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Pacific Northwest Fall Championship - New Level & Laces Baseball Academy Scouting Notes

September 24, 2019
Shooter Hunt & PBR Washington
National Crosschecker

Seven teams from the Pacific Northwest with players from a multitude of states (including Alaska) converged on the premier new facility in the region, the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, for the PBR Northwest Fall Championship. The site, just north of Portland on the Washington side, was the perfect intimate setting for the teams and players to showcase their skills. After a pristine day of weather on Saturday, the Northwest’s “liquid sunshine” set in on Sunday. Undeterred by the rain, the teams were still able to compete at a high level, and the energy brought over the course of the two day tournament was impressive as committed and uncommitted players alike, elevated their games. In the end, a New Level team that featured a stacked lineup defeated Laces Baseball in the championship game, avenging an opening-game loss.

Below are notes and video from the event:

New Level Prep

+ 2021 INF/RHP AJ Guerrero (WA), a Washington recruit, struck out seven of eight at one point in a relief appearance working mostly 79-80, but it was his physical bat that stood out all day. A utility player who has the athleticism to fill multiple positions in both the infield and outfield, Guerrero sports a defined, 6-foot, 180-pound frame with a broad chest and strong lower-half. After starting in an open stance with the hands held high, he squares with a jolted move of the hands that wraps the bat into a power position. The bat speed is advanced with plenty of lag in the zone on a flat path, and he hunts pitches with intent to do damage in all counts. Guerrero effortlessly flicked a two-strike single up the middle in the first game, and hammered multiple balls in the second game of the day with pull-side power present. He runs downhill, playing with a high motor at all times, and looked the part of a winning ballplayer over the course of two games.

+ 2020 Util Evan Scavotto (Puyallup HS, WA), a Portland recruit, brought significant energy to the field on an early morning, and provided a spark for New Level on the day. The right-handed hitter works slightly uphill through the zone with some lag, and possesses quicker hands with some gap to gap strength. The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder is athletic enough to play multiple positions, and confidently locked down a corner outfield spot when not playing his accustomed infield position. He singled in the first game, and later laced a big line drive that brought home a go-ahead run.

+ 2021 INF Drake Anderson (Puyallup HS, WA), a Washington State recruit, is a “gamer” who is confident in his abilities which allows them to play up in-game. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound infielder has natural actions on the infield with clean hands and a quick release. At the plate, the right-handed hitter tracks well, and was instrumental in New Level’s game two victory with a late-inning double to the wall in left field before coming around to score the go-ahead run.

+ 2021 C Willis Cresswell (Puyallup HS, WA) showed why he’s one of the more advanced backstops in the state over the weekend. The wiry 5-foot-11, 175 pound Washington State commit has a promising blend of receiving skills, blocking ability and catch & throw actions. While the offensive game is still developing, he shows quality pitch recognition skills with a disciplined approach.

 

+ Uncommitted 2021 INF Jacob Yang (Puyallup HS, WA) looks as if he’s poised to assert himself into our next edition of the 2021 state rankings. Lean, athletic frame at 6-foot, 165. He’ll be able to handle more weight as he develops. That should allow his current bat-to-ball skills to translate into more power down the road. Remains to be seen where he ultimately finds a home on defense, but given his actions and size, it’s likely he’ll be able to stick at an INF spot.  

+ Uncommitted 2020 INF Diego Robison (Valley Catholic, OR) is an Oregon HS product who joined New Level for the event this past weekend. We had eyes on Robison earlier this spring and also at our PNW Prospect ID. He continues to show quick-twitch actions on defense while staying light on his feet. The swing remains quick, direct to the ball while he maintains his balance throughout contact. High motor player who does all the little things right.  + Uncommitted 2020 OF Alex Bradshaw (Federal Way, WA) got on our radar this spring and was featured in one of our first scout blog releases. Since then he’s continued to be a reliable defender in the OF with consistent skills at the plate. While he might not have any standout tools, there are no weaknesses in his game. He does everything well and is a reliable performer that seems to always find a way to contribute in a positive way.

+ Uncommitted 2021 RHP Andrew Stalnaker (Mt. Baker, WA) got the start for New Level in Game 2 and went 3+ innings without allowing a run. Tall, wide-set frame at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds with the ability to easily handle more weight. Consistently found the zone with his sinking FB at 78-79. Uses a shorter, compact arm action from a low ¾ slot. Cross action landing creates a tough angle against RHH. Intriguing arm who could develop significantly with more added strength.

+ 2020 OF/LHP Eric Luchies (St. Andrews Regional, BC) showcased some strength at the plate from the left side, getting the most out of his durable, 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame. Utilizing a slight leg hang with a barrel tilt late in the hands load, Luchies exhibits some quickness through the zone, and while he was primed to pull most pitches on the day, he hardest hit ball came on a line drive single to the back side. On the bump, Luchies battled against a tough GBG line-up throughout rainy conditions on Sunday morning to propel New Level to the championship game. Although his stuff wasn’t as crisp as when we saw him at our Washington Summer Showcase, he maintained his poise and managed to work 6 innings, only allowing 2 runs. Lower Columbia commit. 

Laces Baseball 2020/2021


+ Uncommitted 2021 RHP Jacksyn Pawlowicz (WA) tossed a gem for Laces, working seven innings in a complete-game shutout. The athletic right-hander worked quickly, throwing plenty of strikes with a fastball that peaked in the upper 70s with some sinking action as he battled with a blister throughout. He also flashed some feel for a 63-66 breaking ball with proper spin and sweeping shape. More than anything, he competed in the zone, and allowed the strong defense behind him to work including multiple early-count groundouts. Pawlowicz has a loose arm with some quickness out front, and he continues to mature physically, should see an uptick in velocity in the near future.


+ Uncommitted 2022 3B Oliver Brown (South Anchorage HS, AK) represented the state of Alaska very well on the day while competing for the Laces Baseball team out of Washington. Built compactly with some athleticism in a 6-foot, 175-pound frame, Brown comfortably tracked pitches with a fluent, well-connected load from the right side that allowed his quick hands to work freely. He had multiple hits on the day including a booming triple in the second game of the day for Laces. Defensively, he completed a plethora of routine plays in the early game of the day showcasing solid arm strength across the diamond with sure-hands. He will likely fill out considerably over the next few years, and should find even more power along with having a chance to stick on the left side as a defender at the next level.

 


+ Uncommitted 2021 C Darren Smith (Stanwood, WA) was a consistent presence in the Laces line-up throughout the entire weekend. Strong, durable frame at 6-foot, 180 pounds. Smith didn’t get cheated at the plate, taking aggressive hacks with the intent to do some damage. Hitting from a narrow, upright stance. Starts slightly open with some barrel rhythm before getting into a short forward stride. Flashed best contact to his pull-side.

+ Uncommitted 2021 LHP Brett Kamrath (Lake Stevens, WA) was competitive in the zone throughout his outing on Saturday. 6-foot, 155 pound frame that will allow for growth and should help him develop physically. Showed consistent feel for FB at 75-76 as well as CB at 67-69. Had no problem spotting up to his arm side of the plate for called strikes and expanded the zone for chases when ahead. Not afraid to try and pick off runners with his left handed move that has the potential to be a weapon for him down the road.

+ Uncommitted 2021 LHP Dom Gray (Lake Stevens, WA) came in and got the save on Saturday. The slim, 6-foot-1, 155 pound lefty attacked hitters with control of his 3-pitch mix. FB/CB/CH combo was consistent throughout. Breaking ball shows late bite as it carries thru the zone.  Although not overpowering, he threw strikes and mixed his pitches. Especially effective going to the slider to put hitters away. Showed poise on the hill in a tight game.

+ Uncommitted 2021 2B Noah Meffert (Home School & Oak Harbor HS baseball, WA) was one of the most consistent and reliable performers throughout the weekend. High-waisted athlete at 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Meffert displayed sure hands on defense and a knack for making hard contact at the plate. Sprayed the ball from line-to-line while maintaining a contact type of approach in-game. His simple, balanced stance and loose barrel make him a tough out.

+ Uncommitted 2021 INF/RHP Oscar Bailey (Archbishop Murphy, WA) had one of the most effective relief appearances of any arm in the tournament. After New Level put up a 5 spot early, Bailey came in and pitched 5 innings while only allowing 1 ER. He was also a consistent presence towards the top of the Laces line-up and should develop some gap-to-gap power as he matures physically.

 

Full Player Notebook