By Toby Bicknell
Texas Scouting Director

Follow us on Twitter: @PBR_Texas

Name: Jose Gutierrez
Grad Year: 2018
High School: Arlington Lamar
Travel Team: Florida Legends
College Commitment: Dallas Baptist University

Scouting Report:
6-foot-3, 230-pound, strong frame with broad shoulders and definition. Gutierrez, who is currently ranked #31 in the 2018 Texas Top 100, showed all the makings of being one of the top left-handed hitters in the state. He starts from a tall, relaxed stance and loads slowly with rhythm into a high leg-kick. Lands into his launch position with athleticism and leverage. Took an impressive batting practice with high-level presence, showcasing his power by driving balls deep to the pull side, including one home run. He had an exit velocity of 96 mph off the tee. Defensively, the first baseman has good footwork, clean exchange, average hands and shows good feel around the bag. He throws with a long arm swing at 76 mph across the diamond. He ran a 7.75 second 60-yard dash.

PBR: What was your summer experience like?

Jose: My summer was a little chaotic, I began playing with Phenom Signature based out of California. It was a lot of traveling and that's when I got picked up by the Florida Legends 18u team. As soon as they realized I was 15 (at the time) the players went nuts I had a great experience with them.

PBR: What are your high school team's expectations for the spring?

Jose: We have a very young team, we had 7 starting seniors graduate. Our goal is to build great chemistry and play the game the correct way. Small ball will be a great contribution to our team this year.

PBR: What are your personal goals as you look ahead?

Jose: My goal this season is to achieve more than I did last year. This year I hope to receive First Team All-state. I also intend on being a great teammate and leader to the team and hopefully reach our full potential.

PBR: What part of the game do you think you need to improve the most?

Jose: As a player, I believe there is always room for improvement. I believe that I need to get quicker and work more behind the plate.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you faced?

Jose: My freshman year as a 14 year old I had the privilege of facing Beau Burrows. Beau was a first round draft pick to the Detroit Tigers in 2015. He topped out at 98 mph against us in the second game of district.

PBR: What are your interest outside of baseball?

Jose: Baseball is always something going on 24/7, when I have free time (which is rare) I like to play pool or ping pong with friends.

PBR: Is there another player you model your game after?

Jose: I like to model my game after Jose Fernandez and Ken Griffey Jr., the way they played the game was electric. Their smiles and joy for the game is something I hope to mimic as I further my baseball career.

PBR: What was on your checklist when you were looking for a college program?

Jose: I looked for a school who provided a great education and the major that I want. I looked for a school who followed Christ and that would give me an opportunity to play my freshman year.

PBR: What drew you to commit to the school you picked?

Jose: When I went on my unofficial visit I instantly loved the campus, the views, the calmness, it was mesmerizing. The coaches not only care about the baseball program, but they care of the players as individuals. They instill the faith and the ways of Christ which is something I find is outstanding. They focus on maturing their players as fine young men and that's something you do not see every day. Plus being able to stay so close to home was a huge factor, my parents being able to see my every home game is something I look forward too.

PBR: Is there a moment or achievement so far in your career that stands out from the rest?

Jose: I'm a class of 2018 who in reality should be a class of 2019. I feel very proud that I did not have to get held back like most desire too in order to "achieve more". I started high school as a 13 year old and later that year I turned 14. Making the varsity team and getting a starting position was an honor. Another moment that's special is my first "big league home run(s)." at the age of 13 I participated at a home run derby held at Rangers Stadium and hit the upper deck, the ball traveled 407 feet and I was more than happy.

 

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