By Chris Collias
Associate Contributor 

With the upcoming Border Battle Games including several Canadians, we thought it best to provide some scouting notes on those who we have seen over the past few weeks. 

Often times the Ontario Blue Jays, London Badgers, Windsor Selects as well as other teams will travel to play schools in Michigan during the fall. We recently saw these players in Battle Creek and then in Mt. Pleasant.

Adam Odd, MIF, St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School., 2014
A tough competitor, athletic, strong and durably built at 6-foot, 170-pounds. Up the middle approach w/good hand eye and ability to make contact. Makes plays from both MIF spots with field awareness and instincts. First step quickness, agility and enough arm strength to throw out average runner from all angles. Not the fleetest of foot but not a clogger. Stayed extra year in Canada so should be able to come in right away and contribute at smaller four year level.

Robert Byckowski, 3B Silverthorn, 2014
Well proportioned and physical. 6-foot-3, 210-pound third baseman. Some pop in bat with smooth stroke and good bat path through zone. Makes contact out front well and finds barrel.  Catches what he gets to and arm strength from all angles. A scout’s son.  Savvy and understands who he is as a hitter.  Could help a team right away.

J.D. Williams, MIF, David Suzuki Secondary School, 2015
Athletic, compact and sturdy. "Handsy" hitter, level bat path w/quickness to and through zone. Contact, singles type guy who’ll run into a few and can handle the bat in various situations. Smooth, easy actions, can read hops with good feet and swallows ball. Arm will play due to quick release but strength and maturity should make it a tick better. Good out of the box and instincts to steal a base.  

Mitchell Bigras, 1B/OF, Sarnia ON, 2014
As his name might infer Bigras is big. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound first baseman has smooth easy actions.  Played in right field for the game we saw and also threw an inning on the mound.  He sat 81-83mph on the mound with good arm side run and down angle. At the plate he didn't do much rolling over two balls but the swing looks like it may have some juice in it. Bigras has played at a high level this past year with the Canadian Junior National team.

 

Other notables

Lawson Burnett, MIF, Lambeth ON, 2015
Smaller middle infielder with good actions. 5-foot-11, 140-pounds with slight frame and plenty of room to grow Arm is behind at this point which leads us to believe he will project best as a second baseman. Carries himself well.  Defensively minded middle infielder who can pick it.

Garan Stevens, 3B/OF, Thorndale ON, 2014
Solid infielder all around. Made several nice plays.  Good build at 6-foot, 180-pounds.