Puyallup, WA - This weekend, we ran our 1st session of Scout Day events that are offered for members of the Seattle Elite and Seattle Premier League. 

There was a diverse group in attendance on Saturday with players as young as 2025 grads all the way up to uncommitted seniors. Regardless of age, pre-season events allow players to build their profile with up-to-date information before the spring season begins as well as improve upon past performances. 

With that being said, let’s take a look at some of our initial impressions from Saturday…

Quick Hits

2020

The lone senior at the event, 2020 OF/LHP Noah Pawlowski (Federal Way) had a well-rounded performance. Showcased an aggressive swing during BP & sound defensive actions from the OF. Also has the chance to impact the game on the bump with a mid-70’s FB and sharp CB.

2021

Uncommitted SS Andrew Johnson (Bellevue) looks poised for a strong 2020 season. Athletically built with a strong, lean frame. Produced consistent line-drives throughout BP and has the defensive actions to stick in the INF. SS Ezekiel Rodriguez (Central Kitsap) took one of the more polished rounds of BP on the day. Showed loose, easy hands in his swing with a consistent contact approach. OF Denali Tonn (Garfield) used a long, fluid arm path with an over the top release during the outfield portion of the defensive workout. His swing in BP was balanced with controlled effort. C Michael Snyder (Kennedy Catholic) continues to show off quality arm strength (2.06) pop time and above average bat speed (91 mph exit velocity). Another backstop from the ‘21 class who impressed was UC Santa Barbara commit Jessada Brown (Chief Sealth). Brown also was as high as 91 mph on his exit velocity and popped a 1.96 from behind the plate. SS Luke Turk (Kentridge) showed reliable control of his glove hand on defense to go with a level swing in BP that produced consistent hard contact up the middle. Lastly, RHP Spencer Burgess (O’Dea) was the lone pitcher to represent the 2021 class. He flashed feel for a 3-pitch mix that featured an above average CH at 67-68. 

2022

The 2022 class made up the largest age group represented on Saturday. Leading the charge was uncommitted RHP Dominic Giustino (Issaquah). Ran his FB up to 86, while sitting 83-85 and showing a tight breaking ball. Made a significant jump from when we saw him in July. RHP Harris Smajic (Hazen) will be another arm to keep an eye on in 2020. FB topped at 81 & there’s enough hand speed for him to make another jump as he gets more experience as a pitcher. Also spun a sharp breaking ball at 64-65. C Kaden Wu recently relocated to Mercer Island from California and has the look of a dependable, quality receiving backstop with plenty of bat speed (91 mph exit velocity). Teammates from Mount Si, INF Ryan Gerlitz and OF Blake Miller both have wiry, projectable frames with the chance to handle more weight as they develop. Gerlitz moved well defensively and showcased a tight, compact swing in the box. Miller has long limbs with loose, flexible actions and long strides in the OF. Creates leverage in the box with his lower half & has the ability to lift the ball to all fields. OF/RHP Kengo Shirokane (Bellevue) has the chance to impact the game in a lot of ways. Sound defender with accurate arm from the OF. Offensively, has the hand-eye & barrel control to produce consistent, hard contact. His arm action translates well to the mound and allows him to fill up the zone with his entire arsenal of pitches. A couple other ‘22 prospects who showed 2-way potential are OF/RHP Luke Vrable (Oak Harbor) and OF/RHP Ben Paranchych (Juanita). Vrable has a wide upper half with a lean build at 6-foot-3, 170 pounds. On the bump, he ran his FB up to 80 and showed the ability to attack the bottom of the zone from a high ¾ release that creates significant downward angle on the ball. Defensively he profiles well to the OF. How the bat develops will likely depend on how much stronger he gets. Paranchych has an athletic frame with plenty of projection left. Loose, whippy arm from the OF with controlled actions as he works thru the ball. Barrel gets on plane early & he generates easy bat speed. Aggressive finish thru release on the mound. Arm action should allow him to throw harder as he physically matures. C Halen Otte (Mercer Island) presents a compact target while being a quiet receiver behind the plate. Showed accurate throws down to 2nd during his defensive workout. Hits with a simple, level swing and a loose barrel thru the zone. OF/INF Matthew Overholt (Archbishop Murphy) showed off some defensive versatility while playing with a high motor the whole time. Stays balanced in the box while keeping hands tight to his body and working inside of the ball. OF Dane Steiner (Mercer Island) had a long, relaxed arm path from the OF. Throws showed accuracy with carry. At the plate, stays tall & upright in the box. Gets full hip rotation thru contact while keeping front side firm. 

2023

OF/LHP Connor Bullard (Glacier Peak) has an intriguing skill set to go with a wiry strong frame. Solid defensive actions for the OF with clean arm action. Offensively showed his best contact while working to the middle of the field. On the mound, arm stays short/compact with looseness at release. 1B/3B Luka Ruljancich (Bishop Blanchet) has the size/frame to develop into a middle-of-the-order power threat. Made loud contact when he connected in BP. Stays balanced in the box with advanced bat speed for his age. 

2024

1B/RHP Sinjon Lash (Anacortes) will likely be a name to keep an eye on in the coming years. The young, switch hitting 2-way prospect already has noticeable feel for the barrel on both sides of the plate. Pitches with a steady, repeatable delivery and high ¾ release. Advanced feel for his FB and secondary offerings. OF/RHP Jackson Dulay (Kentwood) is already 6-foot-1, 160 pounds & shows quality baseball actions/movements for his age. Long, clean arm path both on the mound and from the OF. Keeps everything relaxed in the box while getting into leg lift and forward stride.