Prep Baseball Report

Spring Scout Blog: Mountain Ridge vs. Desert Mountain


Jordon Banfield
Arizona Scouting Director

The Arizona Spring Scout Blog will include notes and reports on select prospects we see throughout our spring high school coverage. If there is a game/player that needs to be covered do not hesitate to reach out and we will do our best to be there. As always, contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions about Prep Baseball Report and/or commitment information. 

MOUNTAIN RIDGE @ DESERT MOUNTAIN 3/21/18

Matthew Liberatore, 2018, LHP, Mountain Ridge HS
Arizona signee. Sat 91-94 with his fastball in the first, before settling in at 89-91. Mixed in 73-75 CB that flashed plus with depth and was more average when it had more lateral break. Also showed 85-87 CH with sink and threw a short slider in warm-ups. Worked FB to both sides and even appeared to cut it in on RHH. Struggled with command, issuing several walks in 3 inning outing. Varied timing in his delivery, even showing a slide step quick pitch out of the windup. Simple, athletic delivery. Wasn’t his best on this day, but it’s easy to see why he’s PBR’s top overall prospect and a strong candidate to go 1-1. 

Zach Rogers, 2020, RHP, Mountain Ridge HS
Uncommitted. The sophomore righty works as the closer for Ridge. It appears that the arm slot has dropped some since we saw him this winter, which has added some angle to his fastball, but causes him to get underneath the baseball and work uphill at times. On this day he sat 81-84 with his fastball that ran to his arm side in on RHH. Also mixed in a bigger sweeping 68 mph curveball and fading change at 73. Has a projectable, athletic body and is a definite follow on the mound.

Jacob Robson, 2018, 3B/OF, Mountain Ridge HS
Uncommitted. Physical RHH provides a presence in the middle of the lineup for Ridge.Doesn't have an obvious position on defense but could certainly handle first and is a strong enough bat to fit there at some level. Shows present strength with room to add more. Power to the pull side. Some rigidity in swing but has consistently shown the ability to barrel the baseball. Can help a college program.