Arizona Fall Review: Top Upperclassmen

Oregon State commit, currently ranked No. 5 in Arizona’s 2021 class, large build at 6” 200lbs, strength & durability in frame, arguably had one of the top performances at the PBR Fall Review. Has always been a pure hitter looking to do damage. Gathers energy in back leg with minimal forward move & still head, showed some real body control at the plate in his round of BP, good power to LF with upward swing plane hitting some balls out of the ballpark, event high 96mph exit velocity. Defensively, he put in some of the best pop times we have seen from him. Getting rid of it quickly with relaxed movements, Smith threw 1.85-2.06 pop times with 76 mph arm strength. Continued to show why he is a highly regarded recruit in the state of Arizona.

Large 6’4” 175lbs build, high waisted with good projectability. Athleticism to build off- ran a 7.03 60 yard dash. Calm collective approach to pitching. Bouncing back from an injury, Walters showed long loose arm action with low effort at 81-84mph. Off-speed was average and should improve with more time this spring. Hits from a balanced athletic set up. Short stride with hands loading slightly up and back simultaneously creating some leverage. Displayed some hard contact at 88mph. Good OF instincts. Good direction and carry on throws. Speed & athleticism give him the ability to move efficiently to the baseball. Watch for Walters to make a jump into the spring/summer as he gets comfortable on the mound, has the athleticism to make positive adjustments. 

Large build at 6’ 150lbs, long lean frame with room to get stronger, versatile athlete- showed that he could do it all with some success. Switch hitting catcher that showed ability to barrel up baseball from both sides with 84mph exit velocity, clean repeatable swing from left side with small knee turn leg lift, from right side uses a small toe tap trigger & transfers more body weight, can also get on the mound to pitch a bit. Worked his FB 80-82 consistently, topping out at 84mph with shorter arm action, showed two breaking balls with slider showing well,  Solid overall arm strength with 1.96-2.14 pop times- standing up at times, projectable athlete that moves well behind plate.

Large athletic 5’11” 155lbs build, some fast twitch movements & projectability, one of the better athletes at the event. Turned in the top 60 yard dash time at 6.85. LHH with middle approach that hits from a narrow open base, landing square. Short inside swing with some separation, Watkins barreled up the ball consistently in his round of BP. His speed and athleticism should play in the OF. Low effort movements in OF at event with little momentum and follow through at 73mph.