Auburndale, FL - Wednesday night I headed east to the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex for the 2022 Polk County Championships. It was day three of the event and featured two high powered matchups between Lakeland Christian vs Lakeland and George Jenkins vs Winter Haven. In this article, I will break down some of the players that stood out to me in my look last night. Take a look.

Scout Notes

2022 Brody Donay, C, Lakeland Christian (Virginia Tech)

6-foot-5, 215 pound catcher. Donay continues to be one of the top 2022 backtops in the state. Towering frame that he uses to his advantage offensively. Is able to create leverage and get to any pitch on the plate. Has above average bat speed and is able to lift the ball on contact. Homered early yesterday on a breaking ball that he was able to sit back on. Almost hit his second of the game later on as he launched a ball to deep left only to be caught at the warning track. Donay had several eyes on him last night and could be a name to watch come Draft time.

2025 Mitchell Rodriguez, C/INF, Lakeland Christian (Florida State)

Rodriguez continues to be a standout in the 2025 class. Looks noticeably taller and leaner. Played third base last night and showed athleticism. Rodriguez has an advanced approach as a freshman. Looks to go the other way and stays timed up and on barrel often. Went 1 for 3 last night with two RBI. Drove a loud single past the shortstop for a RBI early and later drove a Sac Fly to deep left. Rodriguez lets the ball get deep in the zone consistently and drives with intent. A lot to like in this 2025 prospect.

2023 Mack Estrada, RHP, Lakeland Christian

Yesterday was my first chance to see Estrada and it was impressive out the gate. Projectable frame at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds. Ran the fastball up to 92 mph with life. Showed above average spin on the fastball and curveball, up to 2550 rpm on the fastball and 2653 on the breaking ball. Command was a bit spotty but he was able to work out of jams and go 6 strong. Estrada is an uncommitted 2023 that schools should jump all over.

2023 JC Ayala, SS, Lakeland (Rice)

Former Junior Future Games participant. Ayala has continued to progress physically. Added strength shows in the way the ball jumps off the bat. Has above average bat speed and is able to drive the ball. Power potential is developing and could soon come as he continues to fill out.

2022 Jesuel Fernandez, OF/INF, Lakeland

Fernandez is an uncommitted senior with tools to play at the next level. Hands are quick at the plate and is able to handle velo. Jumped on a 90 mph fastball last night and launched a triple to deep left. Has the ability to drive the baseball and create lift on contact.

2023 Richie Collazo, SS, George Jenkins

This was my second look at Collazo this spring and he continues to impress. Physical frame at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds. Two extra base hits last night driving a double down the right field line then later launching a triple. The bat speed really sticks out and the power potential continues to develop. I continue to be impressed by this uncommitted 2023 as he shouldn’t stay uncommitted for long.

2022 Jalen Hairston, INF, Winter Haven (SCF)

Hairston has been a hitter for as long as I’ve seen him. Always on time and balanced in the box. Has quick, loose hands that allow him to handle velo well. Singled twice last night including a hard RBI single in the first. Continues to be a solid in-game performer and looks to be a great recent pickup for SCF.

2023 Dylan DeLeo, RHP, Winter Haven

DeLeo got the start for Winter Haven and looked sharp. Immediately stands out at 6-foot-5. Wasn’t overpowering topping out at 85 mph last night but was very effective and generated swings and misses. Showed feel for the breaking ball and definitely has the qualities to pitch at the next level. DeLeo threw a complete game allowing 2 runs with 10 strikeouts. Good looking uncommitted 2023 arm.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
FL Rising Stars Spring Games	FL	04/23	Lake Bonny Park
FL Rising Stars Summer Games	FL	05/07	Clover Park Minor League Complex
Summer Kickoff - USF	FL	05/26	USF Baseball Stadium
Summer Kickoff - UCF	FL	05/27	John Euliano Park at UCF
2022 Sunshine State Classic (Invite Only)	FL	06/01	Ed Smith Stadium
Team Florida ID Games - FIU	FL	06/14	FIU Baseball Stadium
FL Unsigned Senior Games	FL	06/28	John Euliano Park at UCF
Team Florida ID Games - UCF	FL	07/03	John Euliano Park at UCF
Team Florida ID Games - Northwest Florida	FL	07/06	Northwest Florida State College
Team Florida ID Games - Jacksonville	FL	07/12	John Sessions Stadium at Jacksonville U
PBR Junior Future Games	NATIONAL	07/26	LakePoint