The Northern Nevada Pre Season ID received an early holiday gift with accommodating weather yesterday. A pleasant 56° at Golden Eagle Sports Complex, the sports turf surface was a touch slick, due to the previous night’s rain, but burned off quickly. By the time of the defensive evaluations, the surface was in great shape. Players serious about creating a next level opportunity showed in force to showcase their skills. Below is a quick glimpse of a few takeaways from yesterday’s event.

2019

Connor Culp, SS/RHP (Spanish Springs), 6-foot-1, 170. Culp is potential two-way college player committed to UNLV.  He posted an event best 94 exit velocity and 87 max fastball.  Although he is already committed, in the heat of the Spring, I could easily see his FB in the low 90s and professional scouts frequenting his outings. He has whippy arm action and feel for a breaking ball and a changeup.

Paul Vossen, OF, (Bishop Manogue), 5-foot-8, 150. Vossen has a small frame with wiry strength. He posted an event best 6.54 60 yard dash.  His speed carries huge value in the outfield as he tracks the ball well, taking great pride in his ability to take away hits.  He has a twitchy swing and was on plane longer than previous event. Vossen has a chance to be a legitimate top of the order type bat. 

Brian Baker 3B/RHP, (Galena), 6-foot-3, 210.  Baker has a large frame and present physicality. He is really coming into his own on the mound, topping out at 84.  He has natural cut to his fastball. Baker has distinct pitch shape and solid definition to both his breaking ball and changeup. His future could very well be on the mound, but he is a capable corner infielder with with potential power. 

Tyler Hopper, 3B/RHP (Damonte Ranch), 5-foot-11, 210.  Hopper has a mature body with present strength. He has developing infield actions and strength in his barrel.  He is intriguing on the mound with heavy natural cut to his fastball.  A strike thrower with a feel for breaking ball and changeup, his skills on the mound lend to a small college.  A junior college stint could provide time for refining strength and mechanics and lend to a future on the mound.

JT Skiver, LHP/1B, (Damonte Ranch) 6-foot-3, 210. Skiver is a big bodied left-handed pitcher back on the mound after considerable time off to overcome tendonitis.  He is an intriguing project with long loose arm action and heavy arm side life.  Although he topped out at 78, when he completes his recovery, his velocity could jump in the spring.  He has the makings of a solid curveball and showed feel for a changeup.  Command is in progress after the layoff, but a solid spring follow.

Andrew Lynch, C/3B, (Bishop Manogue), 6-foot-2, 195. Lynch is a sturdy bodied catcher with instincts for the position.  He has room to gain strength which will enhance all aspects of his game, especially his offense.  Lynch posted an event best 1.93 pop time.  He can provide defensive depth behind the dish for an institution with a need.

Aidan Elliott, OF/IF, (Galena), 6-foot, 165. Elliott is athletically built with room to add weight and strength.  He displayed solid outfield actions with a true and accurate throwing arm.  He maintains a flat swing achieving consistent quality contact in a line drive approach. He is an intriguing follow as he looks to invest full time in a future in baseball.  Elliott might do well to spend a year at a junior college, giving his talents a full year of baseball to mature and develop.

Calvin Bailey, OF/IF, (Bishop Manogue), 5-foot-9, 150. Bailey has room to add weight and strength and those gains will be valuable to his future success.  A consistent performer he displays capable skills in the outfield as well as the infield.  He likely profiles as a second baseman but his utility is valuable.  He has smooth left-handed swing and uses all fields.  Bailey has huge small college value or may look to a junior college, providing time for those needed weight and strength improvements.

2022

Garrison Geis, SS, (Reno)SS, 5-foot-11, 150. Geis is high waisted and presently developing.  He has grown since our last event. His projectable frame and solid infield actions should make him a target.  With his arms strength ahead of his body, he is just now re-entering his throwing program. He has good arm strength and strength in his barrel.  Look for him to be on the early radar of schools from all levels.