3/28/2012 9:53:36 PM
Burr vs. Sims
Wednesday’s main attraction was Highlands Ranch (CO) vs. Brookwood (GA) and more specifically the pitching matchup featuring two Perfect Game All-Americans, Ryan Burr and Lucas Sims. Here are brief scouting reports on each pitcher.
Burr looked physically leaner than in August’s All-American game and could add some muscle to his frame. In the first inning he worked 89-91 with his fastball touching 92 once. He was back up to 91 in the 2nd before settling in at 88-90. He worked mostly off his fastball , also showing a curveball at 74-76 with solid shape although most ended up in the left-handed batters box. He also showed a changeup at 80-82 that came out of his hand fairly well and had some fade at the tail end. His command was a bit inconsistent throughout and he shows arm quickness, although a deep, stiff grab in the back hinders the path of his arm circle and affects the arm speed on his off-speed pitches. He moved well off the mound and fielded his position.
Here is video of Burr from Wednesday
Sims has an athletic build with present strength. There is some leanness and he projects to fill out a bit more in the future. His fastball touched 94 in the first and bumped a 93 in the 2nd and 4th, sitting consistently 90-92. His curveball was inconsistent early but he settled in to throw some with late horizontal break, but minimal depth at 74-76. He also threw a changeup at 81-83 with solid arm speed although the pitch was inconsistent coming out of the hand. Sims has a slow tempo delivery in which he speeds up and slows down a couple of times and has a short arm circle in the back. His arm is loose, but not quite free and easy as he seems to let up a bit in order to save control. His finish is also abbreviated for this reason. Sims is a good athlete who fields his position and is one of Brookwood’s best hitters.
Here is video of Sims from Wednesday
SoCal Dominance
The biggest storyline of Wednesday was the impressive wins by three Southern California teams. Harvard Westlake took down Russell County (AL), Orange Lutheran handed Columbus (GA) their first loss and Mater Dei had a statement win by pounding No.1 ranked Bishop Gorman (NV).
Westlake got a big performance from sophomore RHP Jack Flaherty, which is recapped by PG’s Allan Simpson and also boast OF Joe Corrigan (2013), 1B Kenny Grodin (2013), SS Brian Ginsberg (2014), and C Arden Pabst (2013) all high D1 talents and impact hitters. LHP Max Fried takes the mound tomorrow for HW. Wednesday’s pitcher’s duel was the 1-0 battle won by Orange Lutheran over Columbus (GA). Kyle Carter (Columbus) and Art Moran Vidrio (Orange) battled for seven innings with Vidrio picking up the win as he was 84-86 with his fastball, pitching to both sides and also throwing a 72-74 mph curveball and 76-77 mph changeup. Orange has their share of top position prospects as 3B Josh Morgan (2014) and Jason Martin (2013) have lots of athleticism and 1B Tommy Bell (2012) a lot of strength in his swing. They have their ace of their own for tomorrow, USC commit RHP Brent Wheatley.
Mater Dei flat out rakes. One thru nine the Monarchs may have the top lineup in Cary. RF Ty Moore (2012) and Jeremy Martinez (2013) lead the way, but 2B Austin Monte (2013) 1B Ryan McMahon (2013), LF Tyler Adkinson (2013) and CF Austin Grebeck (2013) all can handle the bat. 2015 SS Brandon Perez is a name to remember as you will be hearing a lot about him over the next four years. There are very few freshman in the country as talented as him.
Random Notes and Observations
-American Heritage Brandon Lopez can really play SS. Quick twitch athleticism, hands, feel, arm strength, he’s got it.
-American Heritage C Zach Collins and Russell County SS Anfernee Grier have as much bat speed as any of the players I saw today. Another 2013, Jeremy Martinez should also be thrown in that group.
-Joey Gallo showed off his cannon of an arm twice in the later innings, bringing a slight hush over the crowd.
-After the SoCal teams, American Heritage was the most impressive. Beat Tucker Simpson, all nine players hit, run and defend, and all three arms they threw can beat the potent offenses here.
-George Washington has seven players with the surname Rodriguez which has to be a record.
-Highlands Ranch=Ryan Burr in most people’s minds but Tony Audino and Adam Gauthier are very good players who will play at the next level.v -Tucker Simpson was solid 89-90 up to 91. Jackson Stephens had three hits and looked good at the plate. Stephens and CF Matthew Goodson pass the eye test as well as anyone. Other top bodies: American Heritage OF Kevin Williams, Gallo, HW Joe Corrigan, Mater Dei Ryan McMahon, Orange Jason Martin, Russell County OF BJ Brooks and Rock Rucker.
-Oxford SS Tanner Gardner had one of plays of days going to hold and showing arm strength on a 6-3.
-Russell County RHP Jesse Nelson was 86-88 with loose and easy arm action, easy to see the 89-91 we have heard.
Best of Wednesday
Best Pitcher: Lucas Sims, Brookwood Best Hitter: Ty Moore, Mater Dei
Most Impressive Win: Mater Dei 10-3 over Bishop Gorman
A Look to Tomorrow
Four teams (Carroll, Gulliver Prep, Sarasota, and Lee County) kick off their tournament tomorrow morning.
A few of the probable pitchers for Thursday: Courtney Hawkins, Jackson Stephens, Rock Rucker, Domenick Mancini, Mac Marshall, Max Fried, Brent Wheatley.
Three games stand out: Mater Dei awaits winner of Carroll/Gulliver, Bishop Gorman awaits the loser of that game, Parkview vs. Harvard-Westalke.
Three more games will be broadcast on MLB.com, with early returns very positive.
Follow @PGbcollman for updates throughout the day