Prep Baseball Report

Uncommitted 2020 Spotlight: SS Jonathan Gazdar


Blaine Clemmens
Northern California Director of Scouting

    

WALNUT CREEK, CA. - Having seen 2020 SS Jonathan Gazdar multiple times this past year, it's become clear that his tools, combined with his style of play/competing, is going to lead him to a four year college program at some point. Whether that is after high school or after some time at a JC, that is yet to be determined. He first got on my radar in the spring of 2018 when I went to scout his teammate and present Cal RHP Ian Villers. Gazdar was starting at SS as a sophomore that day.

Given his tools that regularly stand out (such as 85 mph SS arm and raw bat speed), we think he is a player to monitor in the spring season. He can play and his field presence absolutely fits a college player profile. Here is what we have seen in multiple looks at 2020 SS Jonathan Gazdar of Northgate HS.

 


Scouting ReportS

10/06/19 - PBR Norcal Uncommitted Senior Games - Strong and bursty at 5-foot-11, 165-pounds, Gazdar has firm muscular strength in his frame with the ability to turn up the speed when needing it (7.18 60-yard). Bat is violent and whippy getting through the zone as he shot linedrives all around the gaps during BP. During games showed patient approach and recognized pitches taking what was given to him and looking to execute all around the field; infield single and single to LF during the games, along with ability to shoot/drive (top exit velocity of 90 mph in 5 swings off the tee) the ball down the RF line. Clearly demonstrated he knows what to do with fastballs. An impressive offensive approach, quite advanced for a high school hitter. Footwork and glove to stick at the position bouncing around before quick arm (85 mph velocity) to the bag; defense to stay in the middle of the diamond.

7/24/19 - PBR Northern CA Top Prospect ID - Lean, medium build with width in the shoulders and length in the frame; quick and fluid stride length (7.15 60-yd). Open, crouched stance with even hands wide from back shoulder and high back elbow; quiet, easy load with short stride allowing him to get into a balanced position. Barrel is quick and compact with flat actions through the zone; full two-handed swing produces lots of loud contact as balls jump off bat through the middle of the field (85 EV). Quick and choppy feet playing with loose hips and low glove showing extended range; arm is loose and has a quick release having life on throws across the diamond (86 MPH).

6/26/19 PBR Bay Area Open - Medium frame showing a tight waist and strength in the upper half; quick feet with athletic ability.  Opened stance with crouch keeping hands even; controls the front foot during load and stride as hands work backwards. Quick back hip matching it with batspeed from compact level swing; bat has serious whip with two hand full finish hitting back. Worked gap-to-gap and middle of the field showing deep carry into the gaps using the strength in his frame (89 EV). Active, quick feet at SS with hop in the first step making plays with good angles and ability to control the body. Arm is compact and able to make all the throws keeping the ball on the bag and flashing some life across the diamond (85 MPH). Profile fits for the 6-spot and still has some space to keep maturing.

4/09/18 - at California HS - Lean and lanky 5-foot-10 150-pound infielder with light and bouncy actions, good agility, and fluid movements. Noticeable right away during INF/OF, the game allowed opportunities to see him in action. First showed up during his first at-bat when on a first pitch fastball he laced a line drive into the short outfield. He was ready to hit and his quick trigger knew what to do. Aggressive approach and easy fast hands is a good thing. It was a simple 'see pitch, hit pitch' approach. Defensively is where he likely will make his name known. Got a chance to see him make smooth plays with his athleticism and timing but also saw him lay back on a ball to his left and allow it a second hop that resulted in a misplay. He didn't flinch though and played well the rest of the way. Arm is easy and can work from multiple angles though the the elbow can get too low and throws can occasionally sail, even on routine plays. The feet and arm strength and feel for the position all appear to be there. Looking forward to seeing him again.

 

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