Pete
Crow-Armstrong

at Hart (Winter Game) - The #1 Overall Player in the 2020 Class, Pete Crow-Armstrong (“PCA”) will have plenty of eyes on him during the 2020 season as was evident by the roughly ten scouts in attendance for a Winter game. I’ve been able to get a good looks at PCA during the past two summers at the Area Code Games and this look continued to show a player who should be a very high-round pick come June 2020. The long, wiry strength has continued to firm up, adding more mass without taking away from his twitchy athletic ability that shows up in all aspects of the games. At the plate the CF keeps the hands high with a simple knee tuck while maintaining strong posture and allowing for fast turns that create space for the hands to work through the zone; the bat speed is an asset and when on time has the ability to square up multiple pitches. During the game, his timing was tinkered with and while he didn’t pick up a hit, was right on a mid 80’s FB for a hard L8 before walking and showing that quick twitch burst to steal 2nd. Defensively he’s an easy fit in CF where he covers both gaps and has the ability to pick his spots for special plays. That was evident on the last play of the game when he started in on a lined ball at him adjusting his body on the fly, turning and making a leaping catch to prevent the ball from going over his head as it took off; it’s the type of reaction and athleticism that isn’t taught.

The No. 2 player in the Class of 2020 rankings plays the game with such ease and at such a high level that one might think he’s not putting in his max effort. But when you watch closely, you see that his baseball IQ, instincts, and skill are just that much further advanced than most players on the field. The bat speed and ability to hit balls where he wants them is uncanny. Late in the game Thousand Oaks shifted their defense over to the second base side to counter a huge swing from Crow-Armstrong that nearly saw him tumble to the ground. Two pitches later he took a fastball on the outer half and lined into left field for a base hit. Earlier in the game after a single, he went first-to-third on a bunt that drew right-handed pitcher about eight feet off the mound to his right to collect the ball. It was an impressive feat. Crow-Armstrong is making a push for not only the top player in the state, but the country as well.

Armstrong continues to show why he's in a tight race to be the number one player in the class in the state. Not only does he posses a huge arm in the outfield - which he showed off during the defensive portion - but he had one of the five hits on the afternoon as well. Crow-Armstrong showed off his sneaky power during BP where he peppered the gaps and showed some pull-side pop as well. The Vanderbilt commit appeared to be on another level than every other outfielder in attendance.

Bottom hand heavy at the plate with lag through the zone. He plays loose and has quick twitch. Doesn't seem to be bogged down by lessons, and just waggles the bat and attacks. Uses the whole field. Quick hands at the plate with some developing strength. Above average runner. Superb routes with a great first step and plus-hands.

Vanderbilt commit. 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame that is lean, twitchy, and hyper-athletic. High waisted outfielder that posses plus speed. Crow-Armstrong is one of the top players in his class (#2 in California) not only in the state, but nationally. A member of the 15U USA National Team last summer, Crow-Armstrong is an elite defender that possesses a big arm, quick first step, and plus range in centerfield. Makes difficult plays look routine while taking good routes to the ball. A quick first step allows him to position himself to come up in perfect throwing position once he collects the ball. Throws are online and accurate with carry. Offensively, Crow-Armstrong flashes present power that belies his lean frame, that power should continue to develop as he matures physically. Uses a neutral stance with high, active, hands and slight toe-tap trigger to close his stance a tick before driving his lower half in to the ball with his upper body to follow. Shows advanced bat-to-ball skills and the ability to get the barrel into the hitting zone with ease. A plus runner, Crow-Armstrong was clocked 4.11 home-to-first, and 4.25 with turn.