PBR Florida Preseason Classic Day 1

Eau Gallie 0 vs Vero Beach 1
In a matchup that featured three of the top arms in the 2018 class and a top 2019 arm, the game went about as expect. The two teams combined for 21 strikeouts in a game that was won 1-0 by Vero Beach.  David Luethje started for Vero Beach HS, going three innings and striking out three and was followed up, in impressive fashion, by Hunter Patteson who struck out the side in his first inning and finished with five strikeouts in four innings of work. Carter Stewart started for Eau Gallie HS and lived up to the early season hype. Running his fastball up to 95 mph, he went three innings while giving up one hit, one run while striking out five with no walks. He was followed up by yet another SEC arm in Nick Pogue. Pogue really helped himself on the day in front of the over 100 scouts. After getting into a bases loaded jam, he struck out three consecutive hitters working working 90-93 mph and showing an improved slider. Overall, the arms on display were not only some of the best in the state, but best in the country.  With his outing yesterday, Stewart may have solidified himself as a back half of the first round pick and Nick Pogue may have himself on the rise.  Check out a few more detailed scout notes below.

+ 2018 RHP Carter Stewart (Eau Gallie HS, FL)
Mississippi State recruit. Stewart has made a nice jump in velocity while still maintaining his lower effort delivery. The question coming into the night is whether he projects as a starter in professional baseball, or would the plus curveball with a spin rate over 3000s, lead him to the pen. From the looks of things he will get every opportunity to start. He works under control, with a quiet head and repeats well. He shows above average command of the fastball that sat mostly 91-93 touching 95 mph, which is a nice jump from the fall. He has a great feel for his plus curveball at 79-83 mph, not only having swing and miss ability, but can also throw it for strikes. He flashed he occasional changeup at 81 mph, but didn’t need anything other than the fastball/curveball combo on the night. Stewart was impressive, and on a good night to do so, which should lend him to a rising stock through the spring.

+ 2018 RHP David Luethje (Vero Beach HS, FL)
Florida recruit. Luethje matched up pitch for pitch with Stewart on the evening. While the velocity wasn’t quite there, sitting mostly 87-89 mph, you can see the potential. He has steep shoulders and a frame that projects. Shows a loose easy arm action from a high 3/4 slot. He could get more from the lower half, but when extended, he showed a tight, biting slider at 74-77 mph. Will be one to follow in the spring to see how he continues to progress.

+ 2018 RHP Nick Pogue (Eau Gallie HS, FL)
Florida recruit. The big, strong right-hander may have helped himself the most of any player in attendance Thursday night. He showed a methodical delivery, but with better tempo than in the past. The arm was working cleaner, with less effort with the fastball coming out of the hand with like at 90-93 mph. The big improvement was on the slider. When he got on top of the ball and fully extended the pitch had sharp, late biting action at 80-82 mph. The frame projects to be durable and the arm action works. Should see him on the rise after this impressive outing.

+ 2019 LHP Hunter Patteson (Vero Beach HS, FL)
Central Florida recruit. The long, lanky lefty held his on on a night loaded with upperclassman talent. He has a loose, whippy arm and the fastball work 86-88 mph early dropping off a bit later. He also showed a tight slider at 74-76 mph. The frame has a ton of room to add strength and the arm really works loose and quick from a 3/4 slot.

+ 2018 IF Brendan Vasquez (Vero Beach HS, FL)
The uncommitted infielder went 2-for-4 on the night, including the key RBI single that proved to be the game-winner. Vasquez has a stocky frame with strength in his lower half. The frame isn't what you typically look for, but he showed above average bat speed and bat to ball skills against very good arms. Should be a guy colleges looking for a late bat addition should look at.

+ 2018 OF Grayson Joyner (Eau Gallie HS, FL)
The uncommitted outfielder went 2-for-3 on the night in a losing effort, but showed a quick bat and the ability to drive the ball when he had a hard hit double in the sixth. Strong frame standing at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds and projects as a corner outfielder with some power at the next level.

TNXL Academy 2 vs Merritt Island 10
In the nightcap of Day 1 at the Preseason Classic, Mason Denaburg toed the rubber for Merritt Island HS and faced off against Elijah Cabell of TNXL Academy. Denaburg would attack with only fastballs at 94-96 mph, but Cabell would reach base on a soft ground ball to short. Denaburg gave up two in the first before settling and he really settled in. He would go four innings, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out ten. Miguel Soto would barrel up a fastball up the middle and would be driven in when Chris Vervoordt turned around a 93 mph fastball for a double to center, but that would be all they would get on the night. Merritt Island HS would come out in the bottom of the first and score five runs thanks to a home run from Kyle Dentmon and RBI singles from Ian Farrow and Joe Johnson Jr. Dentmon would finish the night 3-3 with the home run, two singles a walk and three RBIs. Overall though, the night felt like yet another statement for Denaburg as a top half of the first round type player.  

+ 2018 RHP Mason Denaburg (Merritt Island HS, FL)
Florida recruit. Solidified himself as a top half of the first round type player. While he seemed amped up early, loosing some control, the fastball was electric at 94-96 mph. Once he got out of that inning he settled in and dominated for three innings. The delivery continues to improve as he repeats and gets better extension. He is extremely athletic and shows adjustability on the mound and the athleticism lends to an extremely high upside. The fastball worked 9496 early and settled in around 91-94 mph for most of the night. Maybe most importantly, he showed a much improved slider that flashed plus at times. Working 77-81 mph it had a had late action and tighter spin and swing and miss on five of his ten strikeouts.

+ 2019 RHP Hylan Hall (TNXL Academy, FL)
Florida recruit. Despite struggling with command, it is worth mentioning the potential you see in Hall. He is very athletic and the arm is extremely quick. The fastball ranged from 85-89 mph and showed a slider with potential at 77-79 mph. Will be one to follow.

+ 2018 C Kyle Dentmon (Merritt Island HS, FL)
Air Force recruit. Has a strong, stocky frame. The swing was more compact than in the past and the results showed. There is present bat speed and pull side power. Was also solid behind the plate. Moves well, could get in better positions receiving at times, but showed an above average arm.