FSU baseball recruiting: Scouting the FSU recruits at the UA All-American qualifier

FSU baseball commits have been all over the state of Florida since travel baseball started back up. With nearly four months off, guys have been a bit rusty but have shown the tools to be impact players at the next level. A couple weeks ago, the ‘Noles had a hand full of commits compete in Baseball Factory’s FL qualifier for the Under Armor All-American game. I had the chance to head out to Daytona to scout the Seminole commits.

For the second straight showcase, Jaime Ferrer was a standout player, not just of the FSU commits, but of all the players at the event. Ferrer has all the tools in the tool box. The catcher ran a 6.5 60-yard dash and has been up to 95 MPH from the OF and the pop times are consistently sub-1.90. There’s also a lot to like in the swing. He stays compact and short to the ball and creates natural strength from his athletic frame. Working at TNXL Academy, which is quickly becoming an FSU pipeline, he’s only going to get stronger and faster before he reaches campus.

For Ferrer’s full day at the plate, see below:

Edwin Arroyo is a freak of nature on the diamond. He switch hits and can switch pitch while throwing 90+ from both sides(yes, you read that right). At the event, Arroyo posted a raw velocity of 97 MPH and ran a 6.53 60-yard dash. In the batter’s box, he creates natural bat whip and loft from a relaxed stance. The hands are quiet and quick through the zone. In the field, Arroyo has the athleticism and arm to stick at SS at the next level. His actions are smooth and simple, and the arm is accurate. The #1 prospect in Puerto Rico has all the tools to dream on.

For Arroyo’s full day at the plate, see below:

Jackson Baumeister is FSU’s top rated commit in the 2021 class. The catcher looked quite rusty, as it was his first time back out on the field since early February. The timing was a bit off at the plate, but he showed an advanced approach. Baumeister also showed the ability to go to all fields during BP. The frame presents a lot of room to add strength over the next few years. Behind the plate, he has soft hands and the arm to stick behind the plate, posting a raw velocity of 93 MPH at the event.

For Baumeister’s full day at the plate, see below:

Satchell Norman once again showed his quick-twitch abilities on the field at the showcase. Behind the plate, he has tools to love. He’s got an above average arm, and the transfer is quick as he gets the ball down to second base. He is also quite athletic for a catcher, running a sub-7.0 60. He also posted the 4th best pop time of the event at 1.88. At the plate, Norman does a good job of keeping his hands inside his body. The bat speed is above average from his quick, strong wrists.

For Norman’s full day at the plate, see below:

Cade Bush continues to make hard contact in games when I see him. Just like at the PBR FL ProCase, Bush made solid contact in two AB’s. It’s hard to top the natural strength of Bush at the plate. When he makes contact, the ball jumps off his bat. Bush posted one of the best exit velocities at the event, with the ball coming off his bat at 96 MPH. He’s a prototypical power-hitting 1B.

For Bush’s full day at the plate, see below:

Davion Hickson was one of just a few 2022 recruits that the event showcased. Hickson was really impressive on the bump in three innings of work. The RHP held at 88-91 MPH with his fastball for the entirety of his outing, while pounding the zone with his FB and CB. The CB is a real swing and miss pitch already, with 11-5 shape at 75-77 MPH. He also threw a hard change up at 83-85 MPH, but had struggles controlling it from a new grip. The delivery is about as low effort as it gets and it’s a tough at-bat for any hitter as he comes from a low 3/4 arm slot. Between the lanky frame (6’4, 182 lb) and the low effort delivery, Hickson is as projectable as they come.

For Hickson’s full outing, see below: