West Palm Beach Standouts Part 1
This past weekend players from the 2020-2023 classes came together in West Palm Beach, FL for the South Florida Fall Invitational. Each team played four games over the two-day stretch at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches complex.
Below are 10+ players who stood out on the first day of the event (Saturday) along with a brief report on each:
2021 MIF Timo Aracena (Naturals Florida)
Continued to stand out offensively and had one of the most impressive weekends at the plate, collecting multiple extra base hits which included a game where he went 4-for-4. Loose, quick hands from the left side and shows above average bat speed from the right side as well. Works in rhythm and shows plenty of confidence at the plate, finding the barrel and driving the ball deep into the gaps. Above average defender in the field with a strong arm across the diamond.
2022 LHP Chris Arroyo (Genesis Baseball)
Was one of the more impressive arms throughout the weekend. Loose, easy working arm from the left side that featured a fastball that sat 83-86 mph touching 87 while mixing in a 75-76 mph changeup, and a 69-70 mph curveball. When he stays in line and uses his lower half the ball jumps out of his hand and the fastball shows late life. Strong lower half, more velo in the tank. Strong follow.
2023 RHP/IF Michael Brazer (FTB)
Projectable, athletic frame standing at 6-foot, 160 pounds. Loose, quick arm. Works with an up-tempo pace and looks to jump on the batter. Fastball mostly sat 80-82 mph, touching 83 with some late life along with a curveball at 70-71 mph. Induced multiple swings and misses while showing a command of the zone. Strong follow.
2020 RHP Bryan Valdes (South Scorpions)
Low mileage arm that showed upside on the mound. Induced multiple swings and misses, running his fastball up to 90 mph. Mostly 87-89 and showed a quick arm. Has a slow, deliberate windup. Present athleticism with a strong lower half. Strong uncommitted follow.
2023 IF Walker Vanecek (FTB)
Strong, solid frame with some present strength. Crushed a ball over the left fielder’s head that one hopped the wall for an easy standup double. Made loud, hard contact and is a middle of the order type bat who can drive in runs.
2022 RHP Dylan Reinhardt (Gamblers Elite)
Tall, projectable frame. Strikes out two in his first inning of work. Mostly sat 80-82 mph with his fastball while mixing in a 69-70 mph curveball with depth. More velocity to come as he fills out his frame.
2022 C Trent Fleischman (Gamblers Elite)
Confident approach with quick hands and utilizes his lower half to drive the ball. Laced a ball into center field for a line drive single during the game that came off the bat hard. Above average arm from behind the plate as well.
2022 RHP/OF Derek Rodriguez (Genesis Baseball)
Showed a quick arm and looked to jump on the batter with a first pitch strike, sitting mostly 80-83 mph with his fastball, touching 84.
2022 MIF Ryan Hernandez (Genesis Baseball)
Above average runner with quick hands offensively. Crushed a ball over the left fielder’s head for a triple during the game. Creates pressure on the base paths and looks to take the extra base.
2022 1B Samuel Hernandez (Genesis Baseball)
Strong lower half, ball jumps off the bat when he squares it up. Hammered a ball deep down the left field line for a standup double. Present feel for the barrel.
2023 IF Alexander Almodovar (5 Star National)
Displays quick hands and drove a ball over the left fielder’s head for a standup double during the game. Shows bounce in his step, aggressive runner. High energy player.
2021 IF Josean Sanchez (5 Star National)
Present feel for the barrel from the right side with a compact frame and strong lower half. Aggressive runner. Had multiple hits throughout the day which included driving a ball to right field for a single.
