Prep Baseball Report

Quick Hits: Day Two 2020/2021 Arizona State Games


Will Arnold
Arizona Director of Scouting

Kai Taylor, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
2021. Taylor worked his fastball from 82-85 in the zone with good arm side run. He added a good upper 60s breaking ball in that he threw about half of the time early in his start and was able to located it in any count and change the shape when needed. The athletic build shows a chance to make a jump quickly as he adds strength. 

Michael Riley, RHP, GBG Arizona
2021. Riley has a big and physical frame at 6’2” 190 pounds that generates some power through his delivery. His fastball ranged from 83-86 with a sweeping breaking ball at 71 that he used sparingly. Due to a big lead, he was pulled early. He contributed to the lead by hitting a three- run home run to left field. His strength translates through his swing.  

Esteban Hernandez, MIF, Aggies Baseball
Uncomitted 2020. At a long and lean 6-foot 165 pounds, Hernandez has a projectable frame as he continues to grow. He is a twitchy athlete with good actions in the middle infield. At the plate, Esteban showed the ability to control his barrel and compete with bat speed in big spots. He cleared the bases with a triple and showed off his speed on the base paths.

Nate Ward, RHP, Arizona Sandlot
2020. 6’8” big body frame that sat in the 82-84 range with run and sink to his arm side, breaking the bat of the first batter he faced. He produced big time down hill plane from his high ¾ arm slot and showed the ability to throw three pitches for strikes and keeping opposing hitters off balance.

Connor Dougal, RHP, T-Rex
2021. Long limbed, projectable righty sat 83-85 MPH with late arm side action to keep hitters off the barrel. Hitters struggled getting on time with his fastball, making his upper 60s sweeping breaking ball that much tougher, especially on right handed hitters.

Eric Sims Jr, SS/2B, Arizona Diamondbacks Academy
Uncommitted 2020. Sims Jr. has been all over the place, between reaching base often and ranging all over the field making impressive plays. His compact swing has resulted in hard contact and hit an absolute bomb today well over the right field wall