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The Ontario Big Board: Top Uncommitted Underclass Corner Infield Prospects

October 15, 2014

teps



By Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting

Throughout the month we look to highlight some of the top uncommitted talent. Below we would like to showcase three talented corner infield prospects.

Top Uncommitted Underclass Corner infielders


Ryan Rijo, 1B, St. Josephs Catholic High School, 2016

At 6-foot-2, 245-pounds. Rijo hits from the left-side with a slightly open stance and his hands high over his back shoulder. Separates well with a small leg kick. Raw power right now with a chance for some big time pop. Swing has some lift to it when he tries to get to big, must continue to work on approach as he can get pull happy at times and hips will fly early. Proven he can hit the long ball, and when he shortens up Rijo makes consistent contact while using the whole field. Sees the ball well as he doesn’t offer at to many bad pitches. Type of guy who will continue to hit and give you quality at-bats.

Defensively, Rijo must continue to work and improve his actions at first base. With continued reps and a devotion to the craft, no reason why he can’t be a solid first baseman on the defensive side of the ball.

Has been one of the Ontario Blue Jays top hitters over their fall trip. Was 3-3 yesterday at Oklahoma State with all three hits to the left side of the field. Will be the big bat in the lineup for 2016 Ontario Blue Jays once Josh Naylor is gone. Wrong to imagine Rijo filling Naylor’s shoes but the big left-handed hitting first baseman will definitely be on the radar for recruiters across the country.

Luke Turino, 3B, Birchmount Park, 2016

At 5-foot-10, 160-pounds, Turino swing as if he is 6-foot-4, 230-pounds. Hits from a quiet, upright stance at the plate. Turino does not get cheated very often and produces great bat speed with strong hands and wrists. At times can get to big and pull happy, causing himself to lose balance at the plate. When approached is simplified, Turino sprays balls in the gap, allowing his hand-eye coordination to take over. In the field, Turino has an above average arm from the corner position, footwork needs some polishing up but the athleticism is there. Has also been used in the outfield at times this fall as he has some speed and instincts off the bat. Dirt-bag type guy who gets after it. Will be a very good college player who will hit and play solid defense.

Connor Lipinski, 3B, North Toronto Collegiate, 2017

Good looking athlete at 6-foot-2, 160-pounds. Room to add physicality to frame, long and lean with a projectable body. Well proportioned with wide shoulders. Offensively, in good position at the plate to hit with a squared stance and slight knee bend. Good rhythm and timing, hands are nice and loose in the box. Defensively shows good actions to the ball. Athleticism for his size, moves well laterally. Arm shows carry across the diamond from a short-¾ arm slot. 2017 prospect with good baseball actions, definite follow.

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