EVENT DATE: 5/22/2005

LOCATION: El Camino College

UNDERCLASSMEN SPOTLIGHT

Looking back on this event, we decided the underclassmen were just too good not to recognize them. So, we wrote brief scouting reports on the Top 5 Underclassmen. Catchers dominated the list, but how can you leave off young catchers that show above average offensive potential? Especially when the defensive ability shows as well…

The Top 5 Prospects were picked by Andy Ferguson and Dan Mooney (Director of Scouting and Assistant Director of Scouting respectively) based on their performance at the event. The ranking is based on their status as college prospects, and is relative to the entire group of underclassmen.

Top 5 Underclassmen

1. Michael Schwartz, C, 2007 – Mar Vista, CA (Santa Monica HS), 5-10, 190, R/R. Ability with the bat and glove is advanced for his age. He is strong, with good life in his body. At the plate he hit hard line drives with backspin, balls had great carry to the outfield. Behind the plate he was solid all around. Release times were between 1.97 and 2.05, and he showed an above average arm (81 mph). Already exciting as an offensive catcher, he still has two more years of high school to improve.

2. Cole Cook, RHP, 2007 – Los Angeles, CA (Palisades HS), 6-6, 195, L/R. His fastball was between 86 and 88 mph with good arm side life, and occasional downward action – his last fastball was 91 mph. He pitched from a high three quarter arm angle, and showed the makings of a slider. He featured a live arm, which combined with his long and lean body gives him great upside. He also plays first base, and hit from the left side. He is more of a prospect as a pitcher right now, though he may develop further as a position player as he grows into his body.

3. Adam Kordich, C, 2007 – Laguna Niguel, CA (Dana Hills HS), 5-10, 185, R/R. An above average defensive catcher with quickness and easy actions. His blocking ability was advanced, and he showed soft hands to receive. His arm was above average (81 mph) and his release times were 1.95 – 2.06. At the plate he showed solid bat speed, and hit hard line drives up the middle. His stroke was level, and he got good extension though the zone. Has more potential to hit than ability that will show right now, but in time he should develop into an offensive catcher.

4. Andrew Lambo, OF/LHP, 2007 – Reseda, CA (Cleveland HS), 6-3, 185, L/L. A potential 2-way college player. Fastball was 80-86 mph with occasional plus arm side life. His curveball was above average, with depth to a downward break with tilt. His arm is quick and works out front well with whippy action. Has great potential to improve as he adds balance and tempo to his delivery. A solid defensive outfielder and a near average runner (7.42 60yds). At the plate he showed an aggressive stroke with power to right field. His wrists had life out front through contact.

5. Jordan Watanabe, C, 2007 – Irvine, CA (Northwood HS), 6-0, 180, S/R. He showed above average ability from both sides of the plate, though he looked a little better from the right side. His stroke created more line drive contact, and he got more extension through the zone. Bat speed showed from the left side, and as he matures physically he will be able to control his body from both sides. Behind the plate, he showed arm strength (84 mph) and the ability to catch and throw (2.01-2.10). His receiving and blocking have room to improve. The athletic ability he showed should allow him to learn and improve quickly. Will be a very exciting player once the defensive ability catches up to his offensive ability.

Top Prospects ARCHIVE

See below for more information about the B.A.T.S. Program, and PUMA National Tournament Team Tryouts. Also, be sure to click on the link for our complete 2005 schedule.

B.A.T.S VIDEO SCOUTING SESSIONS
– includes edited video and scouting report on personal web page
– also an opportunity to tryout for National Tournament Teams
– call 800-641-4487 to register

PUMA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT TEAM TRYOUTS
– an opportunity to tryout for National Tournament Teams
– does not include video, scouting report, or personal webpage
– call 800-621-5452 to register

Baseball Factory 2005 Schedule