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Super 60 Spotlight: Anson Aroz

January 13, 2021
By Andy Sroka
Illinois and Wisconsin Assistant Director

On Sunday, Feb. 7, Prep Baseball Report will host the 19th edition of its prestigious, flagship event: the Super 60 Pro Showcase. Since the event’s inception in 2003, more than 300 players have been selected in the MLB Draft, including 22 first-round picks and 25 second-rounders.

We started our our march toward the Super 60 earlier this month, by highlighting the prospects set to join us, shining a light on their impressive player profiles that they've groomed through their high school years and beyond.


Scouting Report

6/28/20

Body: 5-foot-10, 175-pounds. As stated previously, athletic player w/athletic proportions, built like a MIF, big hands, lean body w/agility

Hit: SH; RH - Has shown more consistent barrel control and contact abilities on the RH side, swing is more flat and line-drive oriented. LH - Willing to let it fly and doesn't lack bat speed, more pronounced attack angle on LH side, shown tendency to swing/miss more often on this side in effort to drive ball, tends to lose the barrel vs higher velocities though flashes ability to stay above the ball and shoot it the other way.

Power: Given future strength gains and his strength from his fingers through his forearms, there is some pop in his future, though on a 20-80 scale I'd put a future grade as below average. More doubles and gappers than balls over the wall.

Field: This is where Aroz excels. Above average and future plus grades on receiving, blocking and overall defense. Extremely agile and athletic, while also possessing outstanding intangible traits that lead to better team defense. Can pounce on bunts and swinging bunts, block/recover and throw, etc. He's also a very capable middle infielder and down the road could get some rest from catching and still man 3rd base at a high level.

Arm: His arm grades out as future above average, combining both projection of his present 79 mph we saw at the workout and his ability to get rid of the ball quickly and accurately. The low and consistent pop times are not uncommon in viewings of Aroz. His ability to control the running game is a tool in his belt.

Run: 7.01 - plenty acceptable for a catcher

Summary: About as well-rounded as we have among the 2021 Northern CA catching crew. His overall talents and skills, along with a switch-hit profile put him at the top of the list in the region heading into the spring season. There are others with more power and others with bigger arm strength, but none have his full skill set and usability of his abilities. Based on very strong showing at the Area Code Games he could get a few peaks from area guys in the spring, but is likely headed to Oregon and from there working toward the upper rounds of the 2024 draft.
8/05/19

Summer Scouting - Aroz has continued to progress this summer and today was no different as he showcased an improved left-handed swing consistently finding the barrel. He’s lifted his hands and slowed his approach to the baseball allowing him to stay in his legs and adjust to the pitch; the bat speed and compact swing are still present getting on-plane early and driving through the baseball. Doubled down the RF line in his 1st AB, being out front a bit and keeping it fair past the bag; loved the hustle thinking two out of the box. Singled in 2nd AB through 4-hole and then adjusted to a pitch down in the zone during his 3rd AB getting barrel head under ball and knocking off high fence for a long 1B. Hit a shot that the CF made a diving catch over his head into the gap, robbing him of easy extra bases during the last AB. Aroz hopped behind the plate late in the game and showed his plus catching skills working easy with his pitcher and having a plan of attack for hitters. Ended the game with a great play having the ball scoot away but got to it quickly and put the ball on the money to knab the runner on base. Looking forward to seeing how he compares to the other top catchers at Underclass Area Code Games next week.

7/12/19

Area Code Tryouts - Under Class Notebook

6/13/19

Summer Scout - Very athletic and lean frame with projection. Aroz showed his tools over the two games with plus catching skills and a quick bat that can produce easy loud contact. Catching skills showed ability to keep glove hand under the baseball and firmness in receiving; was regularly on the bag between innings with pop times (2.0-2.04) with a quick, compact arm. His hustle and athleticism was also on display coming to grab a throw home and showing a quick flick throw to 2nd to catch a runner while on the run. From the left hand side, the switch hitter showed a simple compact swing showing ability to get his quick hands through the zone with strength; singled past the 3rd baseman in game one and did the same from the right side in game two. The controlled easy gather allows him to get to a strong hitting position regularly and the athleticism allows him to put quality swings on the baseball.

4/16/19

Fresno Easter Classic - Switch hitting catcher stayed on the right side all day having his best swings when staying to the opposite side of the field for line drives against a soft-throwing LHP. Athleticism translates to every part of the game as he stole 2B without a throw and was fantastic behind the plate with lateral quickness and ability to bounce from blocks to recovery. Footwork is clean on throws to 2nd with quick steps while getting ball out of his glove in unison flashing average arm strength; 2.0-2.04 at the bag in spot for tags. His glove hand is strong with great setup for receiving pitches. Played shortstop in earlier game this day, has athleticism for the position but the footwork had him in between and not playing as cleanly as we've seen before. Offensively continued to display the opposite field approach, with strong hands and ability to drive the ball to right field with carry. Consistently displays a energetic motor and passion for playing.

1/27/19

PBR N CA Preseason All-State - Medium frame with high, tight waist and nicely proportioned with strength growing; athletic and shows twitchy attributes with strong run times more inline with MIF (7.18 60-yd). Quick and agile behind the plate with smooth footwork allowing big arm to put ball on the bag (1.89-2.01 pop. 76 MPH); agility really shows up when blocking and in catching skills where he is able to smother pitches and keep ball in front close. Offensively starts narrow with relaxed elbows, even hands and flat bat; foot lift with balance in backside as hands work back slightly before finishing in strong hitting position. Very similar profile on both sides of the plate. Bat drives through extension with upward path made to do damage and drive balls deep into gaps (87 exit velo); back hip is very quick and helps achieve full turn in swings. One of the top 2021 players in the State. Uncommitted currently; very impressive player who will impact college levels.


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