By TJ Hunt
Director, New Jersey

Locked In Baseball out of North Jersey had their program Scout Day in front of colleges and scouts in Whippany, New Jersey on Tuesday evening. There were some notable players that stood out, including some talented uncommitted 2018 arms and projectable underclass players as well. Here are some players that raised eyebrows:

Tommy Kelly, RHP, Livingston HS, NJ 2018 (uncommitted)
Lean, athletic build with room to fill out, Kelly flashed some life on his fastball at 82-83 from an over-the-top slot. Shorter, quicker arm action with uphill shoulders going down the mound. Showcased a sharp 11/5 breaking ball with tight spin for strikes at 67-68 MPH. Creates some extension over lead leg on release. 

Chris Walker, LHP, West Orange HS, NJ 2018 (uncommitted)
Walker has a physical, broad shouldered build. Fastball revved up to 84, sitting comfortably at 82-84 for most of his inning of work. Showcased a sharp 1/7 slider at 69-70 for strikes. Has been up to 85-86 earlier this fall. Throws a heavy ball with some arm side run. High-3/4 with long, loose arm.

Matthew Bettio, RHP, Montville HS, NJ 2019 (uncommitted)
Bettio has a strong, broad shouldered and athletic build at 6-foot-2 195-pounds. Fastball sat 82-83 from a high-3/4 slot. Slingshot-type arm action, low balance position as he descends down the mound. Fastball has some armside movement. Showcased a slurvy 10/4 breaker at 67-68 for strikes. Excellent athlete, can play all three outfield positions as well.

Lucas Rich, RHP, Newark Academy HS, NJ 2020 (uncommitted)
Rich has a wiry-athletic build with room to add muscle. Fastball climbed up to 86-87 MPH, but sat comfortably at 83-85 on a colder night. Slider showed late bite at 73-74 MPH with fastball hand speed. Over-the-top slot with a long arm action.

Justin Cassella, SS, Seton Hall Prep HS, NJ 2020 (uncommitted)
Cassella was a standout at September's Underclass Games at Montclair State – running a 6.88 60 yard dash and showcasing his relentless motor. Athletic build at 6-foot-1 172-pounds. Stands out in the field with smooth glovework and agile movements – especially on slow rollers and moving up the middle. At the plate, uses a small foot stride to start swing with hands just above back shoulder. Hands load straight back and shows some looseness in hips through the zone. Made a big jump over the summer – definite follow.

Christopher Markovich, SS, North Hunterdon HS, NJ 2021 (uncommitted)
Markovich has a lean, athletic build at 5-foot-10 175-pounds. One of the top players at the scout day as just a freshman – the ball just seems different off the bat. Easy, smooth load process in his swing with some explosiveness in hips and hands through the baseball. Finishes with some lift to swing. One of the top 2021s in the class.

Nate Miller, RHP, Morris Catholic HS, NJ 2018 (uncommitted)
Miller was the first pitcher of the night, sitting 82-83 in his inning of work with some 11/5 shape to his curveball at 67-68. Short, quick arm action, athletic balance point. High-3/4 slot.

 

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