NJ Area Code Tryout & Super 16 Notes
June 14, 2018
After a busy week of action that included an Area Code tryout as well as parts of the Super 16 tournament in New Jersey, this week’s On the Hunt shifts into the summer with plenty of notes on players from the two events. With plenty of action still to come from the New Jersey Underclass Games, the Midwest Prospect League, and the Super 17 Tournament, be sure to keep a lookout for more news and notes as well as follow @ShooterHunt on Twitter stay updated with what’s happening all summer.
STANDOUTS:
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Liam Simon RHP / Freehold Township, NJ / 2019Notre Dame recruit. Simon was the big winner from the Area Code tryouts at Diamond Nation in New Jersey. Having seen the long-limbed, wiry right-hander in the fall, I was well aware of the loose arm that he possessed along with his clean delivery. However, since his stint on the bump in Jupiter in October, Simon has clearly continued to progress. The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder has lean strength throughout a frame that still shows signs of developing. Tossing a light bullpen early on, he drove fastballs through the bottom of the zone at 88 mph with quick hand speed and extension out front while creating a downhill plane. Throwing over a slightly higher front shoulder Simon used a bit more effort towards the end of his bullpen session to bump some fastballs up to 91-92 while remaining linear down the mound and continuing to pound the strike zone. His sharp, 11/5 curveball was late-breaking at 75-77, and featured tight spin, and easily has a chance to be a swing and miss offering this summer.
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Tommy O'Rourke RHP / Seton Hall Prep, NJ / 2020Stanford recruit. O’Rourke’s long frame stood high on the rubber as he calmly delivered fastballs at 88-89 throughout his bullpen session. The tall, right-hander delivers out of a high ¾ slot, and has the athleticism to get out over his front leg before getting extension with his arm, and nearly scraping the ground with his follow through. Though the extension was there, the velocity seemed effortless, and there is likely even more on the way. He showed feel for a mid-70s, 11/5 breaking ball as well as a changeup in the low-80s. His polished delivery, and fastball that jumps through the zone will likely excite scouts moving forward.
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PLUS MUCH MORE BELOW: