SoCal High School Baseball: El Toro Prospect Notes 1/12/13

El Toro should be favored to win the South Coast League title again in 2013 and after watching them today against Canyon it’s easy to see why. The Chargers have talent all over the field with top-notch D1 guys and very good complimentary players that will have a chance to play collegiately on some level. If the pitching depth can continue to develop aside from frontline ace Ryan Kayoda, it’s not difficult to see the Chargers make a deep playoff run.

Below are some notes on El Toro’s top prospects.

2013 – P – Ryan Kayoda – Kayoda was sitting 87-89 with great command of the zone and location in his two innings of work. He left one CH up in the zone that a Canyon hitter took to right field, but other than that he had a clean outing and used the CH effectively. CB was effective but not dominant and he used it as an out pitch to two batters. FB was flat without much run, but he was able to locate it with ease. A SF Giants scout in attendance told me he could work himself into top 10 round pick if he adds a little velocity to his fastball and irons out the kinks with his changeup. Signability may be an issue as he’s a strong college lean, according to the scout. Kayoda has excellent mechanics and maintains his arm angle on all pitches. The Cal State Fullerton signee will have the opportunity to add mass to his lanky frame. Reminds me a lot of Peter Tago from Dana Hills a couple years ago who was taken early in the draft.

2013 – C – Gavin Collins – I know there may be bigger “name” catchers in the county but there aren’t many better catchers than Collins. The Mississippi State signee is an excellent receiver with soft hands. Clocked consistently at 1.9 – 2.1, Collins showed why he’s rising up draft boards. He calls the game well with good flow/rhythm to his pitch selection. He has a great frame and good speed for a catcher. Offensively he has a quiet approach with quick hands. Could project at 3B as well. Handled the inside pitch easily. Laced an inside fastball to right center field for a long single after a great play by RF to cut it off. Collins will battle with Jeremy Martinez of Mater Dei and Tyler Alamo of Cypress as the regions top catchers.

2013 – SS – Jonah Arenado – Arguably the best defensive senior shortstop in the county. Arenado made plays in hole to his right and on the first base side of second base. He possesses plus range to go with a plus arm and plus speed. Offensively he has an aggressive approach but needs to be more consistent in that part of his game. Currently he’s unlikely to bring a lot of power to the plate, but has plenty of room for growth on his frame. The same SF Giants scout told me there is a sense he wants to get to pro ball ASAP and is likely to go the JC route, confirming what I was told earlier this week.

2013 – RHP – Chasen Ford – Fundamentally sound pitcher with an imposing frame. Stands around 6’4”. Signed with Yale and should excel in the Ivy League. Doesn’t do anything spectacularly but showed flashes with his FB and Changeup.

2015 – C – Andy Krear – There is a lot to like about Krear from an offensive standpoint. Showed a lot of discipline at the plate by consistently laying off junk. Handled inside pitch very well. Has a smooth leveled swing that looks almost effortless. Mature physically with an almost stocky body type. Behind the plate he has a bit of a ways to go in his receiving. Looked a bit clumsy getting settled into calling pitches. Really liked his demeanor in taking coaching from Collins and the coaching staff about his approach behind the dish.

2015 – 2B – Kyle Oyama – Oyama looks and plays like a ballplayer. Stocky/thick frame. Made the defensive play of the day ranging to his right, laying out then throwing a strike to get the runner at first. Shows a lot of maturity defensively and work very well with SS. Effective communicator with P/SS. Offensively he could show a bit more aggressiveness. Prototype nine-hole hitter in HS that could set the table for the top of the lineup. Smooth swing with a small zone. Was back picked by catcher after hitter pulled back on a squared bunt attempt.

Others to watch:

2013 – 1B/3B – Dan James – Former Oregon commit showed ability at the plate and defensively. Should have a chance to play collegiately.

2013 – OF – Logan Roberts – Was getting looked at by LBSU & UCI before being injured most of last season. Showed flashes at the plate and made two really nice plays defensively. Plus speed.