Spring League Week 1 Recap

The first weekend of the Iowa Spring League is in the books!  It was a bit chilly for much of the mornings and early afternoon, but overall a good first weekend.  Big thanks to Scott Belger and Southeast Polk for hosting on the turf!  There were some good performances this weekend to recap.  This time of year the pitching is ahead of the hitting, so for this week anyway is more pitching dominant in the recap.

Nettleton Dominant

Clayton Nettleton (2018 – Davenport West) was very impressive in his 2 innings of work.  He pitched at 86-89 MPH and located extremely well.  He only threw 23 pitches, was 100% first pitch strikes, threw 78% strikes, and struck out every batter he faced.  Needless to say he was very sharp.  He mixed in his curveball and changeup effectively and they were quality pitches for him.  The efficiency he pitched with was by far the most impressive outing of the weekend.

Brayden Frazier shows high level hitting tools

Brayden Frazier (2018 – Jefferson HS) showed his high level hitting tools again this past weekend.  He made consistent hard barrel contact and every one of his hits were for extra bases.  He has an aggressive approach at the plate and looks to do damage in every at bat.  He had 2 doubles, 1 triple, an RBI, and 2 runs this weekend.  The ball flies off his bat when squared up and he’s going to have quite a few extra base hits this spring.

Arons shows big power

Kamrin Arons (2017 – Bettendorf) hammered a deep home run to centerfield in his first at bat of the Spring League.  At 6-2/255 he sticks out with his physicality and size, it’s what he’s able to do with the bat that fits the profile.  Arons has good bat speed and when he connects it really jumps off the bat.  He’s going to hit quite a few home runs in his baseball career with all the strength in his swing.  He’s also a solid defensive first baseman and has light feet around the bag.

Swanda good in first outing

John Swanda (2017 – Roosevelt) pitched well at 85-88 MPH with his fastball from a loose easy arm action.  He allowed just 1 hit and a walk while striking out 8.  The velocity projects and the ball comes out of his hand really easy.  It’ll be interesting to see where he’s at come middle of May.  Swanda also swung the bat well collecting 3 hits and showing good barrel skills.

Helland with good first weekend

Jake Helland (2018 – Lake St. Louis, MO) swung the bat well collecting 3 hits, 1 double, 1 triple, 3 RBI, and 4 Runs.  He’s got some strength in his swing as well as some bat speed.  He squared the ball up well and showed solid hitting tools to work with.

Reifert making strides

Evan Reifert (2017 – Wilton) has made some strides since last spring topping at 88 MPH with his fastball and showing improving command.  He struck out 5 in his 2 innings of work with 1 walk and no hits.  He was efficient throwing only 27 pitches in his 2 innings of work. 

Van Scoyoc with quality outing

Connor Van Scoyoc (2018 – Jefferson) pitched well at 83-85 MPH with his fastball and located well.  He struck out 7 in 3 innings of work and didn’t allow a hit.  He was another guy with a very efficient outing averaging 13.3 pitches per inning.  The velocity will climb throughout the spring.

Drezek shows good arm strength

Graysen Drezek (2020 – North Scott) was impressive in his first outing topping out at 83 MPH.  He’s a strong 2020 with good arm strength.  He struggled with his control at times, but there’s talent there to really improve over the years.  He’ll be interesting to track for the next 4 years.

Paulus dominant

Evan Paulus (2019 – Newman Catholic) topped at 82 MPH with his fastball and struck out 8 in 3 innings of work.  He didn’t allow a hit and walked 2.  Paulus projects for more velocity and the ball comes out pretty clean.

Blunt with hitless outing

Jarrett Blunt (2018 – Ottumwa) didn’t allow a hit in his 3 innings of work.  He was efficient throwing just 14 pitches per inning and threw a lot of strikes.  He pitched to contact well and struck out 5 while topping at 84 MPH.  He threw his curveball for strikes and projects well.

Bockenstedt efficient

Jake Bockenstedt (2018 – Washington) pitched well averaging 15.67 pitches per inning while allowing 1 hit over 3 innings.  He struck out 6 while walking just one.  He flashed better feel for his curveball with good shape to it.  He’s making steady improvements and showing pitchability.

Week 1 Hitting Category Leaders