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Uncommitted Spotlight- '17 Matt Arens, LHP, Apple Valley

September 13, 2016

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

PBR Minnesota strives to be the most comprehensive source of player information across the state. The Prep Baseball Report is the No. 1 resource for high school baseball in each state we cover through our variety of events, boots-on-the-ground scouting staff, daily coverage, and multimedia platforms. Our multimedia platforms and events work in tandem, ultimately creating the most powerful source of high school baseball promotion in each state.  While other organizations take a national approach, our goal is to become the authoritative voice on the ground level of each state.

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Matt Arens 

Name: Matt Arens
Position: LHP
Class: 2017
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 200-pounds
High School: Apple Valley
PBR MN Rank: 29

Evaluation:  3/20/16- 6-foot-4, 200-pound left-handed pitcher. #15 ranked player in MN 2017 class. Highly projectable build. Up tempo, solid athleticism, many moving parts creating deception, hides baseball. Shows above avg. life on fastball, thrown for strikes, at 82-85 mph; touching 87 mph. Curveball has above avg. shape with sharp break; will be a swing and miss pitch in college. Changeup is firm and heavy currently; and thrown in and around. Did not pitch as a sophomore- high potential lefty with development and instruction.

PBR: What schools have you been hearing from?
ARENS: NDSU, Purdue, Butler, Minnesota, Santa Clara, Mankato, SDSU, Dayton, Maryville, Cincinnati, Army, Xavier, Illinois State, Baylor, Bradley, Harvard, Central Michigan, UMD, St. Thomas. Some schools have been in contact more than others.

PBR: Have you taken any visits? Do you have any scheduled in the near future?
ARENS: I have visited Minnesota, Purdue, Butler, Santa Clara, and Mankato. I'm planning on visiting NDSU this fall.

PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)
ARENS: I'm looking for a school with a strong business program, a competitive baseball team, and a school where I'll be able to call home for the next four years.

PBR: What were some of the highlights of your junior year?
ARENS: Going to Puerto Rico for our team spring break trip. It was an awesome experience playing against some of the local teams and seeing how they play the game as well as really getting to know my teammates. Also, playing summer ball with the Minnesota Mash. I enjoyed playing high caliber competition, learning how to play on the road, and winning some big games.

PBR: What are your goals for this year? 
ARENS: My goals for this year are to get more comfortable with my breaking-ball, throwing in all counts, and establishing a strike out pitch. I am also going to work hard in the weight room this off-season to get stronger and gain more velocity. I look forward to spring and being part of my high school team as we work to make a run for a state championship.

PBR: Do you play any other sports?
ARENS: I grew up playing baseball and basketball. My focus is now on baseball and I play intramural basketball.

PBR: GPA/ACT/SAT?
ARENS: I have a 3.55 GPA and 23 ACT which I will be retaking in September.

 

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