Had a chance to see Vista Murrieta play Aliso Niguel last
night in a Lions Tournament game at Glover Stadium in Anaheim.
This was the second time in a week I’ve seen Vista Murrieta
and the third time since the fall ball season that I’ve seen Aliso Niguel.
While the game was a pitchers duel for the first five
innings, Vista Murrieta broke it open in the fifth before adding a couple more
runs in the sixth eventually winning 5-1. The Broncos proved to be too much for
the Wolverines bullpen after starter, Ryan Randel, had pitched a gem for Aliso
Niguel.
Below are some thoughts on individual players.
Vista Murrieta:
2016 RHP Jack Moberg:
Moberg was the starter last week when I saw VM against Tustin. While he looked
average in that start, he looked incredible against Aliso Niguel. The sophomore
was dialed in from the outset. Sitting 83-85 with the FB, 73-76 CH, and 67 CB,
it was his command that stood out the most. Working quickly, Moberg’s off speed
stuff got better as the game wore on as he began using the fastball as a
secondary pitch. He’s listed at 6’0” but appears shorter than that. Also
hammered a 2 RBI double to left field that one-hopped the wall.
2014 C Ryan Lillie
(UCR): Absolutely impressed with Lillie again. The UC Riverside signee does
so many things well behind the plate – frames, moves laterally, blocks, catches
& throws (1.89 best pop). At the plate he is aggressive but in control and
shows very good pitch recognition – also had a 2 RBI double. An absolute steal
for the Highlanders in this class!
2014 OF Coltin
Gerhart (ASU): The right handed hitting outfielder is an impressive
physical specimen. Aggressive at the plate with a lot of power, the Arizona
State signee also possesses a lot of speed (4.56 with a turn). In the outfield
he didn’t get a chance to show off the arm although last week he gunned a
runner at first base from right field. A scout told me last night that he’d be
shocked if he continues with football after one year in college.
2014 1B/RHP J.T.
McLellan: A broken leg his sophomore year and an injured wrist last year
are the only things keeping McLellan from being committed. A clear D1 player,
his future is likely at 1B although he’s playing 3B for Vista Murrieta at the
time. A big powerful bat, McLellan shows a patient approach along with very
good pitch recognition. On the mound last week he touch 87 with a very
effortless and repeatable delivery.
Aliso Niguel:
2014 RHP Ryan Randel:
The big righty was on his game early and often. Sitting 84-86 with the FB,
73-76 with a deep changeup, and 69-71 with a tight spinning, late breaking,
two-plane curveball, he was masterful in his five innings pitched. His off
speed pitches got better and better as his outing wore on while his curveball
was unhittable from the outset. His command of all pitches was impressive and
left one scout to tell me “on any other team, this guy is the dude.”
2015 RHP/OF Kyle
Molnar(UCLA): The UCLA commit saw two pitches in his first two at-bats and place
both in the same spot, center field for base hits. In his third at-bat he
grounded out to shortstop flashing his speed (4.33) down the line. In the
outfield he is as graceful as he is intimidating on the mound. Shows great
awareness and takes great routes to the ball although he didn’t have an
opportunity to throw anyone out.
2014 OF/RHP Anthony
Sommer: One of the captains for the Wolverines was impressive at the plate
in that he laid off bad pitches and was aggressive with good ones. His RBI
single led to the only run on the evening for Aliso Niguel. Came in to pitch in
relief and showed some good stuff. Sitting 84-86 FB he flashed a very sharp, late
breaking CB that was 67-69.
2016 1B, C, OF Blake
Sabol: Although he’s off to a slow start offensively, the sophomore catcher
has not let that affect his defense. Flashing pop times in the 1.97 – 2.09,
Sabol has demonstrated that his skills behind the plate have improved enough
that he may be able to stay back there at the next level, something which hasn’t
always been considered until recently.