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Jesuit @ Westview

April 29, 2019
Dan Jurik
Scouting Director - Pacific Northwest

Portland, OR - Tuesday afternoon we had multiple games covered in the Portland, OR area. While National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt was checking out Central Catholic at Barlow, Pacific Northwest Scouting Director, Dan Jurik made the trip down from Seattle to check out a match-up between the visiting Jesuit Crusaders and host Westview Wildcats.

Westview has a young line-up highlighted by 2021 SS Mason Guerra. This was our first look this spring at the Oregon State commit and he left a strong impression on us. Unfortunately the Wildcats had the tough task of dealing with 2020 RHP Mick Abel. Another Oregon State commit, Abel is currently 7th overall in our national rankings for the ‘20 graduating class and we have him pegged as the 2nd best RHP. We’ve been steadily tracking Abel’s progress throughout the season and per usual, he did not disappoint.

jesuit

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.

On the offensive side of the ball, Jesuit produced consistent run support for Abel as they cruised to an 8-1 victory. Senior C Joe Angeli had a monster day at the plate with 3 hits and 4 RBI. The 6-foot-1, 205 pound backstop has a fluid, level swing and displayed consistent feel for the barrel. Put himself in hitters counts with a disciplined approach and took aggressive hacks when he got pitches to drive. Behind the plate, he’s a reliable receiver and consistently handled the premium stuff that Abel was sending his way. Fiery competitor on the diamond who shows the ability to be a vocal leader.

Uncommitted ‘20 CIF James Porter continues to show promising offensive potential with the bat. It wasn’t as productive of a day as the last time we saw him but the bat speed and strength still remain. He does an exceptional job of keeping his hands tight to his body and allowing the barrel to stay inside of the ball. The swing stays short and compact while showing an uphill path.

Westview

For Westview, while it was a tough day offensively, there are some exciting young players to keep an eye on as they develop. Starting with highly touted 2021 SS Mason Guerra. Sporting a lean, highly athletic frame at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds. Guerra has terrific size for MINF and looks athletic enough to stick there long-term. Defensively, the actions are smooth and fluid with easy, controlled effort. Possesses exceptional body control throughout fielding process, especially while moving laterally. Arm action is loose and whippy while avoiding getting too long or extended. Plenty of arm strength to get the ball across the diamond. Had a tough day at the plate, going 0-2 with 2 K’s while also drawing a BB. The set-up and actions in the box are balanced and relaxed. Slightly open stance with low hand placement before getting into his forward stride. Hands stay loose and allow him to generate easy bat speed. Looks capable of tapping into some power as his frame develops. Overall, has an advanced skill set for a young player with some physical upside still remaining.


Two other Wildcats who had a strong showing were 2021 OF Caden Rickman and 2020 RHP/1B Dominic Barela.

Rickman is lean and wiry at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds. Moves well in the OF with light, easy strides. Flashed above average arm strength with a short, compact arm action. Keeps ball high after hand break without much arm swing but still gets exceptional carry on the ball. Went hitless on this look but managed to draw a BB and steal 2 bases. Contact type approach. Let the ball travel into the zone and flashed a level swing with average bat speed. Plays fast on the bases with an aggressive approach. Consistent threat to steal at all times.

Barela has some current strength in his frame at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. He got the start on the mound and did a solid job against a tough Jesuit line-up. Using a 2-pitch mix, his FB stat 76-79 and topped at 80. He paired it with a 11/5 shaped CB at 67-69. Worked from a ¾ slot with clean arm action and repeatable mechanics. At the plate, he had the hardest contact against Abel all game. Although he didn’t get any hits, he drove 2 balls to his backside that unfortunately went straight to the defense. There’s noticeable bat speed and his barrel gets on plane with the ball early. Stays flat thru the zone. Quality approach, didn’t expand the zone or chase pitches. Intriguing 2-way prospect.