Fort Myers Standouts Part 2
This past week some of the top teams from the 2023 and 2024 classes from around the country came together in Fort Myers, Florida for the BCS Championships. Below is Part 2 of our breakdown on several players who made an impact during their game from both classes.
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2023 RHP/1B Garrett Baumann (Central Florida Select)
Uncommitted. Currently stands at 6-foot-7, 215 pounds on a tall, extra large frame. Dominated the opposing lineup in his start where he racked up multiple strikeouts and induced lots of swings and misses. Fastball mostly sat 84-86 mph, touching 87 with life along with a 70-73 mph curveball with depth. Creates downhill action and pounds the strike zone. Also made an impact offensively from the left side of the plate where he drove in a run on a RBI single that was driven into the left-center field gap. Baumann has big upside on the mound and a jump in velocity is coming. Strong uncommitted follow.
2023 RHP Alex Kranzler (Southern Squeeze)
Uncommitted. Currently stands at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds on an athletic frame with a strong lower half. Works with a quicker pace and looks to jump on the hitter with his fastball, not afraid to throw inside. Releases from a low 3/4 slot which creates natural movement on his fastball and breaking ball. Mostly sat 84-86 mph (has been up to 88) along with a 67-70 mph curveball that shows hard break. Shows present bat speed from the right side as well.
2024 RHP Dillon Smalley (Central Florida Select)
Uncommitted. Currently stands at 6-foot-1, 150 pounds on a projectable frame with long limbs. Worked a clean inning in his relief appearance. Deliberate over the head windup with a big leg kick before his delivery. Throws out of a lower 3/4 slot and creates deception on his release. Mostly sat 77-78 mph with his fastball that showed sink, touching 79 while mixing in a 66-67 mph curveball. There’s plenty more in the tank as he continues to fill out.
2023 MIF Stone Russell (5 Star National Dobbs)
Florida commit. Currently stands at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds on an athletic frame with a strong lower half. Stood out offensively near the top of the order where he showed a present feel for the barrel, showing the ability to square it up and make hard contact. Gap-to-gap hitter. Was able to fight off a tough outside pitch with two strikes during one of his at-bats, driving a ball into right field for a single. Russell is also really impressive up the middle where he shows above average defensive actions and an above average arm across the diamond. Strong follow.
2023 OF CJ Richard (5 Star National Dobbs)
Uncommitted. Currently stands at 5-foot-9, 155 pounds on a compact, athletic frame. Really makes his presence felt out of the leadoff spot in the order. Works out of a slightly open stance and stays balanced throughout his swing. Quick hands through the zone with a present feel for the barrel. Drove the ball all over the field for extra base hits while displaying above average speed on the base paths.
2023 C Caden Mason (Southern Squeeze)
Uncommitted. Currently stands at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds on a lean frame that projects to fill out. Mason showed confidence in the box and a good eye, staying away from tough pitches and looking for his one to drive. Barreled one up during one of his at-bats for a line drive run scoring single into left field. Above average feel to hit and make an impact offensively.
