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Tournaments  | Story  | 10/4/2016

Kernels Scout Notes, Days 3-4

Kevin Schuver     
Photo: Perfect Game


Daily Leaders | Days 1-2 Scout Notes

Minnesota Blizzard Blue and the Zepp Prospects 18u went head-to-head on Sunday morning with matching 2-0 records and a lot on the line, as the winner would win the pool and advance to bracket play. The game ended in a 3-3 tie, but Florida State commit Francis Villaman (2017, Orlando, Fla.) had an incredible performance for Zepp Prospects 18u. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound shortstop showed incredibly smooth athletic actions defensively and drove in all three of the Zepp Prospects runs offensively. Villaman’s offensive ceiling is very high as he shows the ability to hit to all fields with power. With his dependable defensive skills and game-changing hitting ability, Villaman will be a name to follow closely while with the Florida State Seminoles.

Matt McCumber (2017, Cary, Ill.) got the starting nod for the Red Midwest Scout Team against the Nebraska Prospects 2018 Kenny. The Northern Illinois commit was up to 88 mph early, but fell to the 82-84 mph range in the second inning. The Nebraska Prospects were able to jump on the Reds early and often thanks to the offensive performances of Owen Richter (2018, Elkhorn, Neb.), Dylan Phillips (2018, Omaha, Neb.) and Drew Gilin (2018, Omaha, Neb.). The trio combined for seven hits in nine at-bats and drove in three of the team’s six runs. Gillin, an uncommitted shortstop, was 3-for-3 with two doubles in the 6-1 win over the Reds Midwest Scout Team.

Kyle Perry (2018, Omaha, Neb.) kept the powerful and talented Red Midwest team in check through six innings of work. The uncommitted lefthander allowed one run over his six innings of work while striking out eight batters. Perry was able to consistently keep the Reds hitters off the balance by mixing a 79-81 mph fastball and a curveball that flashed very good sweeping depth. Perry may lack the present velocity to blow hitters away, but his knack for being able to locate to each edge of the plate will make him a very promising prospect to follow moving forward.

Trey Leonard (2017, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) showed why he will be a constant terror at the top of the Louisville Cardinals lineup in the future. The 6-foot, 160-pound center fielder consistently found his way onto the bases collecting three hits in four at-bats Sunday against Iowa Select Navy in the opening round of playoffs. Leonard’s compact swing plane, paired with his ability to generate bat speed makes him a threat to drive the baseball to all fields at any time.

The Nebraska Prospects 2018 Kenny continued their hot run in the semifinals defeating Cangelosi Black 2017 by a score of 3-1. The Nebraska Prospects were led by Drew Gilin, who continued to show a very mature, high-contact approach at the plate. Gilin drove yet another double to deep right field that nearly cleared the fence and drove in the go-ahead run that would prove to be enough for the Nebraska Prospects to advance to the championship round.

Will Hanafan (2017, Council Bluffs, Iowa) patrolled center field for the Nebraska prospects. The 6-fot-1, 170-pound outfielder made two impact plays making a nice diving play in the left-center field gap to save an extra-base hit, then a running catch straight back over his shoulder before quickly getting the baseball back in the infield and nailing down the potential go-ahead run at the plate.

Sam Carlson (2017, Savage, Minn.) was the starting pitcher for the Minnesota Blizzard Blue’s semifinal matchup with Hitters Baseball Navy. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound righthanded pitcher sat 90-92 mph throughout all six innings, showing solid running action to each edge of the plate. Hitters Navy keyed on the Florida commit’s fastball early and was able to scratch together two early runs in the first inning, but Carlson would quickly quiet the Hitters bats hanging five consecutive zeros on the board. Carlson, who is the 19th ranked righthanded pitcher nationally, showed two very good off-speed pitches in a slider and changeup. Each had consistent, late movement that proved to be very difficult for hitters to barrel on Monday afternoon. There is little doubt that the future Gator will continue to add velocity and be an impact starter in Gainesville over the next four years.

Alex Binelas (2018, Oak Creek, Wis.), who was mentioned in Days 1-2 notes for his power potential, showed his overall barrel control and knack for base hits. Binelas collected three hits in three at-bats, two of which were off of Carlson.

Tommy Springer (2018, Apple Valley, Minn.) received the win in the championship game against the Nerbraska Prospects 2018 Kenny. The Missouri Tigers commit tossed a no-hitter while striking out three batters over five innings of work in a shortened 8-0 run-rule game. The 6-foot 190-pound righthanded pitcher was able to induce weak groundballs throughout the game due to his over-the-top release that generated very good downward angle to the plate. Springer sat between 85-88 mph while topping at 89 late in his second inning of work. Springers fantastic performance on the mound earned him Most Valuable Pitcher honors and the Minnesota Blizzard Blue a trip to Jupiter, Florida for the WWBA World Championship later this month.

The Most Valuable Player went to before mentioned Drew Gilin. Gilin was outstanding all tournament long, producing big hit after big hit to lead the Nebraska Prospects to the championship game. Gilin finished the Kernels Foundation Tournament with a .643 batting average (9 hits in 14 at-bats), three doubles, four RBI, five runs scored and a stellar 1.594 slugging percentage. Gilin and the rest of the Nebraska Prospects hope to continue their string of good baseball this week at the WWBA Underclass World Championship in Fort Myers, Florida.
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