By: Chris Kemlo
Ontario Scouting Director

Futures (7) vs. BC (8)

The Futures squad, mostly comprised of 2016 and 2017 graduates from Ontario, played above their age this week at the Tournament 12. After taking it on the chin against team BC on Thursday, the Futures came out on Friday and showed why they belong, and why they future of baseball in Ontario is on the right path. Here is a breakdown of the Futures highlights from yesterday’s action.

Starting on the mound for Futures was 2016 RHP Mateos Kekatos. Kekatos battled through four innings of work. Kekatos missed on one pithcing, resulting in a three run home run in the third inning. Kekatos ended up giving four runs, five hits, with two walks and six strikeouts.

After Kekatos, it was 5-foot-8, 150-pound RHP Garner Spoljaric. The 2017 grad showed why people are already excited about his potential on the mound. Spolly worked two innings with a fastball that topped at 81 mph, and showed the ability to spin his curveball. Spoljaric is free and easy with his delivery and he displays clean arm action with the ability to repeat. Spoljaric has a chance to have electric stuff once he matures and adds strength. He should warrant early consideration from colleges recruiters.

Throwing the final frame for the Futures was 6-foot-3, 160-pound, LHP Matt Jones. Jones was efficient in his inning of work walking one while giving up no hits and striking out one. Jones was up to 82 with his fastball, and has been up to 84 in the summer. Jones curveball is what is the difference maker for him on the mound. True rotation with tight spin, Jones breaking ball was 66-70 while he threw it for strikes. Jones possesses a quick arm with clean action, he should have no problem adding velocity to his pitches.

Last years inaugural Tournament 12 was a coming out party for 2017 shortstop Adam Hall. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound prospect ran a 6.50 60 on scout day this year showed why he is considered one of the top prospects for his class in Canada. Hall ended up 2 for 4 against BC with a bases clearing triple, a double, stolen base, and a run scored. Hall has a great baseball mind, knows what to do in situations, and plays beyond his years. A quiet approach at the plate, Hall has a short, quick path through the zone, and can stay inside the baseball with the best of them.

2016 C Luke Van Rycheghem, who plays with the Ontario Blue Jays, may have the at-bat of the tournament so far. Down one in the bottom of the seventh with runners on second and third, Van Rycheghem battled the count full where he continued to foul off pitch after pitch. He finally ended up grounding out, but the 6-foot-3, 210-pound left-handed hitting catcher showed poise, maturity, and advance plate discipline. Van Rycheghem was a sub 2.00 over the week behind the plate as well.

Futures ended up on the losing side 8-7, but the real positive was how these young men competed, along with the tools and skills that were on display.