Prep Baseball Report

San Diego Open: Quick Hits


Jack Shannon
San Diego Area Scout

SAN DIEGO, CA. - The first annual San Diego Open showcased the type of energy, talent and positive vibes that make San Diego one of the best baseball cities in the world. With the state of California granting full return to youth sports you could see an extra burst of energy from the Open participants with the looming high school season just around the corner. Open showcases are unique in that there are always players that participate that have yet to be seen and make their mark. Everyone came out a winner at the Open with camaraderie, leadership, and satisfaction seen throughout the day. 

Mizuno Baseball set up shop in the left-field batting cages showcasing their 2021 line of gloves and bats, with Fernando Tatis Jr, Andrelton Simmons and Mike Soroka model gloves receiving the most interest. Technology once again dominated the event with TrackMan, Blast Motion, Twitter, Instagram, video production, live stream and scout eyes working non-stop to showcase each player. Stay tuned for workout stats leaders, TrackMan data and Blast Motion data content coming out later this week.

CLICK HERE FOR SORTABLE PLAYER TRACKMAN AND BLAST MOTION DATA

 FAB FIVE FRESHMAN - 2024

Name High School Pos Stat to Know Notes
Nikko Paoletto Damien OF/3B 85 mph OF Throwing Velocity Started at Linebacker vs St John Bosco the previous night
Gavin Vanderpool San Marcos 1B/LHP 366ft HR at 99 mph Exit Speed 10+ HR potential senior year 
Anthony Perritano Cathedral Catholic SS/3B 72.13 Bat Speed (Pro) Pro potential at 3B
Jeremiah Vargas Patrick Henry SS/OF Line drives averaged 93 mph Exit Speed SoCal SS with swag and baseball feel
Addison Klepsch Poway SS/RHP 85 INF/OF Throwing Velocity Early signs of 5 Tools

rising uncommitted juniors - 2022

Name High School Pos Stat to Know Notes
Weston Clark Steele Canyon OF/SS 6.51 60-Yard Dash Speed and Tools with find him on Pro Radar
Kaden Bass La Costa Canyon 2B/SS 87 Exit Speed + 21 Hand Speed  Left-handed hitting college utility infielder
Nathan Lee Vista Murrieta RHP 2352 Spin Rate at 86 mph Projectable RHP at 6-3 205
Cooper Whitton Santa Fe Christian OF/SS 368ft HR at 100.28 Exit Speed Size, Tools, Strength 
Ian Halverson Mission Vista SS/RHP  85% Hard Hit Average San Diego Sleeper 

 

special edition: ian halverson

Ian Halverson continues to impress under the Prep Baseball Report spotlight. The 2022 uncommit is showing similar signs and traits to former North County sleeper shortstop and 2019 PBR ProCase participant Thomas Saggese. Early on Saggese was overlooked and written off by many division 1 college recruiters and professional scouts for lack of flashy tools and flair. Only to be later signed by Pepperdine and drafted in the 5th round by the Texas Rangers in the 2020 MLB Draft simply because at the end of the day you cannot deny a baseball player that can truly hit and play the game the right way.

This was the first time we’ve seen Ian since last fall and he proved himself to be one of the best uncommitted SS’s in the state period. Has added some physicality and strength which was present in his BP round where he hit 5 HRs, 2 of which were to right-center. The swing looks to translate to the next level as he has a simple load and stride which gets him on time and the bat accelerates on a level-upward path. Blast motion metrics were consistently above average as he averaged 70 mph bat speed and has improved his rotational acceleration by about 7gs since last fall with now an average of 23 gs. Post impact metrics were + as well with consistent 90+ exit velos (98 max) and an 85% hard-hit percentage. The glove plays at SS as he has silky smooth actions and good arm utility in terms of above-average arm strength, ability to change up arm slots when needed, and getting to release quickly. Even got on the mound and showed decent stuff. Throws out of a low ¾ slot which makes his 83 mph FB have some nice horizontal run and he pairs that with a nice slider.  Halverson also boasts a 4.0+ GPA.   --- Joey Cohen (Associate Scout)    

  

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
San Diego Open
CA 03/07 Maranatha Christian HS
Rising Stars Showcase - NorCal  CA 06/08 Islanders Field
State Games ID - NorCal  CA 06/15 Islanders Field
Rising Stars Showcase  CA 06/22 Hart Park
Northern California ProCase  CA 07/06 McBean Stadium - Lincoln, CA
SoCal ProCase  CA 07/07 Hart Park
SoCal Academic Games  CA 07/13 Hart Park
California State Games  CA 07/16-07/18 Islanders Field


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