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Best of the West Quick Hits II

May 15, 2022
Cam Black-Araujo/Jordan Broatch
PBR Canada Scouting

Last week our staff got a look at some of the top players on the West Coast, as well as others across the country. With some of the top teams west of Saskatchewan, we got a look at a handful of 2022 MLB Draft prospects, as well as some exciting 2023s and some intriguing 2024s who we expect to hear plenty from going forward. 

With so much talent on display last week in Kamloops, we couldn't cover all the standouts in just one article so we provide you below with the Best of the West Quick Hits, Version II.

2022 RHP Daniel Orfaly - White Rock Tritons (UBC)
Orfaly was another intriguing arm this week who’s committed to UBC. The 5-foot-11 right-hander was sharp during his start against Okotoks, working quickly the first-time through the order with a three-pitch mix. The fastball sat 84-86 and he maintained it throughout the majority of his outing. He has feel for both his curveball at 74-76 and his changeup at 78. Although none of his stuff is overpowering right now, he’s efficient with the ability to locate several pitches. The arm is clean and loose on the  mound and he has plenty of room to add strength so there should be some velocity gains coming during his time at UBC.

2022 OF/2B Kai Gray - Victoria Eagles (Victoria Golden Tide)
Kai Gray seems to be a name that flew under the radar during the Best of the West but his right-handed bat was a key part to their championship run. He was consistently making hard contact throughout the week with the ability to go for extra bases, as well as come up with the big hit. Gray went up against some of the best arms every single day and was never fazed, putting good at-bats every time. 

2022 OF Jared Hall - Chilliwack (Uncommitted)
Hall’s overall look and toolset as a left-on-left outfielder stood out on the Chilliwack team last week. It’s a gap-to-gap approach right now but at 6-foot-1, 175-pounds there should be more power coming to his game without sacrificing his speed. Hall runs a 6.80 and moves well in the outfield with good reads. Overall, Hall displayed the look of a player ready for the junior college level. 

2022 Micah Bucknam - Langley Blaze (LSU)
6-foot-2, 205-pound Bucknam was another one of the big-time arms out in Kamloops and didn’t disappoint, going five strong innings with a fastball that sat 89-91 T92. He allowed some hits early on but settled in and got stronger as the game went along, striking out the final three hitters he faced in the outing. Worked with a curveball at 78-79 that he would pound in the dirt and a few good changeups at 83-84. We’ve had several looks at the draft eligible arm early on this year and the stuff/velocity has been consistent throughout. 

2023 RHP Nick Frers - North Shore Twins (Uncommitted)
Our first look at Frers since PBR Spring Training and the right-hander continues to flash some good stuff in his few innings from an athletic delivery. His velocity diminished quickly back in March but he maintained 85-86 last week, topping out at 88. He was comfortable with the curveball that had depth at 71-73. Overall a decent showing from Frers who’s stuff seems to be getting better every time we see him. 6-foot-2, 185-pound athletic RHP who consistently sits in the mid 80s and had many pro ABs… that’ll surely intrigue some college coaches. 

2022 LHP Hayden Cuthbertson - Delta Blue Jays (Uncommitted)
What a start to the season for Hayden Cuthbertson. Started the season with a complete-game no-hitter, and at the Best of the West, Cuthbertson got the nod for the Delta Blue Jays in the semi-final against ABC of Quebec, spinning an impressive 10 K's in just short of five innings of work. Using a FB in the high 80s, with a couple touches of 90 and a CB 73-74, he was able to keep a potent offence quiet. The stuff is electric and gets on you quick with a long-limbed 6'2" build. Uncommitted and a must-get. 

2023 1B/RHP Leif Friedrich - White Rock Tritons (Uncommitted)
Friedrich (2023) continues to impress each opportunity that he receives. At the Best of the West, Leif was a cornerstone piece of the Triton solid weekend versus the best programs in Canada. Friedrich was consistently on base with solid at-bats all weekend, was a strong defender at 1B with some nice digs and came out of the pen for the impressive win versus Vauxhall in the round-robin. The two-way player is often mid-80s and has shown consistent positive trends in his defensive velocities, hitting ability, and effectiveness on the bump. An uncommitted 2023 that can be trusted in various situations – keep a follow on Friedrich. 

2022 RHP Sam Jordan - Victoria Eagles (Uncommitted)
Sam Jordan jumped out at the Best of the West as he was on the hill for the semi-final matchup and dazzled for the Victoria Eagles. Sam Jordan was 85-87 T89, with a three-pitch mix of CH (77-78) and CB (75-76). All three pitches were down in the zone and were used in any count. The 6-1 RHP (2022) has seen a significant tick-up in his velocities this spring, and the outlining results showcase the improvements as he pitches in crucial innings for a strong program. Tabs should be kept on Sam Jordan as he continues to make jumps with his arsenal on the mound.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
2022 BC Future Games Trials BC 06/02 Parkgate Park
2022 North Island Open ID BC 06/22 Inouye Wallace Field at Springwood Park
PBR Junior Future Games NATIONAL 07/26 LakePoint
2022 West Coast Games (Team PBR Canada Selects) BC 08/12 UNLV