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Arizona Scout Blog: Week 5 Games

April 2, 2022
PBR Arizona Staff
PBR AZ Scouts

The Arizona Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, junior college prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. 

Continue to check back over the course of the week, as the Arizona Scouting Staff will add scouting reports daily.

 

Friday, April 1st

+ Tariq Freeny - Mesquite, AZ 2022 (Chandler Gilbert CC commit)

6-foot-2 205 pounds, Tariq Freeny is a physical and athletic catcher with great mobility behind the plate, and quick hands in the box. Freeny showed very well on Friday in Mesquite's comeback win over Seton Catholic on both sides of the ball. He showed strong hands and good receiving ability behind the plate. He was very involved in the game at the catcher position, moving/blocking well, throwing well, using dekes while setting up. On the offensive end, Freeny drove three balls very well to the outfield, two of them being for SAC flies to plate runners. He's very twitchy in the box with quick hands. He hits from a balanced position, with a clean path to the inner half of the baseball. All balls off his bat were driven well to the middle/oppo part of the field. 

 

+ DJ Barrett - Mesquite, AZ 2022 (Central AZ commit)

6-foot-1 190 pounds, two-way prospect DJ Barrett had his first week of action this past week after sitting out due to transfer rules. In his first game back from the suspension, Hamilton transfer left the yard twice, and we saw some more loud contact out of him on Friday in Mesquite's win vs Seton Catholic. Barrett showed above average arm strength from the OF during infield/outfield, and smooth actions/routes. Strong build with athleticism, and a flat swing with some bat speed. Barrett ended his day with one hit, but his offensive potential showed with the setup and swing path. Looking forward to seeing Barrett's future outings on the mound and his potential as a two-way prospect. 

+ Jacob Brown - Seton Catholic, AZ 2022 (Uncommitted)

6-foot-3 170 pounds, Jacob Brown (C) had a great offensive performance on Friday in Seton Catholic's late inning loss vs Mesquite. Brown was responsible for all six of the runs driven in for Seton, as he left the yard twice, with two 3-run homers to both left and right field. He showed some pop in the bat, and the ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field. Brown leads Seton Catholic in RBI this season with 22, and he's the teams backstop.

 

Thursday, March 31st

+ Ryker Waite - Queen Creek 2025 (Uncommitted)

Ryker Waite is a high energy, high IQ, switch hitting SS out of Queen Creek. Waite was all over the place on Thursday vs Corona Del Sol. The freshmen hits at the top of the order for one of the top teams in the state, and plays high level defense. His positioning, consistency with the glove, and mental clock from the left side is far above average for this age. Waite made multiple savvy plays on Thursday, throwing behind runners and always looking for an out somewhere. He recorded two hits, including an infield single, beating out a ground ball running a 4.1 down the line. He also was running the bases, recorded a stolen base after the infield single. Waite has bat speed from both sides of the plate, with a loose swing from the left side. High follow in the 2025 class for us throughout the rest of the spring and summer.

 

+ Nathan Gray - Queen Creek 2023 (Uncommitted)

6-foot-4 193 pounds, lanky build with long limbs. Nathan Grey showed very well at the plate on Thursday vs Corona Del Sol. Gray recorded 3 hits, and each hit was a line drive to a different part of the field. He showed he can hit from a balanced position, and he understands different contact points. He was able to get the head out for a line drive single to left, he drove a line drive back up the box, then let one get deep and drove it down the right field line for a double. Gray has long arms, but the swing is short and direct, the hands stay tight to the body and he can control the barrel. 

 

+ Ayden Crouse - Corona Del Sol 2022 (Uncommitted)

5-foot-11 185 pounds, uncommitted outfielder with plus athleticism and speed. Crouse is really starting to come around with the bat. Contact is becoming more consistent, and he has the ability to drive the gaps. He left the yard to dead left field on Thursday vs Queen Creek, and finished the game with 2 knocks. His base running ability sets him apart from many players. He gets down the line very well, clocking a 4.1 on a ground ball and a 4.4 to 1B on the home run. As a lead off/9-hole type bat, if Crouse can find first base regularly, he will most likely be in scoring position with a stolen base or dirt ball read. He plays a good outfield with an average arm. Crouse is a great uncommitted 2022 left of the board.

 

+ Braden Belcastro - Queen Creek, AZ 2024 (Uncommited)

5-foot-8 190 pounds, Braden Belcastro is a two-way prospect out of Queen Creek High School. L/L with a stocky build and hitter-ish actions at the plate. Belcastro has a knack for finding the barrel and creating a high rate of hard contact. The swing path has some loft to it but gets through the zone with some extension. He's flashed some power of late, hitting his first two home runs of the season in recent weeks. He will hit for a high slugging percentage, a lot of 2B and seems like the power is coming. Belcastro will also get some big innings on the mound in years to come for QC. He's a pitch-ability left hander that throws a ton of strikes and a feel for all pitches. He entered the game on Thursday in relief vs Corona Del Sol, threw one pitch that resulting in an inning ending double play. Low 80s FB with some run and great command to both sides of the plate. 

 

+ James DeCremer - Brophy Prep, AZ 2023 (Oregon St commit)

The Oregon State commit was impressive in his start against Perry HS on Thursday afternoon. Tossing five shutout innings and showing off his impressive three pitch mix and ability to manipulate the baseball. DeCremer’s FB ranges from 87-91 (2450-2550 rpm) and sits 89 with good sinking life as it arrives at the plate. He also features an above average CH 77-80 (1600-1700 rpm) with late arm-side fade that couples well with his FB to keep hitters off-balance. Finishing out his three pitch mix is an average SL 77-80 (2300-2500 rpm) with slurvy sweeping action. He landed all three for strikes and showed an advanced feel to pitch. DeCremer’s final line was 5 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB and 8 Ks. 

 

Big physically mature RHP with arm strength and feel to spin CB. Orr and the Shadow Ridge Stallions travelled to Tolleson Union HS to take on the Wolverines. The Tennessee commit showed off his power FB working 87-92 (2250-2350 rpm) sitting 90 mph. He likes to elevate the FB and overmatch hitters with his velocity. CB 71-75 (2450-2600 rpm) has 12-6 shape with solid bottom to finish, using it for kills. CH 78-81 (2050-2150 rpm) has short downer wrinkle fade but often flattens out. Orr led the Stallions to victory with a final line of 6.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB and 11 Ks. 

Wednesday, March 30th

+ JT Price - Centennial, AZ 2025 (Uncommitted)

5-foot-10 160 pounds, the freshmen two-way prospect got the start on the mound for Centennial High on Wednesday vs Kellis. Price tossed 3 scoreless innings, recorded 2 hits, and drove in 4 runs in Centennial's 19-1 victory. Through his 3 innings of work, Price allowed: 0 runs, 1 hit, 4 K, 3 BB. Price has a slower and controlled tempo throughout his windup with an effortless delivery. He throws a true 4-seamer that sat 81-83 mph, topping at 84, and a downward breaking CB that sat 67-68 mph. With the low effort delivery, clean mechanics, and strength to his build, Price is a very projectable right hander with high upside. He's thrown 16 innings on the year, striking out 24 and walking 10. Price has a 3.06 ERA thus far through his freshmen campaign, and has been used in starting and relief roles. Offensively, Price has a short and direct bat path, and is a gap-to-gap line drive hitter. He's hitting .341 and in the middle of the order for the Coyotes. Price will be contributing on both sides of the ball for Centennial for the next 3 years following the 2022 spring, and is a great follow in the 2025 class. 

 

+ Cohen Baack - Centennial, AZ 2025 (Uncommitted)

5-foot-9 140 pounds, another freshmen prospect in Centennial's 2025 class. Baack has a smaller but very projectable frame with a high waist and twitchy/wiry strength. Baack made a relief appearance on Wednesday vs Kellis, where he showed his live arm and upside. Baack has some presence and athleticism on the mound, with good arm speed and action to his ball. Baack throws from a 3/4 slot with arm side movement to the FB and sharp break to the SL. In 2 innings of work out of the pen, Baack allowed 2 hits and 1 run, while striking out 4 and walking 1. His FB was sitting 80-82 mph and topped 84 mph, and SL was at 74 mph. During his first couple hitters, effort was higher and command was lower, this is when he was hitting his 84's. After he dialed it back some, the FB was sitting 80-82 with + action and good command. Baack is another highly projectable arm on the Centennial pitching staff and a great follow in the 2025 class. The delivery, build, and athleticism all show that Baack should be a high follow over the years. 

 

+ Kevin Ramos - Centennial, AZ 2023 (Uncommitted)

5-foot-9 150 pounds, 2023 uncommitted left handed hitting SS out of Centennial, attended the Phoenix Preseason ID in January of 2022. He opened some eyes at that event, and has thus far through the 2022 spring season. Smooth actions defensively and in the batters box, Ramos went 1-2 with a BB and some loud contact vs Kellis. He has a bat path that attacks the inner half of the baseball, with some barrel awareness and hand speed. In his first at bat, Ramos stayed inside a FB out over the plate and drove a line drive into the opposite field gap for a base hit. In his 3rd at bat, he missed slightly under the ball, and resulted in hard contact and a deep fly out to center field. Ramos is hitting .388 on the year with 4 2B, 2 3B, and 6 SB. Ramos has an easy swing and hitter-ish actions in the box, he is one of Centennial's offensive leaders and expect to see him finish the spring strong. 

 

+ Cody Rockwood - Centennial, AZ 2022 (Uncommitted)

Strong and compact build with strength throughout the body. Uncommitted senior at Centennial is second in hitting on the team, with a .438 AVG, 7 2B, 2 3B, and 1 HR. He hits from a slightly open and upright stance, stride gets him back to a square position. Hits from a balanced position and stays in high legs. He has the ability to drive the baseball to the pull side. Rockwood was 2-3 with a 2B, 2 BB and 5 RBI in Wednesday's competition. He showed he handles the low ball well, driving a 2B into the left center gap that plated 3 runs. Rockwood is at the top of the Coyote lineup, getting on base and sluggling at a high rate, and leads the team in SB with 8. Rockwood roams the outfield for Centennial and is a top offensive contributor, who is a key piece to Centennial's success. 

 

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 29TH

+ Sean Farney - Millennium, AZ 2022 (Pima CC commit)

6-foot-1 200 pounds, Future Games Participant, two-way prospect heading to Pima CC following his senior campaign. Farney willed Millennium to a win on Tuesday vs a top ranked opponent in Canyon View. He got the start on the mound, going 4.1 IP, allowing 2 runs and 4 hits, while striking out 4 hitters and walking 5. It was smooth sailing for Farney through 3, it wasn't until the 4th that Canyon View pushed their first runs across. Farney sat 87-89 with the FB, FB stays true and thrown with conviction, SL was 75-79, and CH was 79. Hard contact was very limited for Canyon View while Farney was on the mound. The FB has some down angle to it and was tough on the inner third, also was very competitive at the top of the zone. Farney also carried the load offensively for Millennium in this matchup, recording 3 hits and driving in 3 runs, including his first inning home run to the opposite field off of Connor Mattison. Farney has some serious strength in his hands and forearms, and was able to get extended on a FB on the outer third of the plate and drive it over the right field wall to give his team an early lead. Later in the game, Farney would plate another run to extend the Millennium lead. 

 

+ Sterling Albrand - Millennium, AZ 2022 (Pima CC commit)

5-foot-11 165 pounds, Sterling Albrand plays shortstop and hits clean up for Millennium. Strong and athletic at the SS position, with the ability to stay on the left side of the infield. He has fundamental actions in the infield and footwork is direct to the ball with no wasted movement. Albrand was the other offensive leader on Tuesday in Millennium's win. He recorded 3 hits in 4 at bats and drove in 2 runs, also had 2 stolen bases. In his first at bat, Albrand caught up to a 90 mph FB at the letters and grounded it hard back up the box. There's some loft in the bat path, but Albrand showed he can get to the FB at the top half of the zone. 

 

+ Austin Kalsek - Canyon View, AZ 2023 (uncommitted)

6-foot-2 165 pounds, uncommitted 2023 RHP out of Canyon View with a loose arm and clean delivery. Kalsek made a relief appearance in the third inning on Tuesday vs Millennium. He went 2 innings, giving up only 1 run unearned, allowing 2 hits, while punching out 4 and walking 2. The FB has some arm side run, and was staying to the arm side half of the plate for a majority of the outing. FB sat 84-86 topping at 87 mph, SL sat 75-77 with some late action, and CH was 78-79 mph. As Kalsek continues to grow and add strength, and more of a velo differential between the FB and secordary pitches starts to develop, this could be another high level arm coming out of Canyon View. He was aggressive in the zone and attacking bats, looked very solid on Tuesday. 

 

Monday, March 28th

+ Shane Spencer – Central AZ (RHP - Basic HS, NV)

Large, lean, projectable RHS with above average CH and control. 20 year old sophomore committed to Tennessee Wesleyan. Average athlete with average coordination and mobility. Good arm action and delivery from HTQ slot that he repeats well with low effort and ease to operation. FB (88/90 with 2250-2350 rpm) works 88 with average arm-side carry and angle. Plays up due to his ability to locate it to all quads and keep it to the edges. CH (78-81 with 1800-1875 rpm) is best pitch with hard late downward diving fade that gets plenty of SW/M for major league level offering. SL (75-78 with 2030-2150 rpm) has short slurvy break for usable third pitch. Above average command and control, consistently locating the ball down in the zone. Feel to mix all three pitches and keep hitters off-balance. Size, projection, operation, stuff and control make him an intriguing day 3 MLB Draft option come July. Finished today’s start with 5 innings pitched, 2 hits, 1 run, 2 walks and 6 punchouts to improve his record on the season to 7-0. 

 

+ Jackson Brenna – Paradise Valley CC (LHP – Shadow Ridge HS, AZ)

Large physical LHS w/ four pitch mix. Uncommitted true freshman. Low effort delivery from HTQ slot with fringy ability to repeat. FB (85/89) worked 87 with short natural cut and average angle. CB (66/72) was his best pitch with over the falls 12-6 shape that he used for kills. SL (75/78) has slurvy shape with inconsistent depth. CH (79/81) with hicky arm-side fade. Strikes where inconsistent but showed feel to mix all pitches. Took the loss after going 3 innings, allowing 4 hits, 7 runs, 3 walks and 3 strikeouts.

 

Large physical RHR with arm strength and below average strikes. 20 year old sophomore committed to Arizona St. Durable frame with long arms. Pitches exclusively out of the stretch from HTQ slot w/ crossbody finish. FB (91/93 with 2060-2260 rpm) worked 92 with average angle and true movement. Used FB almost exclusively as he tries to over power hitters with velocity. SL (78/81 with 2180-2230 rpm) that he casts across the zone. Strikes are below average as he is still more of a thrower than pitcher. Has the arm strength to be an effective bullpen arm for the Sun Devils next season but will need to tighten up his secondary and strikes first. Finished with 0.2 innings pitched, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks and 0 strikeouts.

+ Jasiah George – Central AZ (RHP – Bainbridge HS, WA)

Medium sized RHR with arm strength and strikeout stuff. 20 year old uncommitted true freshman. Works exclusively out of the stretch from TQS with loose, quick arm. FB (89/92 with 2350-2450 rpm) works 91 with average sinking movement and solid downhill angle. Got plenty of SW/M from it and works east-west effectively. SL (78/79 with 2600-2670 rpm) with short corner turn finish for effective secondary. Threw strikes today but has been fringy in his ability throughout the season. Came in with bases loaded and punched out hitter to end the inning and the threat. Finished with 1.1 innings pitched, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks and 3 strikeouts. Is an arm that D1 programs will be targeting to commit next fall. 

Towering RHS with now stuff and projection remaining. 19 year old uncommitted true freshman. Stands an imposing 6’8 tall with plenty of room to fill out, weighing 190 lbs currently. Stretch only delivery helps simplify things as he continues to grow into his long levers. Works from HTQ slot with effort in head to finish. FB (88/90 with 2050-2150 rpm) works 89 with average angle and true movement. SL (80-82 with 1800-2000 rpm) has casting break and inconsistent depth. CH (78-80) with arm-side fade and average sell. Throws strikes and mixes three pitches effectively. Another arm from an impressive pitching staff that D1 programs will be targeting to commit next fall. Finished with 5 innings pitched, 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and 7 punchouts to improve his record on the season to 8-1.  

 

Small compact LHH 2B with bat to ball skills and strike zone awareness. 19 year old sophomore kickback from CSUN, now committed to Texas Tech. Very patient hitter who doesn’t expand his strike zone and shows ability to drag out at-bats and see plenty of pitches. Quiet setup with minimal leg kick combined with short arms allow him to control his barrel and show impressive bat to ball skills. Showed sneaky pull-side pop today increasing his season HR total to ten after swatting two out in the second game of the doubleheader. Defensively is average at second base with enough arm strength to fill in short term at third base if needed. Finished today going 3-for-5 with 2 homeruns, 4 runs, 3 RBIs, 5 walks, 1 strikeout and 1 stolen base. 

Medium lean frame with gap power and ability to stick at shortstop long-term. 19 year old true freshman committed to U Tennessee. High energy, heart and hustle guy who plays with flare that matches his lime green spikes. Uppercut path that generates loft for flyball approach coupled with gap to gap strength has led to his team leading 14 doubles and 5 triples on the season. Slick defender at shortstop with soft hands and solid arm strength to handle the position at the next level. Solid runner who scoots around the bases like his hair is on fire. Finished today going 4-for-8 with 1 double, 2 triples, 2 runs, 4 RBI, 1 walk and 1 strikeout. 


+ Demetrio Crisantes - Nogales, AZ 2022 (Arizona commit)
6-foot 180 pounds, Arizona commit, no surprise here.. Demetrio Crisantes put on a show on Monday night, and continues to prove to be one of the top players in the state. On a big stage, in Nogales' biggest test so far this year, Crisantes came up big in big spots, and was a leader in the dugout for the Apaches. Crisantes has a different level of hand/bat speed, and with his flat swing drove two balls to left center field for a HR and 2B. Driving in 3 runs and reaching base 3 times from the leadoff spot, Crisantes provides instant offense for Nogales and is an impact player. He is hitting .465 on the year, and leading his team in hits, 2B, 3B, HR and runs scored. Crisantes will continue his career in his hometown at the University of Arizona, where his bat projects to play well, with the ability to stay on the left side of the diamond. 

6-foot-3 195 pounds, New Mexico State commit, Saul Soto is just one of the many very good arms on the Nogales pitching staff, and carries a large role as one of their main arms. Soto got the start in the Apaches biggest matchup of the year thus far, and kept a high powered opposing offense at bay, and lined his team up for the win. He sat 87-89 with the FB, CH was 75-76, and SL was 75-78. Soto is a competitor on the mound, and attacked the Badger offense. He pitched aggressive, going right at hitters, collecting 7 strike outs and only allowing 2 earned runs. His breaking ball was effective, getting some swing and miss/chase/weak ground ball contact. He was changing eye levels well and working both sides of the plate with the FB. His walks came late in his outing as fatigue set in spending some time on the bench during a couple long Nogales offensive frames. 

4 IP, 5R, 2ER, 6H, 7K, 4 BB

6-foot-2 160 pounds, South Mountain CC commit, Santiago DiBene entered the game in the 5th inning for a 2 inning relief appearance, shutting the door in the Apaches 11 run victory. DiBene has a long and projectable frame, with a high waist and a lot to dream on. He was around the zone with both the FB/CB in this outing, and misses were off the plate where he couldn't get hurt. As Nogales moves through this season, DiBene will play a large role to their success out of the pen, and getting some spot starts. 

2 IP, 1R (unearned), 3H, 3K, 0BB

 

5-foot-6, uncommitted junior Sergio Valverde is having a break out year for the Apaches this season. He is currently second in the team in hitting, with a .472 BA, and leading the team in RBI with an impressive 20 RBI in only 36 at bats. Valverde has been driving in runs at a high rate for the Apaches this year with his gap-to-gap line drive approach and speed. His swing is short to the ball and direct, not going to put up huge power numbers, but will turn in a quality at bat regularly in a big spot. Valverde has had a knack for driving in runs this year, stepping up in big spots. 

 3-5 2B, 3RBI, 1R

 

+ Ruben Castro - Tucson, AZ 2022 (Pima CC commit)

6-foot-1 188 pounds, Pima CC commit, Ruben Castro has been in the lead off spot for the Badgers this year, producing a lot of hard contact and extra base hits. Castro has an inside path to the baseball with strength and bat speed. He's able to drive the ball to all parts of the field, and leads his team in doubles (7). Castro got the Badgers on the board quick with a lead off double to start the game, later being driven in with a base hit. He doubled once again later in the game. Castro showed impressive glove and foot work at SS on Monday, with a strong arm across the diamond.

2-4 2 2B, 2RBI, 2R

 

 

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