Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Preseason Top 25: No. 2 West Orange

February 5, 2016

By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

By now, many schools around the state have already played at least one preseason game and next week is the official opening week for the regular season. Many predictions and projections about players and teams have to come fruition so far as players like Jesus Luzardo and Gregory Veliz have ran their fastballs up to 95 mph for the former and 97 mph for the latter. Also, some of the teams that have been ranked so far, such as Douglas, Windermere Prep, and Alonso, have not disappointed and look like legit state contenders. That being said, two of the best schools in Florida still need to be ranked as they are both favorites to win 2016 state championships.

Coming in at number two is another 9A program that has had supremely talented players and teams over the past five to ten years. Even though many West Orange graduates are currently playing at the division I, minor league, and even major league level, they have not had the postseason success that they likely have hoped for. This season, however, the Warriors may in fact have their deepest squad in recent history. They appear to have the best pitching staff in the state and a lineup that will be solid from top to bottom.

The ace for the Warriors will be 2016 RHP Tyler Baum. The North Carolina Signee is the third-ranked RHP in Florida and the number six overall prospect. The lean and wiry righty possesses a quick arm and explosive lower half that allows him to run his fastball up to 94-95 mph and spin a plus 12/6 curveball that is devastating to both righties and lefties. Baum really took off this summer and fall as he drew dozens of scouts to his games and he jumped from being a decent draft prospect to now being a probable top five-round pick. After Baum, the Warriors have one of the top left-handed arms in the 2018 class in Doug Nikhazy. The Mississippi commit has a polished delivery with advanced off speed and a fastball that sits 84-87 mph. Other arms who will see action as both starters and relievers will be two consistent 2017 righties that can run their fastballs up to 89 mph. Cole Beavin is a South Carolina commit who stands at 6-foot-3 with room to fill out and possesses a loose arm and should add a few clicks to his velocity as he matures. Their other 2017 arm is very similar to Beavin as he also stands at 6-foot-3 and shows similar velocity. Benjamin Good will solidify this rotation with a slightly different arm action as he has a lower ¾ slot and tight, slurvey breaking ball.

As for position players, West Orange does not have quite the depth as they do on the mound, but they have plenty of guys who can swing the bat and should make an impact at the division I level. Behind the plate for the Warriors, Matt Coello will be an asset who will easily be able to handle their pitching staff and be able to throw out most runners who attempt to steal. The Winthrop Signee is more of a defensive-minded catcher but still has proven to be able to hit quality pitching fairly consistently. The top bat for the Warriors will likely be SS/2B DeAndre Shelton. Shelton, an Alabama commit, is a switch hitter with an advanced approach who constantly squares up line drives to both gaps. In the field he shows soft hands with enough arm to stay at SS at the next level and good range. Another infield prospect who can really swing the bat for West Orange is 3B/2B Kole Enright. The Stetson commit is also a switch hitter and possesses an athletic and strong frame at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds. Both Shelton and Enright will probably lead the offense by hitting from somewhere in the top or middle of the lineup.

As mentioned in a couple of previous preseason top 25 articles, the 9A district that West Orange is a part of is really a tough group of teams that includes Apopka, Olympia, and Lake Brantley. Assuming they make it to regionals, the Warriors will then have to make it past Dr. Phillips, University, or Spruce Creek. The advantage for them comes in the form of their pitching staff and it appears that with even average offensive support, West Orange looks like the early favorite to win the 9A state championship.