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Recap of Yesterday’s Axcess Baseball x Diamond Spikes Showcase

Yesterday was our annual joint showcase with the Diamond Spikes. We couldn’t have asked for a better day – it was absolutely perfect weather for a fall baseball which was a great start.

I cannot stress enough that this was a golden opportunity for 2022 and 2023 graduates to get some exposure and potentially find their home for college. There was a near 4:1 college coach to player ratio, and many of the schools were looking for 2022 immediate impact players that could also potentially receive scholarship money. Not sure if there’s anything more of a slam dunk than that scenario. Additionally, with Larry Izzo of the NY Mets in attendance, that meant two pro scouts had eyes on the players. For the players that took advantage of this opportunity, they were rewarded with showcasing themselves to several colleges and featured on our social media platforms.

Moving forward, this is not a showcase you should be missing if you have aspirations of playing at the next level and you are struggling to find exposure.

Here are some of the players that caught my eye as impressive ballplayers

Zach Rosenzweig (Plainedge 2024)

This kid has all the tools and he got everyone talking about him. The first thing you notice is the size. At 6’0 200 lbs, he certainly looks the part. He stated that he chose to not continue playing football so he can focus on his baseball career. I’m never going to advise a kid to quit another sport, but in his case, I think it is smart since his future does appear to be on the diamond behind the dish. His pop time of 1.96 lit up the stopwatches. This was confirmed by two different coaches who had the same time. Obviously, this doesn’t always translate into games but it’s a terrific baseline number to be working with as a 10th grader. Rosenzweig can also swing it. He recorded the highest exit velocity of the day at 105 MPH. He will need to work on consistently barreling balls up, but the potential is limitless.

Ryan Degnan (Carey 2022)

The 6’3 RHP probably was the most polished pitcher in attendance. He throws three pitches for strikes. I’ve seen him in game action, he pitched very well at our Axcess Invitational back in July. Fastball sits in the low 80s and tops at 83, he also has command of his offspeed pitches. To me, he’s a Division-II starting pitcher in the northeast.

Thomas Charlwood (Lindenhurst 2023)

Charlwood already has varsity experience under his belt as he was in the Bulldogs’ rotation as a sophomore. He has very clean mechanics and pounds the zone with his fastball. His curveball has a ton of movement, but I told him he will need to focus on throwing the “get-me-over” breaking ball early in the count, because since it has so much movement it seems harder for him to locate it for strike. On an 0-2 count that is usually getting a whiff. He’s not the biggest kid, but he can touch 83. That is plenty at the varsity level. He also mixed in a change up. Since he’s only just entering his junior season I wouldn’t put a label on what level he can pitch at especially if he experiences another bump in velocity but I will say that he will likely anchor the Lindenhurst rotation.

Christopher Arcati (St. Edmund Prep 2022)

The metrics were impressive. He ran the quickest 60-yard dash at 6.8. He also recorded a peak exit velocity of 93.1 and another at 91 during the round of BP. He is a third baseman and RHP but I think his future is as a position player.

Leo Asta (Mepham 2022)

Leo logged experience at the varsity level this year. His three pitch mix of a fastball, curveball and changeup certainly can play at the next level. Nice clean mechanics with great arm action. Threw strikes consistently. Curveball had a real sharp bite to it, so I think that’s an out pitch in college. And at 6’2 175 lbs, he has a really good build for a pitcher that will only benefit from the weight training program at a college program.

Mike Tiseo (St. Francis Prep 2022)

Tiseo is a prototypical power hitter. If you make a mistake, he will do damage. The corner infielder recorded an exit velocity of 95.6 which is in line with high-end collegiate hitters. He’s 6’2 220 lbs and ran a 7.44 60 so the future may be at first base for him but that doesn’t mean he can’t be an asset at the Division-I or II collegiate level.

Nicholas Delvecchio (Holy Trinity 2023)

Delvecchio is the reason why college coaches need to pay attention. On the surface, the metrics don’t jump out (yet). He runs a 7.5 60, his arm strength is 76 across the diamond and his peak exit velocity is 87 MPH, but when you watch – you notice a trend. This kid makes all the plays, he seems to get a hit every game and he is instinctive. Perhaps he’s not a Division-I player, but he proved last year on the varsity level that he belongs. He has an innate ability to barrel the ball up and smart college coaches understand you need that type of player in the lineup everyday. If he winds up experiencing another bump in strength and is touching triple digits, then everyone will know him but for know he remains an under-the-radar type player that I would buy-low on.

Nico Quiroz (Holy Trinity 2023)

As we’ve mentioned before, Nico is a high-motor, relentless athlete that maximizes his ability. He is a high-academic student that is looking at some of the top universities in the country where he can play ball. Fortunately, the northeast has a handful of great options that fit that description. Schools such as Williams and Swarthmore are ones that come to mind. His 60-yard dash was 7.2, his outfield velo was 76 and his exit velocity was 80. He is still growing so those numbers could easily jump this time next year. In the outfield, he can really go get it. I expect a big year out of him at Holy Trinity next year as he was able to get his feet wet as a sophomore with a late-season callup.

Caleb Aurelien (St. Anthony’s 2023)

Caleb was really impressive. He had the third fastest 60-yard dash at 6.9. Additionally, he had the best OF arm velocity at 81 MPH and the third best exit velocity at 94 MPH. And he stands 6’4 190 lbs, so the future is exciting for him. Really big fan of his, fascinated to he what type of season he has in the CHSAA this season.

Patrick Reyes (Plainedge 2022)

Reyes is a player that could have an immediate impact at the collegiate level. He’s got a short, compact stroke and makes contact frequently. His peak exit velocity was 89 which puts him in line with Division-II players. As you can see in the above video, the ball jumps off his bat. His raw arm strength in the OF was 79 so just shy of the best in attendance. If I’m a Division-II coach I jump on him now and put him in the mix to compete right away.

Jack Hellerer (Mepham 2022)

Jack is another player that has varsity experience and could potentially step into a role and play right away at certain colleges. He is adept at playing the catching position, as evidenced by his receiving, blocking and throwing skills (2.0 pop). Not a gifted runner but moves well enough behind the dish. At the plate, he had a good round of BP with a peak exit velocity of 84 MPH.

Owen Shortell (Smithtown East 2023)

Owen had the best pop time in attendance at 1.93 and 1.44 to third base. He is quick-twitchy and athletic for a catcher. His peak exit velocity was 88 so he has some pop in his bat as well. He played varsity last season for East, so he should be one of their key contributors once again this season. Due to his athleticism, he can also play the middle infield and his short arm action helps him have a quick release across the diamond.

 

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Vinny is the President of Axcess Baseball. He is a 2013 graduate of Adelphi University and he is currently the Long Island area scout for the San Diego Padres

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