Given the preference to watch position players a little longer before filing any reports, it’s typical for the early entries to be heavy on arms. So, as expected, day one of the 2014 Under Armour Memorial Day Classic belonged to the pitchers.
Of the 51 teams in this tournament, only 22 played on Friday at the Roger Dean Sports Complex in Jupiter, FL. While we’re certain to see more quality arms on Saturday as the remaining teams take the field for the first time, let’s first take a quick look back at the standouts from day one.
The top reading on the radar gun belonged to 5-foot-9 senior left hander Hector Montano of the A’s Baseball 18 Elite, who topped at 92 and pitched at 87-89. His teammate Luis Machado, a 6-foot-5 235 pound junior right hander, topped at 91 and pitched 87-88.
Like Machado, three other large frame right handers offered an interesting combination of projectable size and arm strength. 2015 grad William Guay of the PBC Gameday Elite 17 stands at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, and ran his fastball up to 86 with arm side run. At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, junior Brock Minich of the Palm Beach Select 17 also topped at 86 with potential to grab additional mph as he fills out. Right hander Taylor D’Agostino of the South Florida Breakers 16 has a low 80s fastball today, but he’s only a 2016 graduate and already stands at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds with an arm that works and the ability to spin a breaking ball.
The most impressive three pitch mix was turned in by 2015 right hander Leo Rodriguez of the TigerTown Tigers. He spun a low 70s breaking ball, showed feel for a mid 70s change and featured an 84-86/87 fastball with heavy arm side life.
Look for more scouting reports on position players to post as teams put their second and third games in the books. It takes a little more time to see their skills come out at the plate, in the field and on the bases.
For the most up to date scores and pool play standings, visit the tournament schedule page. You can bookmark the page on your mobile device, and even receive text message alerts for news on your favorite team.