Dalton Baker (2018, Sebring, Fla.) is a large 6-foot-4,  200-pound right hand pitcher with plenty of promise. With a loose arm action through the back, his arm whips across his body in a low three- quarters delivery. He came in as a relief pitcher for FTB55 Tucci working 85-88 with his fastball while generating good arm side run and often jamming hitters. Baker also showed an 11-to-5 curveball with good depth. He was able to throw the pitch for strikes, and could sometimes bury it in the dirt when needed. Baker has a verbal commitment to the Navel Academy and is definitely someone to keep an eye on.   

Another standout from FTB55 Tucci was Brady Allen (2018, Lakeland, Fla.), a 6-foot-1, 210-pound left handed hitting outfielder.. Hitting third in an already potent lineup, Allen has a straight stance with his hands near the letters. When he swings, Allen’s bat speed is impressive and comes easily. His hands and head are quiet throughout, which should allow him to hit for average. However, Allen also demonstratedthe ability to lift the ball with a slight upper cut to his swing. His already physically mature body will allow for plenty of power now and in the future. Allen even demonstrated decent speed on the base paths.

Albert Hernandez (2020, Davie, Fla.) came in to relieve for the MVP Banditos 15U team and impressed every one watching. Hernandez is already tall but still remains highly projectable at 6-foot-1, 185-pounds. His arm action is clean and smooth. Throwing from a three- quarters arm slot, Hernandez sits in the 88-91 range with his fastball with ease. His changeup in the high-70s and was his best pitch, with heavy diving action that overmatched hitters.   Hernandez’ arm speed is good and helps play up his already impressive changeup. He demonstrated good command of all his pitches throughout his outing, throwing to both sides of the plate effectively. Hernandez’ age, ability to throw with good velocity, and a wipeout changeup all give Hernandez the tools to be a premium prospect and someone to follow closely over the next three years.

Hernandez’ teammate Victor Mederos (2020, Miami, Fla) also impressed while pitching on the mound. Throwing from a high three-quarter arm slot with lots of downhill angle, Mederos threw effortlessly but still was hitting 92 on the gun. Commanding the pitch to both sides of the plate, Mederos used his fastball to get ahead early, and the velocity allowed him to expand the zone later in at-bats. His slider, sitting in the high-70s showed true lateral movement, often sweeping across making hitters chase. Mederos’ command was impressive out of his windup but he tends to rush his lower half from the stretch and leave his arm behind.  We've seen Mederos up to 94 mph at times and there's more there as he continues to physically mature.

When it comes to power hitting infielders, shortstops don’t generally come to mind. But shortstop Luis Torres (2017, Kissimmee, Fla.) doesn’t care. Torres smoked a pitch over the left field wall for a homerun in Saturday’s game. Only coming in at 6-foot1, 180-pounds, Torres is likely to put on a little more weight. Paired with a short, easy swing and above average bat speed, Torres seems likely to keep doing what he did this Saturday.

JOBA had a good shortstop of their own. Cesear Valero (2019, Calgary, Alb.) demonstrated good bat control while still being aggressive to the ball. From a narrow stance, Valero has a large stride to help generate power. He pitched as well, getting as high as 78 mph with his fastball. He threw his 12-to-6 curve for strikes consistently in order to steal strikes early and get pop ups later in at bats. Already committed to Oregon State, Valero is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Casey Todd (2017, Longwood, Fla.) showed promise on the mound for CBC Elite. His 6-foot-5 frame allowed for great downhill plane for his 82-84 mph fastball. It was a difficult pitch to square up throughout the duration of his start. He also featured an 11-to-5 curveball that was inconsistent but showed good depth. He mixed his curveball with his fastball well to keep hitters off balance. Despite throwing across his body, Todd always finished his delivery in a good position to field any comebackers.

One of the younger players seen on Saturday was Luis Espinal (2020, Miami, Fla.). He pitched against hitters two years his senior and still remained effective. His fastball sat from 80-82 mph and had good downward sink. He has plenty of velocity projection as he grows into his young body. His curveball was a bit inconsistent at 64-68 mph, but it occasionally flashed a sharper bite. Espinal had a small stride during his delivery, which allowed him to get over his body effectively. He also showed good arm speed throughout his delivery. Espinal should be on people’s radar after pitching so well against older competition.

Another good young pitcher was North East Baseball’s Jackson Sloan (2017, Fayetteville, Ark.). He was able to throw 85-88 mph with a nice, easy delivery. His ability to relax also afforded him the ability to consistently pour in strikes and get ahead of hitters. His 12-to-6 curveball was Sloan’s main weapon once ahead in the count. Sloan is committed to Northwest Florida State College.

It’s no secret why DP Elite’s cleanup hitter was Juan Loyyo (2018, Tampa, Fla.) on Saturday. Loyyo is a solid 5-foot-11, 182-pound catcher with a good feel for hitting. His high leg kick and aggressive stride into the pitch powered an opposite field triple to the base of the right field fence. With this much power to the opposite field one can only imagine how far Loyyo could pull a ball. He showed good speed rounding the bases and impressive plate discipline in later at bats.

Jack Szachacz (2018, Melbourne, Fla.) had an impressive day at the plate Saturday. His slightly open, crouched stance allowed for a short, easy swing that will generate lift. Most impressive, however, was Szachacz’ understanding of the strike zone. He fell behind quickly in his first at bat but managed to earn a walk after talking several close pitches. If Szachacz fills outs his 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame he should be an interesting follow.

FTB55 Tucci’s loaded team continued to shine when Brayden Lloyd (2018, Owasso, Okla.) took the mound. He immediately began throwing effortless 85-87 mph bullets to both sides of the plate. His velocity should increase as he matures into his 6’1”, 160-pound body. Lloyd’s delivery did show some effort, but he sat well on his back leg before driving home. His arm accelerated quickly after reaching behind his right hip creating extra deception to his 74-78mph slider. The slider showed sharp, lateral break that often had hitters flailing. Lloyd should definitely be on people’s radars after this appearance.

One of the most impressive pitchers on the day was the Miami Miracles’ left handed pitcher Ernesto Suarez. Comfortably sitting 85-88 mph with his fastball, Suarez was able to hit 89 mph a couple times. The pitch showed great arm side run and the hard boring action sawed off two bats over the course of his start. Suarez’ curveball is still a work in progress, but was helped by his impressive fastball and hitters having to get their swings started early for it. His back leg stayed strong throughout his minimal effort delivery. He consistently threw strikes and quickly retired batters.

Teammates Jorge Julio Jr (2018, Weston, Fla.) and Victor Diaz (2018 Pembroke Pines, Fla.) helped back Suarez’ strong outing. Julio Jr. swatted a double over the left fielders’ head and stole third a couple pitches later. His power should mature as he ages as Julio Jr. is only 5-foot-11, 147-pounds. Most impressive, however, was Julio Jr.’s bat speed. Easily above average, his bat speed will help Julio Jr. succeed at many future levels. Diaz is not very a big athlete either. Despite being only 5-foot-9, 145-pounds Diaz showed impressive strength to muscle a ball to center field after being jammed. He has a quick bat and a line drive approach that will serve him well as he matures.

--  Kyle Zweng

Big first basemen need to show their hitting tools and especially their power in order to get noticed.  That's what big first baseman are on the field for is to hit with power.  And that's exactly what 6-foo-4, 210-pound FTB Tucci-Sindone first baseman Kevin Martin (2019, Miami, Fla.)  did Saturday morning.  Martin jumped on a pretty good curveball and hit a no doubt home run on Field 2 at the 5-Plex that landed on top of the first base dugout on Field 1 and bounced onto Field 1.  This scout walked it off at approximately 420 feet, which is pretty impressive considering the pitch Martin hit and his age.  A college coach mentioned afterwards that Martin has also been up to 89 mph off the mound.

FTB Tucci-Sindone threw a couple of 2019 left handers in the same game who had different tool sets but both of whom were interesting.  Cooper Omans (2019, Oviedo, Fla.) was the consummate crafty left, working from a mid 3/4's low effort delivery with a 78-80 mph fastball that had huge movement, sometimes swing and miss movement.  His 68 mph curveball from the same slot had big depth and he was able to back foot a number of right handed hitters who were protecting the outside corner.  Omans had very advanced pitchability for his age and it's easy to imagine him throwing 83-85 mph in a few years, adding a changeup, and being very successful at the next level.

Ben Gilbert (2019, Lake Wales, Fla.) relieved Omans and showed a very loose and fast arm action that produced an 85-87 mph fastball from a low effort delivery.  He definitely has lots of velocity projection in his young body moving forward.  Gilbert's upper 60's curveball flashed good spin but can be tightened up and made more consistent in the future.

FTB Tucci-Sindone's double play combination of Juan Gonzalez-Molina (2019, Haines City, Fla.) and Keniel De Leon (2019, Orlando, Fla.) will bear watching over the rest of the tournament.  Interestingly, they switched the shortstop/second base roles midway through the game.  Gonzalez-Molina has a long 6-foot-3, 165-pound body that really projects and has nice hands and footwork on defense.  De Leon is more advanced and strong physically and showed big bat speed with a ground rule double that measured 92 mph off the bat in his first game of the day, then added two more doubles, one 96 mph off the bat, in FTB's afternoon game.

FTB Tucci-Baio right handed pitcher Ryan McCauley (2020, Trinity, Fla.) gets one's attention right away as a 6-foot-4, 200-pound freshman with a long and projectable build.  He has a compact and quick arm action that produced an 83-86 mph fastball that nudged 87 mph a couple of times.  His curveball still needs developing but his youth, build and arm strength are something to follow closely.

--  David Rawnsley

A very energetic In The Big Inning Baseball Academy opened up morning play at Five-Plex (Field 5) with a convincing victory over Venom Baseball, 11-2. Catcher Luis Rodriquez (2019, Miami, Fla.), a rising sophomore at Sunset High School, flashed advanced skills behind the plate both receiving and throwing. He threw out a would be base-stealer at second base, from his knees, with an impressive 1.91 pop time. His other pop times were consistently in the 1.90 to 1.95 range. His receiving skills are also very impressive, as he moved with ease and confidence in handling the Academy staff.

Panama’s David Castillo was also very impressive for In The Big Inning at first base. The barrel-chested first-sacker shows advanced skills around the bag in handling a number of tough chances. He has easy and confident actions defensively. His presence at the plate, coupled with his understanding of the strike zone, is noteworthy, especially for a 16U player. He is short and direct to the ball and appears to recognize pitches early. He has a slight lift in his swing path and gets his barrel to pitches on a regular basis. He possesses plus raw power as evidenced by a ringing RBI double to left-center field in his first at-bat.  We're told that Castillo will be eligible as a July 2, 2017 international player.

Top Tier Roos 16U Nationals, paced by the efforts of right handers Tyler Hoffman (2019, Palm Harbor, Fla.) and Channing Young (2019, Dunedin, Fla.) shutout BPA Gold, 7-0, in the first game on Field 4 Saturday. The 6-fot-1, 165-pound, Hoffman came on in relief in the 3^rd inning and helped keep a game BPA Gold team at bay. Hoffman used a consistent fastball in the 82-84 mph range, coupled with a sharp 11-to-5 breaking ball in shutting down any hope of a BPA Gold comeback. His high three-quarters delivery was repeatable and deceptive.

Young, who is a teammate of Hoffman at Palm Harbor University HS, is a physically imposing player at 6-foot-3, 240-pounds who is very skillful around the first base bag and even more impressive on the mound. Young started the game at first base and proved to be both quick-footed and athletic in handling every chance around the bag. He closed out the victory for Top Tier Roos National with a two-pitch mix that was impressively consistent and very effective. His fastball sat in the 82-84 range and had plus arm side run that really tied up right-handed hitters. His out-pitch was a sharp, late-breaking slider (73-74 mph) that Young threw effectively to both right-handed and left-handed hitters.

A much-anticipated game between the Top Tier Roos 16U Americans and In The Big Inning Baseball Academy highlighted the early afternoon action on Field 5. In The Big Inning started hard-throwing right hander Ariel Vega. The 6’2 athlete, was consistently in the 87-89 mph range with his four-seam fastball. He also mixed in a solid 80 mph change and a sharp-breaking 66 mph curveball. His control and command were good.

The hitting line-up that the Roos National ran out against Vega and In The Big Inning was up to the task against Vega. The Roos club took advantage of three early Academy mistakes to put a couple of early runs on the board. Then the middle-of-the-order for the Roos broke the game open and the Top Tier club would never look back. Left-handed hitting, Jordan Garcia (2018, Trinity, Fla.) drove an 87-mph fastball to deep left-center field, driving in two. Two batters later, 6-foot-3, 215-pound, right-handed swinging, Cody Lee (2018, Largo, Fla.) smacked an 88-mph fastball off the left-center field fence, clearing the bases, as the Roos added three more to their total. Finally, Scott Meitzler (2018, Tampa, Fla.) drove a 2-0 pitch into left-center to deliver the Roos seventh run of the opening frame.

The beneficiary of this early run support was Top Tier Nationals left hander Andy Booth (2019, Palm Harbor, Fla.). The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Booth was in command from the get-go. He pitched to all four quadrants of the strike zone with a fastball that ranged between 80-82 mph. He had outstanding arm-side run down in the zone and late-life up in the zone. He spotted his fastball well in his almost three innings of work. Coupled with an advanced, sharp-breaking 67-68 mph curveball, Booth allowed only three weakly contacted hits in his 2 2/3 innings on the bump. The two runs that crossed the plate for In The Big Inning were unearned.

Probably the most impressive and imposing team playing at Five-Plex on Saturday was Elite Squad Underclass Prime. The black and red clad Elite Squad Prime club rolled through pool play outscoring their opponents 28-0. Their 3-0 start was concluded with a convincing 8-0 win over a very game SLAM Baseball Team. RHP Luis Costello (2020, Miami, Fla.) opened on the hill for Elite Squad Prime and was dominant and in command for three innings. His fastball sat in the 80- 82 mph range and showed late arm-side life down in the zone. His 68-to-70 mph curveball was equally impressive, showing plus spin and depth. Costello gave way to LHP, Isaiah Hood (2019, Tamarac, Fla.). The St. Thomas Aquinas HS lefty (6-foot-3, 175 pounds) used an easy, repeatable arm action and a high 3/4's slot to highlight an 80-82 mph fastball and an advanced high spin-rate curveball at 65-67 mph to help Elite Squad Prime complete the victory over SLAM.

Offensively, the Elite Squad Prime eight-run output was paced by smooth left-handed sweet-swinging outfielder Chase Chatman (2019, Cape Coral, Fla.). Chatman slammed two triples, drove in two runs, and scored two runs, in helping lead the Elie Squad Prime to their impressive Saturday sweep

--  Jerry Miller