NW Futures - 2023 Grads
April 22, 2020
Now that we've had the chance to update and expand our rankings for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 class, it's time to dive into some 2023 prospects.
At the end of February we held a Scout Day event for the NW Futures baseball academy. Scout Days are designed to focus on the players within a specific organization while recording the same statistics, video and player information as an open registration event.
For a full statistical release of all players at the event click here
Pre-season events such as this provide players with the opportunity to build their profile with the most up-to-date information and video footage. All players in attendance receive an online profile with their verified statistics, player report, picture and video. Additionally, all subsequent stories written about a prospect will be linked to the player’s profile, ultimately creating a one-stop shop for recruiters.
Furthermore, the top players will be listed in our statewide player rankings and overall national rankings
Let's take a look at some promising young prospects
2023 grads
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Parker Guinn C / RHP / McMinnville , OR / 20235-foot-8, 168 pounds with a strong build throughout his frame. Sets up with a wide, athletic base with bend in his lower half and an upright torso. Barrel starts in a flat, relaxed position on rear shoulder. Simple, rhythmic load into forward stride. Adjusts bat angle into landing and gets hands into hitting position. Loose, quick hands that create impressive barrel whip thru the zone with easy effort. High, lofted finish thru contact. ‘Hitterish’ actions in the box. Defensively, shows some polished receiving skills behind the dish. Maintains flexion in glove arm, which allows him to stay below the ball prior to framing. Clean exchange while getting out of crouched position. Gets directly into short, bent arm action as he gains ground towards 2nd. High, over the top release. Advanced skill-set for age. Also flashed ability on the mound. Simple, repeatable delivery. Consistent tempo throughout. Back leg stays extended at leg lift and into short, forward stride. Keeps a low glove side after hand break and a level shoulder plane. Throws with the same, short arm action that he uses at catcher. Gets to high ¾ release point then holds upright posture thru his finish. Shows strong lead leg blocking which could help support more strength and velocity down the road. |
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Jakob von Lubken OF / RHP / Hood River Valley, OR / 20235-foot-11, 155 pounds with a high-waisted frame and lean upper half. Sets up in the box with weight shifted back and a narrowly open front foot. Hands start relaxed with some subtle barrel movement. Closes off stance with a low, forward stride. Keeps flexion in lead arm as he loads hands back into hitting position. Creates easy bat speed and lets the barrel work. Swing has depth into the zone with an uphill path after contact. In the OF, shows solid actions with feel for how to adjust tempo based on the speed of the play. Keeps feet under him when moving to the ball, allowing him to stay balanced while coming thru into his throwing motion. Uses a side shuffle to get momentum behind his throws. Clean, continuous arm path with a ¾ release. On the mound, pitches with a quick and consistent pace to his actions. Works from the middle of the rubber. Keeps extension on back side at leg lift. Lead leg drives up high to chest height with some coil towards his rear shoulder. Breaks hands over the rubber and keeps weight centered as he works down the slope. Hips open up and give him a clean path to his target at landing. Arm action translates well to the mound with a loose finish from a ¾ slot. |
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Sam Weber SS / 2B / Sam Barlow, OR / 2023Wiry, developing frame at 5-foot-6, 130 pounds. Shows a balanced stance with a slightly open lower half and some weight pre-shifted onto his backside. Steps back into a toe-tap load before making a short forward stride. Hands show a short, consistent load. Barrel gets on plane early and works below shoulder line on a flat path thru the zone. Solid contact throughout BP. Defensively, shows quick & active feet that work well in the INF. Does a solid job of establishing rhythm early and keeping momentum going thru the ball. Avoids getting stuck flat footed. Maintains control of glove hand while making plays on the move. Clean arm action with a short path into ¾ release. Actions should allow for gains on his measurables as he adds strength to frame. |
rankings
2020
2021
2022