yard dash. There are areas of his game that need to be refined, but he should be able to do so with relative ease. Intriguing follow as he continues to focus on catching. Earned himself and invite to the PBR Future Games with this performance, where he really stood out defensively.

 

 

Trey Newman C / 3B / Pinnacle, AZ / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 44 / POS: 7 5-foot-9, 180-pound frame. Newman doesn’t possess elite physical tools, but performed at a very high level in high school and has consistently shown the ability to handle a pitching staff and find the barrel in game action. Offensively Newman has a very simple, short swing that he uses well. Flat swing path through the zone, very good balance throughout the swing; 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively Newman worked out behind the plate showing off an impressive 79 mph catcher velocity from the crouch. Pop times ranged from 2.07 - 2.12. Hops out of the crouch with both feet, quick feet, arm action gets a little long at times. Intriguing follow.