Evan Michael Chambers L.O.V.E. Foundation Classic Standouts

This past weekend the first annual Evan Michael Chambers L.O.V.E. Foundation Classic took place at Florida Memorial University along with Miami Christian. Miami Springs HS, American Senior HS, Miami Christian, Dr. Krop HS, and SBO Florida competed in a round robin tournament which saw Miami Springs HS come away as the eventual champion. A special congratulations goes to 2022 RHP/IF Jason Torres of Miami Springs HS who earned MVP honors for his dominant pitching performance and strong offensive output throughout. 

Evan Michael Chambers was a rising star in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization who was not only known for his impact on the field, but off the field as well. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 24 due to an undetected heart defect, but his love of the game and the way he inspired so many continues to touch the baseball community and beyond. For more information on the Evan Michael Chambers L.O.V.E. Foundation and the work they do, CLICK HERE

Below are 15 standouts from the tournament over the weekend which includes a brief report on each. For additional content follow our Instagram @diamond.pro.media which has posted video highlights on some of the top performers as well. 

2022 RHP/IF Jason Torres (Miami Springs HS)
The Florida International commit earned MVP honors for his key contributions over the weekend, both offensively and on the mound. During his first game he put away the opposing lineup with ease, racking up multiple strikeouts. Quick arm, creates some downhill action on a thick, strong frame. Mostly sat 85-87 mph with his fastball, touching 88 with life while mixing in a 67-68 mph curveball that generated swings and misses and an 80-81 mph changeup he threw occasionally. Offensively he drove in numerous runs throughout the weekend on multiple extra base hits, including a home run. Ball really jumps off the bat with loud, hard contact. Torres is a legit two-way prospect who will continue to be a very strong follow moving forward.

2020 OF/LHP Carlos Rey (Miami Springs HS) 
Nova Southeastern commit. Stood out offensively with loose, quick hands on a long, athletic frame with easy bat speed from the left side. Drove one to deep left-center field for a double during one of his at-bats over the weekend. More power to come as he strengthens his frame. Also showed above average defensive actions, ranging to deep center field to make an over the shoulder catch on a hard hit ball. Quick first step. Did not pitch over the weekend but will be another two-way to watch this upcoming spring. 

2021 C Rene Lastres (Miami Christian HS) 
Florida International commit. Lastres was another player who made an all around impact throughout the weekend, both offensively and defensively. Has a physical, athletic frame standing at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds with a strong lower half. Above average bat speed from the right side with strength throughout which was seen when he hammered one through the left side of the infield for a hard single during the game. Defensively, he displays advanced actions and keeps everything in front of him. Strong and accurate throws to the bag with carry, threw out multiple base runners. Strong follow.

2020 LHP Fernando Rodriguez (SBO Florida) 
Uncommitted. Loose, quick arm from the left side with some projection. Worked with an up-tempo pace and looked to throw first pitch strikes. Racked up multiple strikeouts throughout his outing and induced weak contact. Fastball mostly sat 82-84 mph, touching 85 while mixing in a 67-68 mph curveball with depth. Also showed a deceptive pick-off move where he was able to get two base runners in a run down before eventually being tagged out. Still some more velocity to come, uncommitted arm to follow. 

2020 OF Nick Anderson (American Senior HS)
Uncommitted. Loose, athletic frame and plays with high energy. Made an impact out of the leadoff spot where he takes an efficient at-bat, fouling off tough pitches with two strikes while having an awareness of the strike zone. Shows pull side pop along with above average bat speed from the right side. Above average runner who creates pressure on the base paths as well, can steal multiple bases. Defensively, he can go get the ball into the gaps and displayed an accurate and on line throw. Gunned down a runner at home looking to tag up from third after making a catch in deep center field. 

2020 OF/C Roberto Moya (Miami Christian) 
Nova Southeastern commit. Physical frame on a strong lower half with raw-bone strength. Creates, loud hard contact and the ball leaves the bat at a high velocity when barreled up. Crushes a ball off the top of the right field wall for a two-run double during one of his at-bats. Ball really explodes off the bat. 

RHP Leandri Estrella (DR) SBO Florida 
Uncommitted. Loose, live frame with projection. Very quick arm, ball really jumps out of his hand. Fastball mostly sat 87-89 mph with life while mixing in a 76-77 mph slider with depth. When he stays in line and full extended he shows better command, keeping the fastball low in the zone. Young arm with lots of upside that will continue to be a strong follow as he refines his mechanics. 

2021 IF Brandon Paez (Miami Christian) 
Uncommitted. Consistently found the barrel throughout the weekend from the right side, most notably on Saturday where he went 4-for-4 during one of his games. Balanced approach with quick hands and looks to jump on the fastball. Had multiple line drive hits on the day and will be an uncommitted bat to follow moving forward. 

2020 MIF Jose Izarra (Miami Christian)
Miami commit. Tall, athletic frame with long limbs. Shows mooth, athletic actions defensively with a strong arm across the diamond. Balanced approach offensively with quick hands who works in rhythm. 

2021 MIF Lazaro Hernandez (Miami Springs HS) 
Uncommitted. Shows above average bat speed with strong hands through the zone, looking to drive the ball gap-to-gap. During the game he laced one into the right-center field gap for an RBI single. Utilizes his lower half to drive the ball. 

2020 1B Gabriel Rodriguez (American Senior HS) 
Uncommitted. Big, strong frame with present power from the right side. Ball really jumps off the bat when he squares it up. Launched one over the center fielder’s head for an RBI double during the game. 

2021 IF/C Kevin Guevara (Miami Christian) 
Uncommitted. Strong lower half, makes loud, hard contact when he squares it up. Looks to drive it with intent to the pull side. Got ahold of one during the game and drove it over the left fielder’s head for a two-run double during one of his at-bats. 

2020 OF Nick Lazo Dela Vega (American Senior HS) 
Uncommitted. Displayed present bat speed from the left side which translated to the game where he crushed a ball over the right fielder’s head for an easy standup double. 

2021 MIF Chris Fernandez (Miami Springs HS)
Uncommitted. Lean, athletic frame with room to fill out. Stood out defensively where he showed above average lateral agility, ranging freely to his left and right while taking efficient angles to the ball. Quick release, can throw from different angles on the run. Also showed quick hands offensively, looking to go gap-to-gap. 

2020 OF Angel Aguilar (Miami Christian)
Uncommitted. Lean, athletic frame with some quick twitch actions offensively. Had a standout day at the plate where he went 3-for-3 which included a line drive single back up the middle.