Elliott: Jaden Brown a hit at The Trop

By Bob Elliott
Canadian Baseball Network

So what happens eight days after the final name is called in the 2018 draft of high schoolers and collegians?

Well, the best high schoolers, scouting directors, cross checkers and scouts gathered for the  18th annual Perfect Game National Showcase at Tropicana Field. 

When you think about it, while it may be early the 2019 draft is only 355 days away.

Two highly-ranked Canadians for 2019 were on hand: SS Cesar Valero (Calgary, Alta.) of the Okotoks Dawgs and the Canadian Junior National Team, who has committed to Oregon State and INF Jaden Brown (Mississauga, Ont.) of the Ontario Blue Jays and the Canadian Junior Team, who has committed to the Kentucky Wildcats were both there.

Valero hurt his left shoulder on a swing, yet nothing is broken or fractured. He did not participate in many events. 

The top ranked Canadian high school players for 2019 by Perfect Game
1. 75 Jaden Brown SS 2B 6-1 180 R R St. Marcellinus S.S. Mississauga, ON Kentucky Ontario Blue Jays    
2. 365. Cesar Valero SS 2B, 3B, OF 6-2 186 R R Foothills Composite Calgary, AB Oregon State Okotoks Dawgs    
3. 409 Keegan Pulford-Thorpe LHP 6-4 186 R L Newmarket Newmarket, ON Toronto Mets 17U    
4. 423 Blake Buckle C 1B, OF 6-1 205 L R Craig Kielburger SS Milton, ON Ontario Blue Jays

Perfect Game Data
By Kirk Gardner and Jheremy Brown

Top 60-yard times
1. Jerrion Ealy 6.13 2019 Jackson Preparatory Carthage, MS
43. (Tied) Jaden Brown 6.64 2019 St. Marcellinus S.S. Mississauga, ON 

Top exit velocities
1. Brett Baty 101 2019 Lake Travis Spicewood, TX
53. (Tied) Jaden Brown 95 2019 St. Marcellinus S.S. Mississauga, ON

Top infield velocities
1. Rece Hinds 98 2019 Niceville Senior Niceville, FL
61. (Tied) Jaden Brown 86 2019 St. Marcellinus S.S. Mississauga, ON

Batting Practice Highlights

Jaden Brown (2019 SS, Mississauga, ON) showed really loose hands and quickness to the baseball with line drives to all fields. Brown went to both gaps with his approach and hard contact.

Navy vs. Purple Highlights

Jaden Brown (2019 SS, Mississauga, ON) had a couple of knocks for the Navy team, singling in each of his first two trips, the first of which brought in a run for his squad.

Brown had a 1.70 10-yard split, while Valero had an INF velocity of 83 MPH.