2017 18u BCS National Championship
The righthander Joseph Mugavero (2017, Estero, Fla.) got the nod for Xtreme Upperclass in Saturday’s game. He pitched well by allowing only two runs in five innings while racking up four strikeouts. His process and pitches should continue these good results. He locates his mid-80s fastball well, especially to the glove side. He supplements his good fastball with a biting slider that plays up when thrown down in the zone. Mugavero’s mechanics are smooth and seem effortless and his stuff and poise on the mound will continue to keep Mugavero competitive.
Andrew Arsenault (2017, Cape Coral, Fla.) helped Mugavero by scoring a supportive run. Arsenault was struck by a little bad luck, however. He scorched a 90 mph line drive back to the pitcher, which ultimately resulted in an out, but, it proved Arsenault can make fantastic contact. He showed a developed approach at the plate throughout the game as well. While ahead early in the count Arsenault sported a tall, narrow stance that transitioned into an aggressive lunge to the pitcher. When there were two strikes in the count Arsenault noticeably tried to shorten his swing by widening his stance and replacing his leg kick with a small toe tap. His situational awareness will help him succeed in the future, and his bat will surely play.
Jonathan Lamarche (2017, Gatineau, Quebec) made the drive down from Canada to make his start, and it ended up being a great one at that as he threw all seven innings without giving up a run. His low-80s fastball and sweeping curve were giving hitters trouble all game long. He even flashed an above average changeup that was extra hard to hit due to his deceptive arm speed. Lamarche never hesitated to throw his two off-speed offerings and that only added to his unpredictability. For someone who must be used to cold weather up north, Lamarche sure impressed in the southern heat.
The most impressive all-around athlete surely goes to Daniel Southern (2018, Atlanta, Ga.). As a switch-hitting shortstop, Southern already has plenty of advantages, and he knows what to do with them. Southern’s actions in the field are quick and accurate, and at the plate it’s no different. His stance is noticeably open with a tall leg kick to start his load. He showed good ability to fight off tough pitches when down in the count while still trying to do damage. Southern will likely add to his power potential as he physically matures.
Hayden Dwyer (2017, Atlanta, Ga.) also demonstrated a good feel for swinging the bat. His hands are extremely quiet during his load and he transfers his weight into his back leg efficiently. His small leg kick is seemingly only a timing mechanism. Dwyer will hit for average as he continues his development as his bat stays in the zone for a long time. The natural loft Dwyer gets will also raise his ability to hit for power. Dwyer’s actions at third base are a little on the slow side, but even if he has to move over to first his bat will play.
Mason Bernard (2017, Lilburn, Ga.) is a righthanded pitcher with a deceptive delivery. His mid-80s fastball has heavy sink, which generates a plethora of ground balls. His curve and slider are still developing as they currently lack depth. However, Bernard hides the ball well through his delivery, and his fastball will continue to induce weak contact. When he starts to hone in on his off-speed pitches, Bernard will be an interesting follow.
Zach Urso (2017, Sunrise, Fla.) was one of the most dominant pitchers on the day. He came into the game in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded and no outs and he proceeded to strike out the side and keep the lead for his team. His fastball has great running life to the arm side, and he showed excellent control to both sides of the plate. His slider was particularly devastating with its two-plane break, and both pitches were the cause of numerous swings and misses. Urso is still small, only 5-foot-8, 116-pounds, and as he fills out his frame he should add velocity in a hurry. With the life Urso gets on his pitches already, added velocity will be a nightmare for hitters.
2017 PG Super25 17u Florida Super Qualifier
Tyler Kreissler (2019, Rotonda West, Fla.) is a righthanded pitcher with impressive stuff. His fastball won’t blow anyone away. The pitch sits in the low-70s, but Kreissler’s approach on the mound is unconventional anyways. He pitches backwards, relying on his curve and occasional change to get hitters outs. Kreissler’s curve is an outstanding pitch with good depth and tight spin, and he commands all three pitches well. Kreissler isn’t a power pitcher by any stretch of the imagination, but he’s wily and effective. Without the velocity it will be hard for Kreissler to stick as a pitcher, but if he ever finds more in the tank, his off-speed pitches are already present.
Jorel Ortega (2019, Lake Worth, Fla.) is already a big 16 year old. He’s a 6-foot-1 shortstop that has present power. Ortega’s narrow stance leads to most of his body weight resting in his back leg. An aggressive stride can transition the weight early sometimes, but his quick hands still allow for some pop despite the unsynchronized fluidity. If Ortega continues to grow he may eventually have to move to third base, but that currently isn’t a concern.
Cooper Haskell (2019, Lakeland, Fla.) came into relieve after Kreissler’s strong outing. His low-80s fastball had exceptional late life that exploded in on righthanded hitters. This movement was achieved despite Haskell’s high three-quarters arm slot. Haskell’s curve is often loopy and visible out of the hand, but his fastball was plenty against the competition. His command is fantastic too, and Haskell can clearly harness the wicked movement on his fastball. When Haskell retains a better feel for his curve he could be a dangerous pitcher.
The Akadema Puerto Rico team made the tournament from their island in the Gulf. Javier A. Landrau (2018, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico) was their shortstop. He features a straight stance with a slight bend at the knees. Once he begins his load it’s nothing by simplicity. Landrau’s hands are quiet throughout, bat speed is present, and he get natural lift when making contact. Landrau is another big shortstop that may need to move to third base, but his actions in the field were good. The switch to another position may be a non-issue, and his bat should play wherever he is on the field.
Edwin Ortiz (2018, Orocovis, Puerto Rico) is another Puerto Rican with plenty of talent. His right arm is loose throughout his corkscrew-like delivery. As Ortiz’ arm whips across he keeps his hips closed just long enough before releasing 80 mph darts. To create a little more deception Ortiz will sometimes add a pause at the top of his leg kick. His slider shows plenty of bite and could be a true swing-and-miss pitch in the future. Ortiz’ pitched well during his time in Florida.
Andrew Karch (2018, Key West, Fla.) is an exceptional athlete with tons of projectability. He’s a switch hitter with a good feel to hit, especially from the left side. He controlled the barrel well, allowing balls to travel deep in the zone, before shooting the pitch to all fields. Karch’s good upper cut swing plane and coming physical maturation all project future power. Karch is slick in the field well. His actions are deliberate. Karch managed to make a good play ranging far to his right. Karch is definitely someone to watch.
JanMikell Bastardo (2019, Fort Myers, Fla.) continued his torrid hitting. He collected two more hits on the day with a sweet swing. His big, physical body allow Bastardo to hit for power as well. One of Bastardo’s two hits was a double to right-center that came easily. Despite Bastardo’s crouch over the plate before his load, he pulls his hands close to his body remarkably well once the pitch is on the way. Bastardo even made a good catch on a sinking line drive in right field. Bastardo can definitely play.
The hardest throwing pitcher was Dillon Abell (2018, Pompano Beach, Fla.). His fastball ranged from 83-85 mph, and the pitch was often hard enough to blow past bats. Abell’s curve was exceptional when he got on top of the pitch, which occurred frequently. His delivery accelerated quickly after a slight hesitation at the base of his leg kick. Abell’s arm speed is good and adds another layer of deception to his curve. He’s remarkably consistent with his release points, and as he continues to refine his curve and future off-speed pitches this will be a great asset.
– Kyle Zwenge