Ontario Commitment Tracker
November 21, 2018
Chris Kemlo and Jesse Levine
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting / PBR Scouting Intern
Commitment Tracker
With a surplus of commitments from the 2019 and 2020 group here in Ontario, we get back on track and highlight some of the more recent commitments from players over the last couple months.
We will continue to update in article style when we get word of players committing to post-secondary schools and bolstering our already impressive commitment list from the 2019 class.
With that being said, there is still impact players on the board and college coaches need to be on Canadian players as there were big strides taken by emerging prospects this summer, and we are sure to see the talent level increase as we head into our off-season and players begin their indoor training.
See our updated 2019 Rankings HERE.
RECENT COMMITMENTS
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Carter Arbuthnot SS / 2B / Maxwell Heights, ON / 2019
Committed: Erie CC
Report: After a memorable season in which included a Canadian Cup championship, Arbuthnot heads to Erie CC where he’ll have a chance to contribute right away. A consistent all-around player, who will hit a little bit and play a solid middle infield, Arbuthnot will do all the little things to help a club win. It’s a loose swing which has few holes, and the bat could become a big piece for Erie. The IQ and confidence are vital intangibles which allow the tangibles to play up day in and day out.
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Matthew Ferris C / 1B / Emily Carr , ON / 2019
Committed: Niagara CC
Report: A member of the Toronto Mets, a physical catcher at 5-foot-11, 190-pounds, Ferris signs to play for the NCCC Twolves. From the right side, there’s some pop in Ferris’ bat. Starting fairly relaxed, Ferris loads with a leg kick and pushes off his lower half. His strong lower half gives him stability both at the dish and behind the plate where he sets up well and presents a good target for the pitcher. He’s 1.96-2.06 to second, with impressive arm strength that’s been up to 78 mph.
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David McCabe 3B / 1B / Everest Academy, ON / 2019
Committed: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Report: Ontario Blue Jays first-baseman David McCabe is off to the Conference USA to play for the Charlotte 49ers. McCabe is a switch hitter with a better hit tool from the right side, where he displays bat-to-ball ability with good hip-rotation and natural strength, allowing for him to cause damage. From the left side, McCabe sits back a little more with focus on driving the ball to the pull-side. There’s loft with an upswing and more swing and miss that comes with, but a better reward. McCabe’s bat is his biggest asset, and there’s a lot to be excited about with it.
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Riley McErlean C / RHP / Bayview , ON / 2019
Committed: Wooster
Report: McErlean, a catch-and-throw guy behind the plate is a new commit to the Wooster baseball program. McErlean has been up to 1.91 on his pop times with minimal length outback and proper footwork leading to online throws. Although most of McErlean’s value comes behind the plate, he’s shown bat-to-ball skills at the plate, with a line-drive stroke and some bat speed and whip through the zone. The current Ontario Astros catcher is their first 2019 player to commit and will be the first of many.
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Committed: Niagara CC
Report: Two-way playing Okhrimtchouk, is another recent commit out of the Ottawa Knights organization. As a position player, he profiles as more as third baseman, as the arm plays on the left-side. He shows the ability to throw from different positions from a variety of arm slots. The glove works well, and is clean to transfer to his hand. It’s not overly polished at the plate, but there’s some bat speed, and potential extra-base ability to come. Off the rubber Okhrimtchouk sits 82-84 mph, with secondary offerings of a 65-66 curveball and a 69-73 changeup. He shows feel for his curveball, and with added velocity it will become a tighter more effective pitch. Okhrimtchouk’s ability on both sides of the ball with allow him to contribute to NCCC but we expect to see him more on the mound as a righty who projects well.
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Committed: Tompkins Cortland CC
Report: Yet another Ottawa Knights commit, Tremblay is heading to Tompkins Cortland Community College. The left-handed hitting first-baseman, out of a 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, is a presence in the box with a compact body, with little moving parts in his swing and good head control. The body plays at first where he’s a good target, and has the advantage of being a lefty bat.
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Trent Verch 1B / OF / Longfileds Davidson Heights, ON / 2019
Committed: Onondaga CC
Report: Verch, a R/R first-baseman of the Ottawa Knights, lands in Syracuse, New York with the Onondaga Lazers. Listed at 6-foot-2, 195-pound offensively at the plate, he displays a real nice bat path through the zone. He does a fine job of keeping his hands inside and covering the inner and outer thirds of the plate. With long arms, Verch gets the most out of his swing when he's balanced through contact and creating extension on his finish. Verch displays both athleticism and strength and looks to be a nice addition to the club in New York.
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