March 29, 2022

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

The Canadian Junior Team resumes action south of the border in West Palm Beach, Fla., from April 13-23. Amateur scouts and college recruiters have not been able to evaluate Canada’s best high schoolers since March of 2020.

However, there were plenty of scouts on hand when the Langley Blaze, with pick ups from across the land, visited pro camps to play first- and second-year pros, plus college teams in Phoenix, Ariz.

And it would appear off early returns that this July’s draft might be the year of the pitcher again. Position players have been the top Canucks selected the past four drafts and seven of the past 10 drafts have been catchers, infielders and outfielders.

It used to be teams would select, a pitcher, a pitcher, a pitcher and then another pitcher when it came to Canucks, back when the draft consisted of 50 rounds. Now, it’s a 20-round, three-day session.

When the Blaze made its trip south, pitchers dominated. Impressing, according to scouts, were the likes of:

Toronto Mets RHP Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.) lived in the 95.0 mph area code in Arizona.

RHP Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.) Toronto Mets.

He had three outings on the trip and hit 95 mph each time, with a plus curveball too. His outings attracted front office guys and he was the top arm of interest, surprising many. He showed an over the top delivery which was live and whippy.

RHP Jacob Zibin (Langley, BC) Langley Blaze.

He sat 94-95 mph, and displayed a plus changeup and slider. He has an imposing frame (6-foot-4, 210-pounder) and there appears to be plenty left in the tank down the road.

RHP Anson McGorman (Parksville, BC) Vauxhall Academy Jets/C-Utah

Was 92-94 mph with movement, commanded the zone, good slider, one to watch.

RHP Parker Burgess (Douro-Dummer Ont.) Toronto Mets.

Hit 94 mph one outing was 92-93 in his last outing. He competes well and is projectable.

RHP Boston Warkentin (Delta, BC) Okotoks Dawgs.

Hit 90-92 mph, but pitched well and drew scouts.

RHP Micah Buckham (Abbotsford, BC) Langley Blaze/C-LSU.

Was much better at 92-93 mph and showed a much-improved changeup.

INF Nate Ochoa (Burlington, Ont.) FieldHouse Pirates.

Showed some power. Like Danny Pinero (Toronto, Ont.) will probably have to move from shortstop to a corner spot.

LHP Reece Ussleman (Langley, BC) Langley Blaze.

Was 84-88 mph but was a deceptive 84-88 mph. Was strong with his off speed pitches. Scouts were impressed with him as a lefty with upside.

RHP Turner Spoljaric (Lisle, Ont.) Toronto Mets/ C-Oregon.

Clocked at 88-91, might have been the best results pitcher facing pro teams. Knows how to pitch.

RHP Michael Grabman (Dartmouth, NS) Okotoks Dawgs/C-Oregon.

Was clocked at 93-94 mph with a life.

OF Elijah Olaybal (Walnut Grove, BC) Langley.

Had a few 4.1 clockings to first base, hit a home run and was consistent at the plate.

OF Ty Hamilton (Orleans, Ont.) Watson Elite.

Was much improved, got better each day, and showed well in the OF.

1B Seth Watt (Langley, BC) Langley.

Had five hits against pro arms. The 6-foot-3 220-pounder moves well at first and has a chance.

Jack Pineau (Thunder Bay, Ont.) Toronto Mets/ Port Arthur Nationals 2023.

Clocked at 91-92 mph and had three pitches. He shows a high upside and competes. He woke up some guys.

Sam Shaw (Victoria, BC) Victoria Mariners, 2023

Hits a lot of line drive singles, handles the bat well.

Top Canadians drafted in the past 10 years

2021 _ Brewers, INF Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.) Toronto Mets/Wright State.

2020 _ Padres, OF Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.) FieldHose Pirates

2019 _ Blue Jays, OF Dasan Brown (Oakville, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays

2018 _ Guardians, C Noah (Bo) Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays

2017 _ Twins, RHP Landon Leach (Toronto, Ont.) Toronto Mets

2016 _ Padres, RHP Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) Ontario Terriers

2015 _ Marlins, OF Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays.

2014 _ Mariners, OF Gareth Morgan (North York, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays.

2013 _ Cubs, LHP Rob Zastryzny (Edmonton, Alta.) University of Missouri.

2012 _ Pirates, INF Eric Wood (Pickering, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays/Blinn College