Sliders Scout Day: Quick Hits (2021)

SAN ANTONIO, TX - On Sunday, we attended The South Texas Sliders Scout Day for the third year in a row. There was a ton of talent on display from the 2020-2023 classes at the University of Incarnate Word’s brand new facility. In order to break up the Quick Hits Scout Notes, we are going to take a look at each grad class, today is the 2020 grads. For College Recruiters looking for uncommitted players, this group is a must see early this summer.

2021 SS/3B William Allen (Houston Christian) has long levers and a super-projectable frame at 6-foot-3, 175-pounds. Launch-fest during BP with multiple homers and a top exit velocity of 101. There is plenty of arm strength across the infield (87 mph) to think Allen will stay on the left side at the next level.

Really like the versatility of 2021 C/3B Gabriel Herrera (Reagan HS) who has the all around strength and athleticism to be a viable option both behind the plate and on the infield. He ran a 7.13 60, threw 82 across the infield, 74 from the crouch, and posted pop times of 2.04-2.12. At 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, Herrara has added lean muscle mass this spring and is starting to fill out his athletic frame.

2021 C/1B Noah Davila (South San Antonio HS) has an extremely strong frame for a rising junior at 6-foot-1, 230-pound. He posted a top exit velocity of 99.4 and hammered balls out of the yard during BP, and he also hit a curveball off the pitchers foot during game play. Going to be a fun hitter to follow this summer.

2021 C/RHP Ryan Beaird (Reagan HS) reminds me of 2017 RHP Aaron Perry (Hurricane HS, WV) who we committed at Kentucky in the spring of 2016. Beaird stands 5-foot-10, 145-pounds with a wiry, athletic frame. He threw strikes down to second base with a top velocity from the crouch of 80 mph with pop times of 2.02-2.11. The arm works really well with more velocity likely to come in the future. He threw 90 from the outfield, and topped out at 86 on the bump, working 84-85 for one inning. The breaker is solid with 11/5 rotation at 73 mph.

2021 SS Gerardo Salinas (Milby HS) is a projectable hitter that college recruiters will want to see early this summer. Standing 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, Salinas has simple strength at the plate and posted a top exit velocity of 90 mph.

2021 LHP/OF Jagger Edwards (Reagan HS) is an athletic two-way guy that pumped strikes on the mound and showed feel for three pitches. His fastball was 78-81, he spun his curveball at 64-65, and the changeup is a quality offering at 69-70.

2021 LHP Joshua Coleman (Johnson HS) stands 6-foot-5, 185-pounds and pitched 81-84 and flashed a decent breaking ball at 70-71.

2021 OF/IF Chase Cloud (Foster HS) is a LHH that plays both infield and outfield, but I think the bat is going to catch recruiters attention sooner than later.

2021 RHP/1B Trajan Lee (St. Thomas HS) is another projectable arm for the Sliders 21 class at 6-foot-2, 185-pounds. His fastball was 82-84 mph and he can spin his curveball for strikes at 71-72.

2021 SS Carlos Pena (Vela HS) has smooth footwork at shortstop and spent most of the year on Varsity for Vela HS. Still developing 5-foot-9, 130-pound frame, but the right-handed hitter has loose-quick hands and barrelled it up during BP.

2021 SS Diego Villescas (PSJA ECHS) has smooth actions on the infield and moves easy. Slightly longer arm swing with a top velocity across the diamond of 81 mph. Made several plays during the game and scorched a single to centerfield.