Tim
Tawa

8/13/19: After a huge freshman year for the Cardinal (.296/.347/.498), Tawa like DeLoach, suffered from a sophomore slump (.253/.284/.410) in 2019 after an All-Star summer in the NECBL. He struggles to identify spin and receives a steady diet of breaking balls, or anything moving away from him (LHP changeups). With above average bat speed he wants to pull and consistently works around the ball, limiting his hard contact zone to left field. A former three-sport athlete in high school, Tawa is a plus-plus athlete who has versatility around the diamond. Although he doesn’t boast an elite tool, he does have a well-rounded toolset including average arm strengthand above average speed. He could likely play any position on the field. He moves with ease in outfield and plays an adequate shortstop. Although his draft value took a hit this past spring and summer, Tawa is athletic and intelligent. He still has plenty of time to rebound this spring. And, as a high in demand college position player, he has the potential to return to Day One consideration with large adjustments to his approach and pitch recognition skills. (Seifert)

11/4/18: Ranked No. 22 on the D1Baseball 2020 Draft list, Tawa has a medium build with lean strength and high waist; compact build showing agility and strength throughout. Slightly crouched stance with high hands and a high back elbow; uses small load with quiet hands before very quick bat showing lofty swing. Swing has ability to open front hip and create clearance for bat as it gets on plane early driving through contact and finishing upwards. In game went down and crushed breaking ball over LF fence before later barreling a single into RCF and double down the 3B line; bat has strong ability to find barrels showing up well during game and in BP with surprising pop and pull side loft. Average runner, quick feet and having another gear available when needed; took 3B on stolen base with a great read of pitcher. Defensively can play all three IF positions showing strong footwork and agile hips. Looking to build on very strong freshman season. (Ozella)

8/1/18: A former three-sport athlete in high school who is focusing exclusively on baseball now, Tawa had an outstanding freshman season at Stanford. He’s continuing to play at a high level this summer and shows a balanced combination of tools. At 6’0/180 pounds, his frame already shows some development but he will certainly continue to get stronger over the next few years. Defensively, moves with ease in the outfield. Never had the chance to display his pure, straight line speed but did show efficient routes and quick reads on the ball. Consistently made accurate throws during pre-game. Never attempted to air it out or show it off. Throws from a high slot ideal for the OF with clean arm action, yet profiles better to CF or LF presently. Takes a professional style of batting practice and produces hard contact with a simple, compact swing. Barrel gets on plane early and stays level through the zone. There’s rhythm, balance and adjustability in his actions. Posted quality power numbers this past spring and given how loose and fluid he is in the box, it’s safe to project that the power will increase with additional strength. Overall, Tawa might lack an elite tool, but he does everything well and his development doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. (D Jurik)