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SoCal Scout Day - Quick Hits - Upperclass

January 22, 2021
PBR California Staff

 
IRVINE, CA - Under sunny skies at 84 degrees the January showcase felt more like a summer showcase, hence the newly coined term Januly. The ideal weather set the tone for the highly efficient and successful event with over 100 players participating in spaced Covid-19 guideline groups throughout the day. 
The players were put through a standard pro-style workout that included the 60-yard sprint, round of batting practice, defensive workouts at respective positions, and concluded with bullpen sessions where the pitchers' stats were compiled. TrackMan and BlastMotion dominated the event producing a significant amount of data to the baseball community.
The pre-season Scout Day serves as a baseline for all the participants going into their 2021 high school seasons. Lets take a look at 7 players from the Upperclass session (2021-2022 grads) that stood out to the PBR California scouting staff. 

The last pitcher of the SoCal Scout Day Sunday is the type of feel good story you love to hear. The 6-foot-4 220 pound right-hander Austin Puett topped a personal best 92.20 mph (2436 spin rate). Raw feel, mechanics and slightly above-average analytics coupled with his size make him one of the more “out of nowhere” “pop-up” type players I have seen. Immediately following the twitter post the college recruiters flocked like bees to honey. 

Seems strange to find a 6-4 220 pound right-hander with a low 90s fastball relatively unknown. Great moment for PBR-CA and good assurance to how meaningful open scout days are to uncommitted players out there.

The athletic, strong-framed, switch-hitting Knowles is a name to follow into the 2021 season. He has certainly slipped through the covid-19 pandemic without much notice, however, he put the PBR California staff on notice with his ability to stand out amongst the rest. A loud couple BP rounds from each side of the plate, Knowles showed the ability to repeat his swing and consistently pound the baseball with authority to all fields. There is definitely over the fence power potential. In his ground-ball round he exhibited characteristics of a college level infielder moving well to both sides and demonstrating his ability to get rid of the ball quickly and accurately. Was 86 across the diamond.

 DeCarlo’s frame has added good strength since last viewing with plenty of projection to keep adding as he grows. Started off with live BP where he peppered the gap to the pull side while showing the ability to work middle. Defensively DeCarlo shows the arm strength, power and clean glove work to be a force on the left side of the diamond at the next level. He’s athletic and fluid getting to and working through the ball. Arrives under control and ready to get rid of the ball which he does cleanly.
Proportional and athletic, Sandoval has a proto-type catchers frame. He got better since our last viewing in October 2020 and it shows. Most of his metrics improved and his body has noticeably changed, showing he is putting in the necessary work.  Demonstrated a strong BP round squaring the ball up with some gap-to-gap power. In his defensive round and catching live pitching, he demonstrated flexibility, agility, and showed that his arm has gained strength putting throws on the bag accurately.

Olvera-Harle stands out physically and has noticeable strength on the frame, and you know that he will add muscle and mass as he matures. After posting a 7.00 flat timed 60, Olvera-Harle demonstrated the type of barrel control that is found in players much older than him. He showed an accurate arm that registered 84 mph velocity on throws home. This is a must follow into the 2021 season, and he put all of us on notice.

Proportional, athletic, muscular frame that has room to grow. He has the look of a guy ready to explode on the scene this season. Tallman showed well with an all-around strong workout. The metrics don’t jump off the page, however he moves with confidence around the baseball field, which speaks volumes.  Tallman showed that when his barrel is on time he’s able to drive a ball out of the park. We are looking forward to following his progress and seeing what he can do in a game situation.

Classic, smooth left-handed stroke that's eyes on the eyes. Consistently squared the ball up during his BP round. The slick fielding, athletic MIF impressed during his ground-ball round. Showed the ability to get around the ball with quick feet and into proper fielding position. Transfers were consistent and his throws were crisp and on target with some zip behind them.

 

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