San Diego Open Scouting Reports: Infielders (Part 2)

Follow @PBRCaliforniaFollow @LesLukachFollow@Clemmens_PBRFollow @Jacked_23Follow @JoeyCohen20

At The Yard Podcast

SAN DIEGO, CA. - The first annual San Diego Open showcased the type of energy, talent and positive vibes that make San Diego one of the best baseball cities in the world. With the state of California granting full return to youth sports you could see an extra burst of energy from the Open participants with the looming high school season just around the corner. Open showcases are unique in that there are always players that participate that have yet to be seen and make their mark. Everyone came out a winner at the Open with camaraderie, leadership, and satisfaction seen throughout the day. 

Mizuno Baseball set up shop in the left-field batting cages showcasing their 2021 line of gloves and bats, with Fernando Tatis Jr, Andrelton Simmons and Mike Soroka model gloves receiving the most interest. Technology once again dominated the event with TrackMan, Blast Motion, Twitter, Instagram, video production, live stream and scout eyes working non-stop to showcase each player. 

Scouting reports continue to be an integral part of PBR - CA events. Hit, Power, Arm, Defense, Speed being the focal points of the reports. Please note Blast Motion scores are graded on a 20-80 scale. Today we take a look at infielders. 

CLICK HERE FOR SORTABLE PLAYER TRACKMAN AND BLAST MOTION DATA

INFIELDERS

Cooper Whitton, Santa Fe Christian (CA), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-3, 205-pounds. Pro build, size illuminates 6.6 speed, room for more.
Defense: Size and development give him flexibility, outfield likely with centerfield at the next level being an option, in a good position athletically to play in multiple spots. 
Arm: RH.  OF - 84 mph. Arm works, some stiffness in the back, outfield projection with potential on the corners.
Hit: RHH. Athletic base, active hands, strong rotation, two-hand finish. Blast Motion scores of 55-71-69 show extremely well; the most projectable scores are above-average making him a top 5 uncommitted player in the county. 100.28 exit speed max comes to no surprise with multiple batting practice home runs and 368 max distance.
Power: 100 mph exit velocity. 
Run: 6.6 runner in the 60. 

Luke Caruso, Sage Creek (CA), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-8, 150-pounds. Medium build. Present athleticism with strength in the upper body.
Hit: RHH. Starts slightly open with relaxed hands. Uses a leg kick trigger that starts slow and early. Hands load low while the back elbow works up. Aggressively got on in front of balls on an upward path. Hips clear but at times loses his backside. Extends through the ball at finish. 
Power: 88 max exit velocity.  Present pull-side power. Bat speed average of 69.27 mph is above average for his level.
Arm: RH. C -  mph. INF - 79 mph. OF -  mph. Easy arm strength. Flashed good life. Showed ability to throw on the move. ⅗ accurate throws.
Defense: Above average actions at SS. Heel-toe when fielding. Light feet that keep moving through the ball. Takes the right angles. Has the skills to stay at SS. 
Run: 7.5 runner in the 60. 

Dongho Shin, Bonita Vista (CA), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/2B
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Lean athletic build. Projectable frame. Room to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Starts in a balanced straight up stance. Hands stay neutral as he starts his negative move with a small leg raise and lean into his back hip. Handsy swing. Direct bat to ball path with a deeper contact point. Opposite field approach. 
Power: 88 max exit velocity. Current singles hitter with gap to gap potential. 
Arm: RH. C -  mph. INF - 73 mph. OF -  mph. Fluid easy arm action. Flashed better life than velo suggests. ⅗ accurate throws in the workout.  
Defense: Showed good feet and decent glove skills. Moves well to the backhand side. Fields centered and out in front. Projects to be a solid 3B.    
Run: 7.72 runner in the 60. 

Marcus Galvan, Ruben Ayala (CA), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds. Smaller frame but present athleticism.
Hit: LHH. Wide athletic stance that is slightly closed. Not much movement with load as the front leg lifts slightly up as the barrel works into a good early connection position. Gets into a slight lean over the plate and turns tight and quick. Compact stroke that works on an upward path. Consistent LDs up the middle throughout his BP round. 
Power: 88 max exit velocity. 88 mph exit velocity. 23 gs average rotational acceleration is way above average for his level which points to a high power ceiling if bat speed can increase.  
Arm: LH. C - 69 mph. INF - 74 mph. OF -  mph. Similar arm actions from both positions. Short arm action that is quick to release. ⅘ accurate throwdowns at C and ⅘ accurate throws from SS. Arm strength probably plays better at 2B.        
Defense: Showed proper quick footwork behind the dish. Light feet at SS allowed for good range. Fields it centered and out in front. Got to his spots with decent glove skills.  
Run: 7.16 runner in the 60. 

Isaac Salazar, Mater Dei (CA), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 5-10, 168-pounds. Athletic build. Projectable size and strength.
Hit: RHH. Stands in an athletic stance with higher set hands. Uses a simple forward stride as hands work into a lower early connection position. Bat path works steep-flat to the ball. Middle of the field approach throughout his bp round with plenty of LDs back at the pitcher. 
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 85 mph. 85’ max distance. Current singles hitter with some gap potential.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. Shorter arm action from both positions. Below average arm strength.  ⅘ accurate throwdowns. All accurate throws from SS.
Defense: Proper footwork on throwdowns and showed average receiving and blocking throughout the workout and bullpens. Average actions at SS. Got to his spots and fielded every ball. Fielded deep into his body. Slower in getting to release.
Run: 7.8 runner in the 60. 

Zachary Small, Oceanside (CA), 2024
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Athletic build with long limbs. Starting to grow into his frame.
Hit: RHH. Feet are straight up in his stance while being pre-engaged with his backside. Lower hanging hands. Very minimal negative move as he uses a quick toe tap trigger. + bat to ball skills with minimal waisted movement. Bat path is flat which allowed him to pepper LDs to all fields. 
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 88 mph. 88’ max distance. Current size and strength projects more power in the future. 15.8 max rotational acceleration is a positive sign.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Shorter arm action. Showed an increase in arm strength since last fall. 4/6 accurate throws in the defensive workout. Showed ability to throw from different slots and doesn’t need extra steps to get off throws.
Defense: Showed decent defensive skills. Got himself in good positions to field the ball but doesn’t play through it to use momentum. Clean funnel allows for fluid exchanges. More comfortable to the forehand side.
Run: 7.91 runner in the 60. 

Cooper Rasmussen, Chaparral (CA), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Athletic build that is starting to fill out and add strength.
Hit: LHH. Stands slightly open with hands tight to body and slight bend at the knees. Gets some good internal rotational as hands get into a lower launch position. Utilizes a quick toe tap trigger. Compact stroke that has a direct path to the ball with minimal waisted movement. Middle of the field approach. 
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 85 mph. 85’ max distance. Gap to gap potential.
Arm: LH. INF - 81 mph. Short and whippy arm. Incosistent accuracy with 3/6 accurate throws in the defensive workout. At times flashed good life across the diamond.  
Defense: Average defensive actions. Slowed down momentum when fielding which breaks up rthym. Showed decent range especially to the forehand side.
Run: 7.56 runner in the 60. 

Anthony Murdica, Palm Desert (CA), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds.  Larger build with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Sits in a wide base in stance with his bat rested on his shoulder. Very minimal negative move with just a drift with his hands going back. Uses a simple forward stride. Steep-level stroke. Majority ground balls and LD’s up in the middle throughout his round. 
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 89 mph. 89’ max distance. Above average bat speed of 70.38 mph average and rotational acceleration average average of 15gs provide a good power base to then build from.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short and wristy arm action. Average arm strength.  All accurate throws in his workout. Needs the extra time to set up feet for throws. 
Defense: Showed average defensive actions in his workout. Takes good angles which allowed him to get to his spots. Could get lower to the ball and play through it more.  
Run: 7.65 runner in the 60. 

Cooper Hansen, Notre Dame (CA), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds. Well proportioned and athletic. Room to add gains
Hit: LHH. Stands in an athletic stance with feet that are slightly closed. Higher set hands with a higher back elbow. Quick forward stride as barrel tips slightly which hurts early connection. Smooth stroke with an upward bat path. Middle-Oppo field approach throughout his round.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 90 mph. 90’ max distance. Some present pull-side gap power.
Arm: LH. INF - 74 mph. OF - 84 mph. Long and loose arm action in the OF. Consistent strong and accurate throws to the bag from the OF. Arm action at 1B was more short, compact, and didn’t need extra steps to get off throws.
Defense: Proper footwork in getting around and through the ball in the OF. Infield glove skills are present. Clean transfers from both positions but the ones at 1B allowed for quick DPs. Looks more comfortable at 1B.
Run: 7.3 runner in the 60. 

Gavin Vanderpool, San Marcos (CA), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-0, 190-pounds. Athletic well-proportioned frame that projects to fill out nicely.
Hit: LHH. Sits in a taller upright stance with relaxed hands. Uses a leg kick trigger to start his negative move. Gets into his back hip while creating some internal rotation as he starts his forward move. Hands stay back at footsrike and work in the zone on a flat-upward path. Smooth powerful stroke with contact point consistently out in front.
Power: 99 max exit velocity. Present + pull-side power for his age. Bat speed average of 77 mph and rotational acceleration average of 15 gs are both above average for his level.
Arm: LH. OF - 73 mph. Showed a short compact arm action from both positions. OF throws were made on an upward angle with some reaching the bag on the fly. ⅘ were accurate from the OF. ⅘ accurate throws in his INF workout.
Defense: Average actions in the OF. Gets around the ball so he can charge in straight on. Took extra steps after fielding it which hurts time to release. Showed above average actions at 1B. Decent glove skills and sets up feet to make quality throws on DPs. Nice feel around the bag.
Run: 7.64 runner in the 60. 

Juan Grijalva, Grossmont (CA), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-2, 108-pounds. Smaller frame, lean and athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Starts in a balanced athletic stance. Uses a controlled leg kick trigger. Bat gets pulled back into a nice early connection position and works flat in the zone (83% on plane efficiency). Let the ball get deep for an inside out/oppo approach.
Power: 74 max exit velocity. Current singles power.
Arm: RH. INF - 66 mph. Longer arm action. Slower in getting to release. ⅗ accurate throws. Below average arm strength for level.  
Defense: Showed above average glove skills and light feet. Fields low to the ground and plays through the ball. Gloves it out in front. Profiles as a 2B.
Run: 7.8 runner in the 60. 

Jayden Scott, Poway (CA), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-7, 125-pounds. Medium build with some present athleticism.
Hit: LHH. Stands slightly open in stance with slight lean into his backside. Simple stride to start his forward move. Hands pull back into a good launch position. Smooth simple stroke that works on a flat-upward path. Clears hips and barrel is middle-high at finish. Middle of the field aproach. 
Power: 83 max exit velocity. Potential for gap to gap power. 17.4 max rotational acceleration is a good sign.     
Arm: LH. INF - 75 mph. Average time in getting to release. Short whippy arm action that showed nice carry across the diamond. All throws were accurate in his defensive workout.
Defense: Average defensive skills. Fields flat footed and lets the ball come to him. Fields it centered but deep with clean funnel up. Takes decent angles.
Run: 8.07 runner in the 60. 

Jesus Camacho, Bonita Vista (CA), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-7, 140-pounds. Smaller build. Lean and some present athleticism.
Hit: RHH. Wider base and straight up in stance. Utilizes a toe tap trigger and leans into his backside. Hands work back and get into a good early connection position. Bat path is flat through the zone but contact point was consistently late with most barreled balls going oppo.
Power: 83 max exit velocity. Current singles hitter. 
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. ⅚ accurate throws in workout. Shorter compact arm action. Takes extra steps to get off throws. Average time to release.
Defense: Average defensive actions. Solid angles and plays through the ball. Angles body towards first so momentum takes him to the target. Better to the forehand than backhand side. 
Run: 8.15 runner in the 60. 

Jordan Rocha, Westview (CA), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-8, 110-pounds. Smaller lean build with plenty of room to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Slight bend in the knees with straight up feet in stance. Uses a simple forward stride as hands pop back. Bat works on a steeper path with a deeper contact point. Oppo approach throughout his bp round. 
Power: 72 max exit velocity. Current singles hitter.
Arm: RH. INF - 67 mph. Longer loose arm action out of a lower ¾ slot. Needs extra steps to get off throws.  All accurate throws in his defensive workout.
Defense: Average defensive actions for his age. Gets to his spots to field comfortably. Could get lower to the ball and play through it without breaking momentum.
Run: 8.22 runner in the 60. 

Mikah Menor, Del Norte (CA), 2022
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-8, 160-pounds. Average build that is filling out.
Hit: RHH. Sits in a wider straight up stance with slight lean into his backside. Uses a mild leg kick trigger as upperbody gets engaged and hunches over the plate. Plenty of hand movement as it eventually loads into a lower early connection position. Bat path is flat with a medium finish. LD middle of the field approach (67% LD percentage). 
Power: 87 max exit velocity. Rotational acceleration max of 17.7 gs shows potential for a good power ceiling.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action that is quick to release. 5/5 accurate throws in the workout.                                            
Defense: Solid actions. Clean funnel and quick exchanges allow him to get to release quickly without extra steps. Good range in moving to both sides. Probably projects better at 2B.
Run: 7.58 runner in the 60. 

-------------------------------------------------

UPCOMING EVENTS

RELATED TOPICS