Elite Squad Upgrade: 2021 Breakdown

August 29, 2017

By Doug Freeman
Florida Scouting Director

Over 200 players took part in the Elite Squad tryout at Broward college from August 12th- August 13th. These players took part in a pro-style workout and a simulated games. Below we take a look at the 2021 graduates who took advantage of the PBR Upgrade during the tryout.

Connor Manning RHP / 1B / Coral Springs Charter, FL / 2021

The young right-hander has a simple, repeatable delivery. He does slide from one side of the rubber to the other, but is balanced and lads in line. He has a clean, high 3/4 arm action and showed a fastball ranging from 72-77 mph. Also showed a curveball ranging from 60-62 mph. Will continue to make strides as he gets older, stronger and learns how to use his lower half and get extension. Offensively, the right handed hitter uses a leg kick load and hands pre-set. Creates some steepness, but also finds the barrel. Will improve as he gets level through the zone and continues to add strength to his lower half.

Luis Mejia SS / OF / Westminster Christian, FL / 2021

The right handed hitter shows quality stride and separation. He shows above average bat speed for his class and has a level path through the zone generating line drives from gap to gap. Defensively, he shows quick choppy steps. Rangy middle infielder and the hands work well. Actions should develop into an above average defender in the middle infield.

Cristian Mejia SS / RHP / Westminster Christian, FL / 2021

The 5-foot-9, 135 pound SS/RHP is a right handed hitter with a wide base, has a simple load and separation. A balanced lower half and level path generates line drives and consistent hard contact. Defensively, he shows sound defensive actions. Tends to break down with a wide base and let the ball be folded underneath him. Will continue to improve with some fluidity in the actions. On the mound, the right-hander throws from a 3/4 slot. The fastball ranged from 72-75 mph and will continue to make jumps as he becomes stronger and gets better use of the lower half. He also threw a slider at 66-69 mph and a changeup at 62-63 mph.

Jesus Del Valle SS / RHP / TC Williams, FL / 2021

5-foot-11, 150 pounds he is athletic, running a 7.83 60 yard dash. The right handed hitter has a high back elbow and starts slightly open. There is present bat speed with a level, line drive path and should develop and grow into some power as he becomes stronger and learns how to get better usage from the lower half. Defensively, he works upright with some stiffness but works under control with quality, soft hands. On the mound, he has a high leg kick and a short arm action. Fastball worked 72-75 mph and curveball worked 64-68 mph.

Lane Curtis 1B / RHP / The Kings Academy, FL / 2021

Right handed hitter hits with an upright stance, with a short stride and has a slightly uphill path. Will see benefits with better use from the lower half and as he continues to grow and become stronger. On the mound, he has a repeatable delivery and throws from a 3/4 slot. Fastball works 68-70 mph while the curveball worked at 58 mph.

Anthony Nelson OF / LHP / American Heritage, FL / 2021

The left handed hitter has a short stride, but he has natural rhythm and creates above average bat speed with loose wrists and generates the bat speed with quality extension and present pull side power for class with a high ceiling offensively. Defensively, he come through the ball well with accurate throws. Ran a 7.38 60 yard dash and has some preset athleticism. On the mound, he has a balanced lower half and throws from a 3/4 slot. The fastball ranged from 73-78 mph, a curveball at 59-60 mph and a changeup at 69-70 mph.

Christopher Romero 2B / SS / Monsignor Edward Pace, FL / 2021

5-foot-4, 130 pound middle infielder, the right handed hitter is aggressive at the plate. There is some present bat speed and feel for the barrell. He doesn’t clear his back side well and when is does and as he gets strong the bat speed should translate to gap-to-gap power. Defensively he moves well. He has soft hands and the hands and feet need to work in sync. The arm will need to get stronger, but the actions work.