In the Weeds: Ontario
May 15, 2017
By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker
In a new segment at the state level called, In the Weeds, PBR National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, takes a look at uncommitted players regardless of class whose skills and intangibles sometimes get missed in a showcase setting, but whose value to a good team at the next level is immeasurable. Some of the players included in this segment are under the radar, others have been overlooked, and some are late bloomers and fast-rising. Whatever the reason, our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff has identified many uncommitted prospects who can thrive with the right fit at some collegiate level. This week, In the Weeds, takes a look at some intriguing prospects out of Canada (Ontario). Our neighbor to the north continues to produce high-level talent that gets taken in the top rounds of the draft. Those players immediately catch the eyes of professional scouts which allows them to be seen over and over again. However, because they play in a different country, as well as a colder climate, many collegiate scouts find it difficult to get enough looks at the other players in the Canada. This series of In the Weeds aims to present a glimpse at some of the promising players in the 2018 class.
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Denzel Clarke OF / Everest Academy, ON / 2018It is easy to dream on the athleticism of Clarke as his mother was an olympic track runner, and he was producing effortless (with flawless strides) 60-yard dash times in the 6.6’s last summer. While still possessing a rawness to his overall game, Clarke has the tools necessary to blossom into a solid outfielder at the collegiate level. Besides his gifted speed, Clarke shows the ability to track down balls while gliding across the outfield. His arm (78 mph) is still developing, but the 6-foot-3, 187-pounder should cover enough ground to allow him to stick in centerfield at some level. At the plate, Clarke is athletically balanced with his hands held next to his ear before he rocks them back along with his weight with a minor leg kick. HIs hands show quickness through the zone on a level plane as he produces line drives to all fields, and projects as a, possible, top of the order type hitter who sprays balls all over. Clarke’s long, wiry frame should fill out in the near future, and could propel him to more power. Overall, Clarke’s athleticism alone should make him an intriguing prospect to coaches at some level, but added the fact that he has a balanced swing, and he could become an impact player at the next level.
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