2011 Under Armour All America Game powered by Baseball Factory Saturday, August 13, 2011 Wrigley Field Chicago, IL

FINAL SCORE

BATTERS

AMERICAN

Gavin Cecchini (#2) led off and started the game at shortstop for the American team. His brother Garin, a 4th round pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2010 and current 3B for the Lowell Spinners of the Class A New York Penn League, participated in the 2009 Under Armour All America Game powered by Baseball Factory. While Gavin’s physical tools are impressive, his instinctual ability to play the game sets him apart. His hit, field and run tools would be considered plus on the 20-80 scouting scale by most, while power and arm are closer to average at present. He is committed to Ole Miss, along with Southeast Texas Sun Devils teammates Stryker Trahan and Ty Hensley. Gavin earned MVP honors for the American team, and he also took home the Under Armour Silver Spike Award for most outstanding player over the course of the week in Chicago.

Carson Kelly (#13) started the game at 3B, and took the mound in the 7th inning. While his stock appears to be higher as a position player, he would likely gather a lot of draft attention were he just a pitcher. Power, field and arm are plus tools, with the hit tool close behind. His arm strength across the infield was impressively easy, while the leverage in his swing allowed him to generate what looked like effortless bat speed and raw power. His fastball reached 92 in a steady rain, and went with an upper 70s slider that flashed depth. Carson was an Under Armour Pre-Season All American from 2009 to 2011, and also attended the Team One Futures Game West in 2010. As of the publishing of this article, he has yet to commit to a college. Carson won the Kelly Kulina Award, named in honor of the late Baseball Factory team member, based on his demonstration of the most heart and enthusiasm during the week.

Lewis Brinson (#18) started the game in CF before sliding over to RF and eventually LF to end the game. He showed big arm strength on workout day and again in pre-game infield/outfield on game day. Raw power checked in as plus both days as well, he gave us plenty of looks as he advanced through the home run derby on his way to that title. His long and slender frame is built for speed, but also affords him excellent range of motion and looseness to his actions. He was a standout performer early in the summer at both the Under Armour Memorial Day and Under Armour Southeast Tournaments – where I watched him him hit grand slams in consecutive at bats. Brinson is committed to the University of Florida.

Stryker Trahan (#22) caught the first five innings before moving to DH (yes, we bent baseball rules a bit for the purposes of this game). His left handed raw power is impressive, most notably on his shot off the chain link above the right field bleachers almost to Sheffield Ave in pre-game BP on Saturday. His arm strength was plus as well, and he hit with enough rhythm and balance to merit a hit grade in the average to solid average range. Once his football career is behind him, he should change physically such that he is looser and more athletic behind the plate. He is a gifted all around athlete, especially for his position. Trahan is scheduled to attend Ole Miss.

Anthony Alford (#21) played LF most of the game before moving over to CF in the late innings. He featured among the shortest and quickest strokes, and really turned up the bat speed during pre-game BP. With such a short and direct stroke, he hit hard line drives and drove balls easily out of the ballpark. He is also one of the most highly coveted high school quarterbacks, his dual threat run-throw ability highlights his all around athletic ability. His outfield arm strength was around 40 on the 20-80 scouting scale, while his other tools checked in the near average to average range – with the hit tool leading the way.

Ryan Ripken (#20), son of Hall of Famer and baseball’s all-time IronMan Cal Ripken, played first base and hit the six hole of the batting order. He was nimble around the bag at first base, and moved his 6-foot-5 inch frame with athletic actions. In addition to his baseball prowess, Ripken is a talented basketball player that has garnered Division I interest with some schools considering him for both sports. His left handed stroke showed increasing life over the course of the week in Chicago, capped by an impressive pre-game BP that consisted of rocket line drives with backspin through the gaps. He seems to be just scratching the surface of his potential, and with his big league pedigree he surely has a high ceiling.

Christian Dicks (#11) started the game in RF before moving to CF and eventually DH. He featured a balanced left handed approach with notable bat speed and life in his swing. A solid and athletic looking 6 foot and 190 pounds, Dicks is a high school running back that is set to play baseball at the University of Florida. He is one of the fastest runners in this group of All Americans, though players do not run the 60-yard dash at this event (or at other events like it). I also saw him play at the Under Armour Memorial Day Classic in May, where speed and a knack for getting the good part of the barrel on the ball stood out.

Mikey White (#14) played 2B early and then slid over to SS to finish the game. In addition to being one of the top “baseball players” among this group, White is among six players at this event (and one of only 28 total) to receive an invitation to join the USA Baseball 18U National Team for the second round of trials in September – he is joined by fellow All Americans Gavin Cecchini, Ty Hensley, Cole Irvin, Carson Kelly and Jeremy Martinez. Though he is more than capable at SS, he seems better suited for 2B at higher levels – where he fits the mold of an offensive second baseman like long time big leaguer Jeff Kent. White is scheduled to attend the University of Alabama.

Sam Gillikin (#9) started as the DH, and later moved to CF and RF. He is a talented multi-sport athlete, and starting quarterback for powerhouse Hoover High School in Alabama (you can watch him on ESPN Saturday 8/27 at 3:30pm versus South Panola HS). His football commitment has taken time from his baseball development, though he is scheduled to attend Auburn University as a baseball player only next August. His left handed stroke was balanced, and featured a loose and lively move through the zone in which he generated excellent bat speed. He made a difficult over the shoulder catch in straight away CF look easy late in the game, and showed near average to average arm strength.

Nick Basto (#12) came in the game at 3B for Carson Kelly in the fifth inning, and took over the second slot in the batting order. He showed a plus arm from shortstop on the workout day, and then again (and more impressively so) during pre-game infield on Saturday morning – I had him with the second best infield throwing arm, just behind Yairo Munoz of the National team. He is a talented defensive player, with the ability to play both middle infield positions as well as third base. His right handed stroke had looseness and life through the zone. Basto attended the Team One Futures Game East last October, and before that played for Baseball Factory in the USA Baseball 16U Championships. He is headed to the University of Miami.

Jeremy Martinez (#6) was one of only two underclassmen in the 2011 game. He came in the game as the DH in the 4th inning, and took over catching duties in the 6th. He is a very well rounded player, with advanced tools both defensively and at the plate. His catch and throw ability was highlighted by rhythm in his footwork and a fluid release with  arm strength around 50 on the 20-80 scouting scale. His setup and actions in the box very much resemble those of Albert Pujols, which his stroke is loose and easy through the zone. He maintained excellent balance, and showed barrel accuracy and the ability to consistently deliver hard line drives from gap to gap. His combination of tools, skills and a steady approach to the game make him an exciting young catching prospect. He has verbally committed to the University of Southern California.

NATIONAL

Bryon Buxton (#11) led off and started in CF for the Home National team. He was originally scheduled to pitch in the 8th inning, but he was scratched in favor of Ryan Kellogg due to worsening weather conditions. Not only did I have Buxton as my top prospect out of this event, I had him with the best OF arm strength (and best overall arm strength) and with the best hitting ability. His right handed stroke was a pleasure to watch, especially when he was somehow able to turn up the bat speed with what seemed like no additional effort during the home run derby – which certainly could have gotten him out of his rhythm. He whistled the bat with ease on an inside 93mph fastball for a rocket line drive to LF – certainly an impressive display for a 17 year old hitter with a wood bat. Buxton is another high school quarterback from this group, and has potential to play both baseball and football in college at the University of Georgia.

Jesmuel Valentin (#19), son of long time big leaguer Jose Valentin, started the game at SS before sliding over to 2B late in the game. He showed plus fielding ability, for me in the neighborhood of 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale – easily putting him among the most advanced defensive players in the 2012 draft class. His arm was around average, but played higher due to his compact arm action and quick release. He showed good barrel accuracy and a gap to gap approach from both sides of the plate during BP, but took his game at bats from the right side of the plate. In addition to his impressive tools, he showed great instincts and aggressiveness on the bases – which put him among the best “baseball players” at this event along with Mikey White and Gavin Cecchini. Valentin earned MVP honors for the National team, and is set to attend LSU next Fall.

David Thompson (#18) played third base and batted in the three hole for the National team. His hitting ability became more and more apparent as the week went on for me, until I eventually put him among my top three hitters (along with Buxton and Cecchini) after the game on Saturday. He showed plus raw power from the beginning, thanks to a flat swing with extension through contact that allowed for backspin and carry. He is a talented all around athlete, right now scheduled play attend the University of Miami where he will play football (quarterback) and baseball. He worked out at 3B and played there in the game, while his tools may point to LF depending on the development of his glove in the infield.

Matt Olson (#17) occupied first base and batted cleanup. An impressive 6-foot-5 and 225 solid pounds, Olson featured a fluid but powerful left handed stroke a good overall rhythm and balance to his hitting approach. He reminded me of former Cub first baseman Mark Grace, only with a larger frame and more raw power – the fluid swing and smooth glove being the main similarities. He was nimble around the bag, and showed near average arm strength (45 on 20-80 scouting scale). He was a member of the Georgia 5A state champion Parkview High School team in 2011, and is headed the Vanderbilt University to play baseball.

Franmil Reyes (#13) started the game in RF and in the 5th slot in the batting order. He is one of two players eligible to sign in 2011, along with Yairo Munoz also from the Dominican Republic. Reports of his standout raw power proved to be true, especially in the home run derby qualification on workout day – when he hit five of ten pitches out in his first round, including a mammoth shot to LCF estimated around 450 feet. His defensive actions and near average arm strength fit well in RF, where he worked out, took pre-grame and played in the game.

Tomas Nido (#16) caught the first 5 innings before assuming the role of DH. He showed a live bat and raw power during pre-game BP on Saturday, and his arm strength and defensive actions were more alive compared to what we saw on workout day. His talent is especially natural at the plate, where he is a free swinger with an aggressive move through the zone. He is an aggressive thrower behind the plate as well, with arm speed and arm strength in the near average to average range. Nido was a standout performer at the Under Armour Southeast Tournament in June, an event that featured five total Under Armour All Americans (Nido, Yency Almonte, Lewis Brinson, Hayden Husrt and Nick Travieso).

Clint Coulter (#22) started off as the DH before moving behind the plate in the 6th inning. He featured strength and plus raw power at the plate that earned him a spot in the home run derby finals. His power came from a short move, and one that seemed like it didn’t even finish all the way out front – yet the ball got off his bat with excellent life. His 6-foot-3 frame was solid and athletic, allowing him to generate bat speed and quickness in his release behind the plate. His arm showed around average, or 50 on the 20-28 scale, and his catch and throw skills were solid despite being relatively new to the catching position. Coulter attended the 2010 Team One Futures Game West. As of the publishing of this article, he had yet to commit to any college.

Yairo Munoz (#4) started on the 2B side of the bag before switching places with double play mate Jesumel Valentin in the 5th inning. He singled to center field in the 8th to drive in what would be the winning runs before the game was called due to rain. He showed a 60 arm for me on the 20-80 scouting scale, which I had as tops among infielders and behind only Byron Buxton overall. His feet were active, and his actions quick twitch. He maintained excellent body control on the slow roller play. At the plate, he showed life in his hands and made an aggressive move through the zone. Like Franmil Reyes from the Dominican Republic, Munoz is eligible to sign in 2011.

Fernelys Sanchez (#15) started the game in LF before moving to his natural CF position late in the game. While we didn’t record any times at this event, reports have Sanchez posting times in the 6.4 range in the 60-yard dash, which would put him at or near the top this group in terms of foot speed. While his left handed stroke appeared to be more balanced and have better bat angle, the ball jumped off his bat from the right side of the plate. Like Valentin, he took his game at bats from the right side of the plate despite showing to be more than capable of switch hitting during BP. Sanchez was part of a George Washington High School team that won the New York state title in 2011, and he is headed to the University of Oklahoma next August.

Gareth Morgan (#26), only a 2014 graduate, was the youngest player to appear in the Under Armour All America game. He came on to play RF in the 5th before moving across the outfield to LF for the last two innings. Morgan, along with Ryan Kellogg (LHP #26 National) is a member of the Canadian Junior National Team. His 6-foot-3 frame is large and projectable for future size and strength, giving him potential to improve his raw power that already flashed plus.

Tyler Gonzales (#14) played shortstop late in the game after pitching the 3rd inning. He joined Carson Kelly of the American as the only two-way guys in this year’s game. He showed athletic and quick actions when he worked in with Munoz and Valentin during BP on Saturday. His right handed stroke had some quickness and life during batting practice. Since he is primarily a pitcher, his look as a position player was not quite as long. He is headed to the University of Southern California as a two-way player.

PITCHERS

NATIONAL

RHP Teddy Stankiewicz (#21) delivered the first pitch of the game, a fastball at 95 mph on the stadium radar gun. He pitched between 88-91, touched 95 – the top bolt on the day. He worked from an athletic, up tempo delivery. His arm worked with quickness and life out front. FB appeared to have some cut at times, and his breaking ball had slider action in the low to mid 80s. He is committed to the University of Arkansas.

LHP Cole Irvin (#24) pitched from a balanced, smooth tempo delivery. His arm worked free and easy out of the glove, and with little effort out front to generate FB velocity between 86 and 90. He moved his FB in and out, and showed feel for pitching in one inning stint – I had him with the best command, and among the top 3 change-ups. Mixed in CH at 81 for broken bat ground out, and showed CB at 72-73. He is headed to the University of Oregon.

RHP Tyler Gonzales (#14) featured a lightning quick arm out front along with a quick tempo delivery. Fastball topped at 94, sat 89-91 with slight arm side run. Velocity was up and down likely due to some effort around separation of hands in delivery. Showed great feel for slider, velocity was 82-84 with depth and late biting action. His breaking ball was the best of the event for me, and his fastball was among the best as well. He is scheduled to attend the University of Southern California.

RHP Yency Almonte (#9) topped at 91, pitched around 88 mostly with his fastball. Came out of high 3/4 arm slot, arm worked loose and easy out front and delivery was balanced. Breaking ball had 11-5 shape with occasional depth when velocity was closer to 80. Also mixed in CH at 78, threw with near fastball arm speed – giving him a usable three pitch mix.   Almonte only converted to pitching full time within the last year, after spending time in the outfield previously. He was a standout performer at both the Under Armour Memorial Day and Under Armour Southeast Tournaments.

RHP Curt Britt (#27) topped at 92 with his fastball. He worked very quickly, and attacked the zone with his fastball. Had some late life at times, induced quite a few empty swings with fastballs in 89-91 range. Has room to improve delivery to enhance present arm strength. Breaking ball was 78-79 with varying action, CH at 84. Started bats, around plate, went right after hitters. During BP on both the workout day and in pre-game, Britt featured a balanced left handed hitting aproach with a loose and live swing. He is set to attend the University of South Carolina as a two-way player.

RHP Jose Orlando Berrios (#7) went right after hitters with three quality pitches. FB was 90-93 with arm side run from 3/4 slot. Breaking ball was slurvy type at 78 with big action across and down in the zone. CH had big arm side run at 79. Arm had quickness out front. Strike thrower with ability to change speeds and move the ball both ways. His changeup was the best I saw, while his breaking ball and command were among the best as well.

RHP Russell Reynolds (#6) pitched between 87 and 90 with his fastball. He was fairly upright with his delivery, and threw most pitches from an over top slot. Saw a sweepy breaking ball from a 3/4 slot, but most offerings were from FB slot. Threw strikes with FB and SL at 79-83, had gradual action across zone. Arm had quickness out front, delivery was quick tempo. He is scheduled to attend LSU next August.

LHP Ryan Kellogg (#25) topped at 87, pitched at 84-86 from an over top slot. FB was straight, CB had rolling downward action at 69-70. Threw strikes and started bats, mixed in breaking ball. Has room to use his large frame to drive and extend more down the slope. He is a member of the Canadian Junior National Team.

AMERICAN

RHP Ty Hensley (#25) touched 93 from a near over top slot. His fastball worked at 90-91 mostly, showed an 11-5 breaking ball at 77 and a straight change at 81. He was a little better direction away from notably better stuff for me, appeared to be a little blocked out by his front hip – yet was still able to spin among the best breaking balls and threw among the top five or six fastballs. He is a recent commit to Ole Miss.

RHP Trey Killian (#15) worked from a 3/4 to low 3/4 arm angle and somewhat upright delivery. His FB was 88-92 with flat arm side run. He attacked the zone with his fastball, and showed ability to turn over his CH at 79 with late sink – which was among the best I saw, as was his command. Breaking ball was 79 with the makings of SL action, didn't see more than a few, none of which was likely his best. Killian is set to attend the University of Arkansas.

After a rain delay of nearly 90 minutes, RHP Nick Travieso (#23) took the mound for the American team in the bottom of the 3rd inning. He gathered well to balance point, and maintained his balance well to landing. His arm worked well out of the glove, and had power out front. Fastball topped at 94, sat 89-91. He was around the plate with fastball and mixed in slider 79-83. His top bolt of 94 was only short of the 95 posted by Stankiewicz. He is headed to the University of Miami along with his high school teammate and fellow Under Armour All American Nick Basto.

LHP Kyle Twomey (#24) was 86-88 with his fastball from a 3/4 to high 3/4 arm angle. His delivery was fluid and easy, and featured good balance from separation through landing. CB and CH were both right around 70. Threw strikes with three pitch mix, showed ability to move fastball around zone a bit. Twomey is scheduled to attend the University of Southern California.

RHP Hayden Hurst (#28) pitched from a near over top arm slot, and generated fastballs between 88 and 91. His delivery was balanced and in control through landing and release, allowing him to drive his large frame down the slope of the mound. CH was thrown with near fastball arm speed at 80, breaking ball had depth to 11-5 action at 77-78 mph. Hurst is set to go to Florida State University next August.

LHP Aaron Smith (#17) threw strikes started bats, allowing him to record a quick and easy three outs. FB was in the low 80s from high 3/4 slot. CB was 69-71 with rolling downward action.  Delivery was mostly balanced, arm action was shortish on the back side. Smith was part of the 2011 NJ state champion Governor Livingston High School team , and was one of only three pitchers to record a three up three down inning during this year’s game (Cole Irvin and Jose Orlando Berrios were the others).

RHP Carson Kelly (#13) topped at 92 with his fastball, pitched in the 89-90 range. Delivery was a bit rushed, but his arm was still able to catch up mostly – didn't cause him any problems finding the plate, he was around the zone with fastball and slider. Slider had occasional biting action and depth at 78-80. Challenged hitters and got bats started. Kelly has yet to commit to any college as of the publishing of this article.

RHP Jamie Callahan (#10) threw his fastball 86-89. He gathered well to balance point, allowing arm a chance to work on back side. Was aggressive down the slope and out front with arm, was able to spin a tight slider at 77 and a solid 11-5 curve at 71. Went after hitters with fastball, had enough feel for breaking ball to stay around the plate with wet baseball in steady rain. Callahan is set to attend the University of South Carolina.