The D-Backs Academy PBR Scout Day took place on Saturday, May 19th at Salt over Fields in Scottsdale. The event featured prospects from the 2019-2021 classes and gave all players in the organization an opportunity to be evaluated by PBR and considered for future invite-only events like the 2020 Games, 2021 Games and 2019 Top Prospect Games in June. Today, we start the event analysis with some Quick Hits on a few of the top performers. Complete video, data and pictures from the showcase are already posted to players' profiles. As always contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or information. 

2019:

-3B/SS Dylan Cuenca has shown solid tools at prior events and continues to intrigue, posting a 6.84 60-yard dash and 90 mph exit velocity. There's some stiffness at the plate and his hand load could be cleaned up some, but the combination of athleticism and present strength can certainly help a college program.

-OF/RHP Mario Divinere has a long, athletic frame that you can dream on. Posting a 7.25 60-yard dash, 86 mph exit veto, 86 mph OF velo and working in the low 80's on the mound, he's worthy of a follow.

-OF/LHP Paul Sachen ran a superb 6.69 60-yard dash and is an athletic mover that throws well (86 mph veto) in the outfield. There's some length in the swing and a more contact oriented approach to all fields may benefit him moving forward. Should add strength/mass to very lean 5-foot-11, 150-pound frame as he matures.

-OF Connor Jones has an athletic look (7.20 60-yard dash) and performed well this spring at Chaparral. His swing from the left side has a steep plane with a very high and deep hand load, but he was able to consistently barrel the baseball during his round of BP.

-C Kasin Alexander shows some strength in the batter's box (88 mph exit velo) and is looking to lift and pull. Shows a somewhat inconsistent stride and lower half mechanics and could square the baseball up more often with mechanical refinement. Posted solid 2.06 best pop time.

-RHP Luke Bell has a strong pitcher's frame at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds. He ran his fastball up to 85 from a high 3/4 arm slot with some effort through release. Short, tilted slider shows tight rotation at 74-76 mph and is a potential out pitch. Changeup was thrown very hard at 80-82 mph. Proven performer can help a college program at some level right away.

-IF/RHP Anthony Caraballo has some crudeness to his game, but posted a solid 7.14 60-yard dash and sat 84 mph with his fastball on the mound.

2020:

-LHP Ryan Bolden's 6-foot-4, 165-pound frame stands out immediately. With very long limbs it will be interesting to see how he develops physically over the next few years. On this day he ran his fastball up to 80 mph from a lower arm slot, working slightly across his body. Interesting follow.

-C Tanner Spallina was a sophomore starter behind the plate for a very strong Verrado club that lost in the state finals. An advanced defender, Spallina is a quiet receiver, and showed 75 mph arm strength from the crouch with on-line carry; 2.07 best pop. Shows a short swing and flat path in the box, producing line drive contact to the pull side in BP. Somewhat inconsistent rhythm makes swing appear rigid at times. Offensive development will be key to reaching ceiling as a prospect. Top catcher at event.

 

 

-OF Noah Nithman was the only player to leave the yard at Salt River Fields during BP, doing so multiple times from the left side. Shows natural loft in swing and is a quick twitch athlete. 6.88 60-yard dash. Arm may limit him to LF at the DI level, but the bat should easily play there.

-OF/3B Joey Vasquez is a physical specimen at 6-foot-5, 205-pounds. Posted impressive 7.19 60 yard dash for size/age. Quiet approach in the box with simple, effective load and flat swing plane. Shows easy power and posted elite exit velocity for sophomore prospect (95 mph). 

-C Jacob Peterman shows a very quick transfer behind the plate and is an accurate thrower, posting a best pop time of 2.07 without elite arm strength. His energy and willingness to work stand out.

-1B Luke Bass shows impressive present strength and is a solid athlete for his size with a 7.27 60-yard dash. Looks to pull the baseball with authority from the left side; 87 mph exit velocity. Top hand comes off bat very early in swing with slight uphill path.

-SS Dustin Crenshaw showed the best defensive tools on the infield at the event. Shows softness in hands and a quick arm with carry (83 mph infield velo). Longer swing with very deep hand load causes a near arm bar. Drove the baseball with some authority when he squared it up, posting 87 mph exit velocity. 7.20 60-yard dash.

2021:

-LHP Joey Collier may have shown the best arm at the entire event and is just finishing his freshman season. The elbow can get low, causing him to throw uphill at times, but Collier's arm speed stands out as his fastball topped out at 84 mph and showed life to the arm side. Fading 74-75 mph changeup is best secondary offering at present with fading action. Collier looks to be one of the better 2021 prospects in the state and will certainly enter the rankings when updated at the end of summer.

-SS/RHP Joshua Grant looks bigger and more physical than his listed 5-foot-11, 156-pound frame. With impressive tools across the board, Grant's future appears to be as a position player where his 7.15 60-yard dash, 84 mph infield veto and 85 mph exit velo are all very strong for a 2021 prospect. Grant drove the ball with authority when he squared it up, despite creating little separation and somewhat inconsistent movement patterns. May profile best to 3B/RF down the line.

 

 

-OF Dennis Zanowick's 7.00 60-yard dash makes him one of the top freshman runners PBR has evaluated in the state.

-RHP/IF Cole Krawczyk is a long ways off in terms of physical development, but the 7.27 60-yard dash with his 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame make him an interesting follow.