Top Performer Spotlight: 2020 1B/OF Gavin Noriega (Salesian HS)

Big Apple Preview (October 15, 2017) Noriega stands in at 5-foot-7, 175-pounds with a thick athletic frame. Ran a 7.67 – 60. Offensively- Lefty sets up in an open stance with his feet just outside shoulder width. Shows a slight knee bend with an upright torso holding his hands in front of the back shoulder using little pre-pitch bat movement. On pitch, his trigger is a knee raise to stride forward squaring up to the pitcher while his hands move back slightly into his hitting position. Shows quick hands to the zone with a level barrel path throughout into a high one-handed finish. Has good lower body rotation getting whole frame involved in swing. Demonstrated ability to hit line drives up the middle and pull slide during batting practice round. Clean, fluid swing with potential. Recorded an exit velocity of 88 MPH. Defensively- In the outfield shows a good approach to the baseball. Crow hop mechanics could be quicker while gaining more ground prior to the throw. Gets behind the ball well prior to making the catch but could also use a longer outfielder arm swing. Recorded a positional arm velocity in the outfield of 83 MPH. In the infield, good approach and footwork getting to the baseball. Funnels the ball well into the chest with a quick transition to the throwing hand. Moves off the bag at first well and gets into a good fielding position. Moves well left/right and effectively can field a double play off first. Recorded a positional arm velocity of 71 MPH. Overall a talented 2020 grad to keep an eye on.