The Arizona Spring Scout Blog will include notes and reports on select prospects we see throughout our spring high school coverage. If there is a game/player that needs to be covered do not hesitate to reach out and we will do our best to be there. As always, contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions about Prep Baseball Report and/or commitment information. 

State Playoff Standouts part II

Jayce Easley, 2018, SS, Sandra Day O'Connor HS
Oregon State signee. One of the top athletes in his class, the younger Easley just keeps getting better every time I see him. With a high waist and still very thin frame, there's still tons of projection remaining in his quick twitch body. On this night in the state finals he showed off the type of range at SS that will allow him to stick there for the foreseeable future, making a play down the LF line on a popup that some big leaguers don't make. Easley also showed off more arm strength (at least average) than I had seen from him previously, comfortably making a play in the 6-hole. On the base paths he was an absolute terror, stealing second multiple times (3.18 on my watch his last attempt) and also third showing off his plus plus speed. Offensively he shows solid bat-to-ball ability and surprising pop for his current body type. With continued physical development we're looking at a prospect that could play professionally for a long time. It will be very interesting to see when his name is called in June's draft.

Davis Heller, 2019, RHP, Mesquite HS
Oklahoma commit. The first thing that stands out about Heller is his combination of size (6-foot-7) and athleticism. The big junior moves well on the bases and when playing first base and is also an accomplished high school hitter, launching multiple home runs well out of Tempe Diablo Stadium. While the delivery isn't as clean as some other draftable high school arms, Heller has consistently performed for Mesquite and showed off the type of stuff that makes him a strong follow between now and next June. His mostly straight fastball sat 87-89 mph, touching 90 and was consistently down in the zone from a very high arm slot. The slot is artificially raised to straight overhand due to his spine angle, creating a very low left shoulder through release. If this cleans up some it will make the whole delivery more athletic and fluid, also likely adding some life to his fastball when the slot drops. A lower slot would also fit well with his slightly across-body landing position, adding angle. Heller's best secondary offering was a fading 83 mph changeup he showed to left-handed hitters. The breaking ball was in the lower-70's with big break and could also be tightened up and thrown harder if the posture and slot are improved. Heller is already one of the top pitchers in the state regardless of class and the sky may be the limit with some mechanical alterations.