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Pacific Northwest Fall Championship - Player Notebook

September 25, 2019
Shooter Hunt & PBR Washington
National Crosschecker

Last night we began our look at two of the seven teams from the Pacific Northwest who traveled to the brand new Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex for the PBR Northwest Fall Championship. The site, just north of Portland on the Washington side, was the perfect intimate setting for the teams and players to showcase their skills. After a pristine day of weather on Saturday, the Northwest’s “liquid sunshine” set in on Sunday. Undeterred by the rain, the teams were still able to compete at a high level, and the energy brought over the course of the two day tournament was impressive as committed and uncommitted players alike, elevated their games. In our first edition of notes, we highlighted players from New Level and Laces Baseball Academy. Tonight we take a look at the remaining 5 teams: Spokane Crew, Kelso Premier, NW Star Academy, GBG Northwest and Showtime. 

Below are notes and video from the event:

Spokane Crew

+ Uncommitted 2020 C/3B Gino Bellantoni (Pullman, WA) is a recent transplant from Florida who now calls Pullman, Washington his home. Sturdy, durable frame at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. Despite hitting some balls hard, the left handed hitter couldn’t catch a break at plate this weekend but showed a smooth swing from the left side with an uphill attack angle. Looks to do damage as he uses a subtle leg kick to generate rotational velocity through his lower half. Uncommitted prospect to follow this spring as he gets acclimated to his new home.  

+ Uncommitted 2020 1B/RHP Chandler Holaday (Wenatchee, WA) started off the tournament with a bang, launching a monster 3-run home run over the left fence. After that, the physically built 6-foot-2, 210 pound 1B showed solid plate discipline while not getting many other pitches to hit over the weekend. When he had the opportunity to swing at strikes, he put hard contact on the ball. Could end up as a consistent power threat in the middle of a line-up at the next level. On defense, showed off a feel for 1st base with flexibility in the lower half that allowed him to make some exceptional catches on throws from across the diamond. Athletic enough to potentially play a corner outfield spot in the future and keep his bat in the lineup. 

+ Uncommitted 2022 SS Killian Fox (Lewiston, ID) played with a high motor and maintains energy in everything he does on the field. Light on his feet at 5-foot-7, 145 pounds, Fox has the ability to float around the INF and handle multiple positions. Narrow, upright set-up in the box with a square stance to the pitcher. Puts a simple forward move on the ball with a short, direct swing. Polished approach at the plate. Doesn’t try to do too much. Fits the ‘gamer’ type of mold. 

+ Uncommitted 2022 RHP Caleb Gray (West Valley, WA) closed things out Saturday with an impressive relief appearance. Works from a  ¾ arm slot with his FB at 78-79 and CUT at 74-75. In warmups, he showed a SL that had good action but didn’t have to go to it in a short 1-2-3 inning. Has a strong frame at 5-foot-10, 200 pounds that should allow him to add to his FB velo and sharpen his already impressive stuff. On Sunday Gray caught a game and showed he could potentially be a 2-way player in the future. As a hitter, he had at-bats from both sides of the plate and should be able to stick as a switch-hitter long term.

+ Uncommitted 2020 1B/LHP Chris Zeutschel (Central Valley, WA) produced some of the hardest contact of any hitter over the course of the weekend. 6-foot, 210 pounds with proportional strength throughout his frame. Zeutschel keeps in simple in the box with a square, upright stance and high-set hands. Puts a minimal move on the ball but still manages to generate considerable power, especially to his pull-side. 

+ Uncommitted 2023 RHP Michael Getzinger (Moses Lake, WA) stands at an impressive 6-foot-2, 175 pounds. Definitely has room to grow. Appears to have considerable upside to tap into down the road as he matures and his velo climbs. Coming out of the bullpen early in game 1 of the tournament, showed really well with a two pitch mix of a FB at 75-77 with good downhill action and big 12-6 CB at 62-64. He threw four consecutive scoreless innings and showed his ability to get consistent ground ball outs. Went to the CB primarily for strikeouts when ahead in the count. One of the younger players in the tournament who will likely be a name to remember for the future. 

Kelso Premier 18U

+ Uncommitted 2020 SS/RHP Westin Scheurich (RA Long, WA) did a little bit of everything for Kelso premier over the course of their game action. Slender build at 5-foot-10, 160 pounds. Scheurich handled SS with clean defensive actions and sound footwork. At the plate, shows a polished, contact approach with the ability to spray contact. On the bump, flashed feel for a 3 pitch mix. FB sat 79-81 on this look with reports of him being higher in the summer. Also used a slurve shaped breaker at 68-70 and a CH at 72-74. Intriguing 2-way prospect who will be worth checking back in on in the spring.

+ Uncommitted 2022 C Carson Ryf (Kelso, WA) seemed to always find some barrel whenever we had eyes on him at the plate. The young backstop has a developing frame at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds. His build should allow him to carry more weight down the road. With his level swing path and high finish, the hard contact he makes now should develop into more gap-to-gap type power as he gets stronger. 

+ Uncommitted 2020 1B/RHP Reed Elo (Kelso, WA) had a strong showing over the weekend for Kelso Premier. Standing at 6-foot-5 with a thin frame, the LHH drove in 5 runs in game 1 one on Saturday on a backside double down the line and then struck a line drive up the middle. He has a square, up and down stance with a short swing with the ability to hit the ball to all fields. On Sunday, Elo started on the mound for Kelso and competed well in a rain soaked game. The tall right handed thrower got the ball on hitters with some sneaky velocity, using his length and compact delivery to his advantage. 

+ Uncommitted 2020 LHP/OF Justyc Ziegler (Kelso, WA) came in relief twice on the weekend in big spots and pitched with an aggressive mentality. Went right after hitters from high ¾ release on the left side.Showed a FB that touched 81 multiple times on both days and consistently sat at 78-80. Pitches with a compact, simple delivery, with a short leg lift and was able to get the ball downhill. There’s more juice in the arm that he can potentially tap into as he continues to develop strength in his lower half.

NW Star Academy

+2022 C Cole Snidow (Grant HS, OR) showcased easy rhythm at the plate while hitting from the right side, and natural feel for the barrel that allowed for line drives to all fields including a firm single to right field early on in the day. His loose wrists and quick hands provided for some bat speed, and as his lean and athletic, 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame continues to fill out, he will likely develop more power. Though he did not catch in the game, he moved around well while taking ground balls, and showcased a quick, strong arm.

+ 2020 RHP Sam Stuhr (Madison, OR) a Lower Columbia commit looked impressive early in the ballgame with his  FB 82-85 and was able to show two breaking balls with his SL at 74-75 and CB at 70-72. Proved he could throw both for strikes. The 6-foot 170-pound Stuhr ran into some trouble later in his outing but held his composure and showed that he has some poise and competitive moxie. His impressive hand quickness out front gives him the ability to bust hitters in and tunnel his breaking balls off of his FB.. Also flashed some ability with the bat as well and will likely impact that game in multiple ways throughout his senior season. 

+ 2020 3B/1B Huck Stuhr (Madison, OR) has a physical frame at 6-foot and did a little bit of everything for the Northwest Stars this weekend. On day one he played a solid defensive 1st base, hitting in the middle of the order and looked to have some juice with the bat. On day two, Stuhr hopped on the mound with a mid-70’s FB. Cruised along tossing four shutout innings and got the win. Uncommitted player who shows upside.

+ Uncommitted 2023 INF Ben Christensen (Grant, OR) made several legitimate plays at third base over the weekend. Including a smooth putout coming in on a slow roller that he handled with surprising ease. Has a tall, thin frame, standing at 6-foot, 170-pounds. In time, should continue to develop physically. Strong enough arm already to play third and with projection to improve as he gets older. The glove plays consistently and he showed the ability to handle the routine plays that came his way.. With the bat, he was able to find barrel twice and showed a middle of the field approach. Exciting young player to keep an eye on in the state. 

+Uncommitted 2020 C Garrett Peck (Madison, OR) is a physical catching prospect who stands at an impressive  6-foot 2, 210 pounds. The frame can withstand a full season behind the plate. Athletic enough to stick at the position long-term. Can block and recover well with pop times in the low 2’s. It was a quiet weekend at the plate for the right handed hitter, but showed that he can generate some power with his physical frame when he gets strikes to work with. Bit of a raw swing overall but his hands load well helping him get to the proper bat angle to attack the baseball. 

GBG Northwest

+ Uncommitted 2021 3B Josh Schleichardt (Tigard, OR) possesses some of the best physical tools in the state of Oregon. 5-foot-11, 190 pounds with a muscular frame. He moves with more fluidity and balance than you might expect at first glance, given how strong he presently is. Shows easy lateral movement while patrolling the hot corner and should have a chance to stick there long term. The bat speed continues to stand out and will give him the chance for above average raw power with the ability to develop consistent in-game power. Exciting to player to follow in that 2021 class.

+ 2020 OF Bryan Falk (Sumner, WA) was one of the best all-around athletes in attendance. Strong, proportional build with powerful actions at 6-foot, 185 pounds. Falk moves exceptionally well in the OF with his long, rangy strides. At the plate, hits with a simple, square stance to the pitcher while staying tall throughout. Uses a toe tap load before getting into a short, forward stride. Hands stay tight to the body, working inside of the ball and allow his barrel to generate hard contact to the middle of the field. Seattle U commit. + Uncommitted 2021 SS Abe Affholter (Everett, WA) was one of the most reliable, consistent defenders throughout 2 full days of action. Lean, wiry frame at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds with the chance to fill out and get stronger. Showed a steady glove hand at SS and handled all the routine plays that came his way. Light on his feet with quick lateral actions. Arm strength needs to develop but he makes up for it with a strong understanding of the speed of the play as well as a quick release. Offensively, hits with a mature, contact approach with some feel for the barrel.

+ Uncommitted 2020 OF Riley Oswald (Tahoma, WA) is a player we’ve come across a lot towards the end of the summer and into the early parts of the fall. A standout performer from our Unsigned Senior Showcase, Oswald has an impressive blend of strength, speed and arm strength. Profiles best to the OF but has potential to handle INF responsibilities at 3b if needed. Offensively he didn’t have a breakout performance on this look but he consistently makes contact while displaying a disciplined approach and staying within the strike zone.

+ Uncommitted 2020 3B/1B Keaton Banister (Seattle Christian, WA) stands at 6-foot with athleticism to his actions. Notched back-to-back, multi-hit games. Able to spray the ball to all fields, including a well struck triple to the pull side in the left-center field gap. Flashed a swift set of wheels to slide into 3rd safely. Also showed well on defense at both corner infield positions. At 1st base he showcased extended range with the ability to get off the bag quickly. Can play the ball off the turf and go get the throw up the line. Plenty of feel for the position while being a versatile piece on defense

+ Uncommitted 2020 LHP Ethan Salscheider (Wilson, WA) was not overpowering but worked effectively with his FB at 74-76. Played with hitters timing using some effective deception in his delivery. Fluid, repeatable delivery helped him work down in the zone and get weak contact for the duration of his outing. Featured a sweeping slurve in the low to mid 60’s that had substantial movement. Able to get swings early in the count and induce plenty of ground ball outs. Impressed with his ability to remain confident and make good pitches with runners on base to escape potential jams.

+ Uncommitted 2020 LHP Wes Harkins (Bishop Blanchet, WA) is the type of consistent, polished lefty that you need to see on multiple occasions to really appreciate. Doesn’t overwhelm you with velocity but still finds ways to miss barrels with his FB while competing in the zone. Breaking ball has sweeping type shape from his ¾ arm slot and can be an effective weapon against both RHH and LHH. CH shows promise and should develop into a reliable 3rd offering. 

Showtime

+ Uncommitted 2021 OF Kyle Henington (Fife HS, WA) stood out all day both at the plate and in centerfield for Showtime. The high-waisted, 5-foot-10, 155-pounder took crisp routes to balls in the outfield, and was able to take away some hits on tough plays in the gaps. At the plate, the left-handed hitter notched multiple hits including some deep shots to the wall in right field. Still developing physically, there is some twitch to the hands as he sets up with them low before loading back with a low knee-knock stride. The hips clear well, allowing his quick hands to work the barrel through the zone on a flat path with strong bat-to-ball skills present. His high-motor defensively and on the base paths was obvious throughout the day. 

+ Uncommitted 2021 INF/RHP Caeden Chambers (Hockinson, WA) impacted the game in multiple ways this weekend for Showtime. Proportionally built with an athletic frame, Chambers has the ability to fill in at multiple infield positions as well as toe the rubber. At the plate, keeps everything simple and displays a smooth, level swing. Balanced approach with relaxed actions and a quiet head. Barrel works thru the zone with easy effort and generates line-drive contact when he connects. 

+ Uncommitted 2020 RHP Fallon Maciel (Emerald Ridge, WA) impressed with his FB command early in the game. Fallon got a lot of swings and misses in multiple quadrants of the strike zone. Especially in the top half. FB sat mostly 78-80 throughout.. True 12-6 CB at 72-76 pairs well with is FB giving him a solid two pitch mix to generate strikeouts. Heavy strike thrower that uses quick tempo to his benefit. There is room to grow with his slender frame and likely will see an increase in FB velo come springtime. The simple delivery builds slowly then explodes toward release with no wasted movement and keeps him inline and down the mound. 

+ Uncommitted 2020 C/1B Jayden Bunch (Peninsula, WA) had some of the best in-game power of any other bat on display this weekend. 6-foot, 190 with a durable frame and strength throughout. Bunch has a classic lefty swing with an uphill path and smooth, high finish. He puts a simple move on the ball and really lets his hands deliver the barrel thru the zone and generate impressive whip. Defensively, there’s plenty of arm strength to produce consistent ball flight with downward angle and carry from the catching position.

+ Uncommitted 2020 SS/RHP Jake Hoskins (Liberty, OR) was exceptional on defense at SS during the weekend and also showed he has the chance to be 2-way player at the next level. At the plate, hits from a slightly open stance before taking a low, controlled leg lift and beginning forward stride. Lets the ball travel and keeps hands tight to the body. Stays within his legs and avoids lunging at the ball or getting too far out front. On the bump, he ran his FB up to 83 and snapped off a tight breaking ball when he needed it. Pitches with a short, compact arm action with a simple, clean delivery.
+ Uncommitted 2022 RHP Willy Hernandez (Todd Beamer, WA) showed some promise as he was one of the younger arms on display. Already sporting a developed frame at 6-foot, 200 pounds, Hernandez looks to have an advanced feel for throwing his 76-80 mph FB for strikes. Occassionally generates arm-side run when he starts middle or in on a RHH. Didn’t go to it often, but his 11/5 breaking ball shows promise at 66-68 mph. Despite his size, he keeps his arm action short and compact. Which allows him to work downhill and stay on top of the ball consistently.


Next PBR Washington Showcase - HERE

 

Next PBR Oregon Showcase - HERE