Joe
LaFiora

3/25/17 Has noticeably gotten after it on the strength and conditioning side, checking in at 6-foot, 185-pounds with a more athletic physique. Fastball has subsequently improved to 82-83, while he showed a good feel for his 11/5 curveball that has sharpened up and added depth at 64-65.

10/29/16 5-foot-11, 200-pound left-handed hitter. Starts from an open stance and strides to square, holding his hands in a good launch position. Head stays still, keeps swing simple, and has some pullside pop (88 mph exit velocity). Foot speed continues to improve, as he posted a 7.50 60-yard dash at this event. Good defensive actions with solid glove and 79 mph arm strength.

Repeated his delivery, which included a swinging gate front leg and open landing. Showed a feel for a three-pitch mix that included a fastball at 77-78 with armside run, a very good change-up at 70-72, and a big, slow 1/7 curveball at 58-60.

8/19/16 Neumann-Goretti 2018 1B/LHP participated solely as a pitcher for Team PBR Red. While his velocity was down from what we have previously seen, he repeated his delivery, threw strikes, and located well to his arm side. Fastball sat 74-76 with occasional tail, while he also utilized a big 11/5 curveball at 58-60 and a rare upper-60s change-up.

6/18/16 Tossed six innings, allowing just one run on seven hits and a walk while striking out four. Commanded his fastball to both sides of the plate at 77-80 mph while also keeping the Elite Squad hitters off balance with a 72-mph slider.

11/7/15 5-foot-10, 195-pound left-handed hitter who has improved his physique since we last saw him. Starts from a square stance, rocks weight to backside with knee-to-knee stride, and lands slightly closed. Keeps head still and stays under control throughout swing. Has a chance to drive the baseball (87-mph exit velocity). Defensively, he moved well and showed a soft glove hand with 75-mph arm strength.

11/7/15 Primary first baseman sat 74-76 from a high 3/4 arm slot with an overhead rocker delivery. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound lefty was down a bit in velocity from where we saw him sit comfortably at 77-79 earlier in the summer. Also fashioned a looping 61 mph curveball with 1/7 shape and a 71 mph changeup with some sink thrown at fastball arm speed. Solid frame and easy, repeatable mechanics should lead to additional velocity in coming years.

6/24/15 5-foot-9, 200-pound frame with developed lower half. Pitched out of a high three-quarter slot with overhead rocker and good rhythm in delivery. Fastball sat 76-78 with more in the tank when he learns to consistently work over his front side instead of around it. Showed a good feel for a big breaking curveball at 61-63 with 11/5 action, while also mixing in a change-up at 69-70.

6/24/15 5-foot-9, 200-pound left-handed hitter. Started from a slightly open stance and strode to slightly closed. Body stayed quiet, especially his top half. Aggressive hitter with simple, repeatable swing. Ran a 7.84 60-yard-dash. Showcased 80-mph exit velocity and 75-mph arm strength (ran FB up to 78 in game) during workout. Solid defensive skillset.

6/17/15 Youngster with developed frame (5-foot-9, 200-pounds) and strong lower half. Cruised through first inning before seeing his command escape him a bit (would pull off toward third base side creating an arm drag). Pitched out of an over-the-top slot with overhead rocker and easy arm action. Fastball sat 77-79, big 12/6 curveball was 62-63, and change-up was 69-70. Incorporated some advanced tactics, including one left-on-left change-up and occasional elimination of his overhead rocker to upset the hitter’s timing.

6/17/15 5-foot-9, 200-pound left-handed hitter. Started from a slightly open stance with high back elbow and took a controlled, knee-to-knee stride to square. Fairly easy, balanced swing and the ball came off his bat well. Showcased 81-mph exit velocity and 75-mph arm strength during workout (ran FB up to 79 in game). Exhibited solid skillset across the board defensively.