9/08/19

If you followed our coverage during the spring and summer, this won’t come as a surprise to you. Abel not only holds down the top spot for the state of Oregon, he also currently sits at #3 overall in our recently updated 2020 national rankings. The combination of size, stuff and projection make Abel the complete package on the mound. His FB has routinely been in the 88-94 range while flashing as high as 96 on the looks we’ve had. His slider, which grades out as plus at times, typically lands between 82-86. Although he didn’t need it during the HS season, he flashed a CH at 83-84 more regularly at some national events. Expect Abel to have an enormous following from the scouting community every time he toes the rubber in 2020.

8/14/19

Even on an off day Abel stands out. Checking in at 6-foot-5, 184 pounds, the Oregon State recruit has a long, lean frame with tons of room to fill out and add strength. He didn’t have his best fastball at the Area Code Games, but still sat 89-93 mph with life and flashed an above average slider and changeup. The slider was 82-84 with late bite and the changeup features fade at 83-84. In two innings, he allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four.- Nathan Rode

4/29/19

Mick Abel allowed 1 hit in a 7 inning, CG effort. He walked 3 and struck out 9 while only allowing 1 unearned run. The lanky, projectable righty came out in the 1st inning with the same impressive velo we’ve become accustomed to seeing. FB sat comfortably at  92-94 and peaked at 95 with impressive life out of his hand. Eventually settled in at 89-92 in the later innings and showed considerable run in the bottom of the zone. SL continues to be an above average offering with sharp, late bite at 82-85. In addition to the 9 strikeouts, Abel was generated 9 ground ball outs against 0 fly outs. His defense turned 3 double plays behind him. It was one of the better outings we’ve seen in terms of Abel maintaining control of the bottom of the strike zone and inducing weak contact. He’ll continue to be a tough match-up for opposing offenses this spring and there’s still a considerable amount of potential for him to tap into.

3/14/19

The Oregon State recruit was stellar over six 1-hit innings as he struck out 12 Saxon batters without allowing a run, in what would end up an 8-0 victory for the Crusaders. Blazing fastballs up to 96 mph that exploded through the zone, Abel was untouchable as he sat mostly 92-94 throughout his first start of the year. Though it was more control over command with the pitch, as he looked to throw the ball by each batter that stepped to the plate, Abel was able to manipulate some sink when going to the arm side, and showed the ability to go in on some hitters late in counts. His slider flashed as an above average offering that he varied the shape of at 82-86. Firmly thrown at times with more cutting action, the best one that he threw came on a strikeout in the middle innings at 82 mph, and exhibited tilt with late-break on multiple planes. It was a true swing-and-miss pitch. Abel demonstrated feel for throwing it for strikes, and he threw it early in counts as well as when putting hitters away late. He also flashed a few changeups at 88-89 that still look to be developing. The long-limbed, 6-foot-5, 190-pounder oozes projection on the frame, and while he was poised throughout each inning, he showed some good emotion after making some big pitches in a display of competitiveness. The arm works whippy-loose and quick, delivering out of a high ¾ slot to create a downward plane through the zone. There is plenty to dream on for the future as Abel continues to develop, and should he continue the dominance seen in game one against one of the top teams in the state, Jesuit could end up being a very difficult team to deal with late in the season.

8/08/18

Area Code Games

Abel started for the Royals and struck out two in two innings. He only allowed a double that was chopped down the third base line to start the game. He sat 89-92 from a high-3/4 slot while mixing a slider with tilt at 77-81. His changeup was 84-86 with run at times.