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FSU’s staff hasn’t been able to hit the fields and scout, but they’ve kept active on the recruiting trail this summer. Since Mike Martin Jr. was promoted and Mike Metcalf was hired as his recruiting coordinator, a few trends have become apparent: projectable pitchers, athletic INF/OF, and physical backstops. The ‘Noles picked up their second physical backstop of the 2022 class tonight in Santiago Ordonez.
Ordonez comes out of Coconut Creek, FL and Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS. In his shortened sophomore season, Ordonez hit .529 with two HR’s in six games. The catcher has a short and stocky frame, standing at 5’9, 180 pounds. The Florida native is rated the 15th catcher from the state in the class.
At the plate, Ordonez packs a punch with quick hands and a swing plane that creates launch off the barrel. He also extends well through the ball and gets production out of a strong lower half. He’s posted big numbers at the plate wherever he’s been, picking up All-tournament team honors at four of his last five Perfect Game tournaments.
Santiago Ordonez (2022, Coconut Creek, FL) keeps the swing on plane nicely here to drop in a two-run single for @CBAcad. Physical kid, accomplished C/T guy behind the dish too. #BCS pic.twitter.com/HtYgERBDCK
— Perfect Game Florida (@Florida_PG) June 26, 2020
The defense behind the plate is likely what caught the coaching staff’s attention the most. Ordonez’s arm is likely his best tool. The catcher posted an event best pop time of 1.83 at the PG Junior national showcase in Hoover last week.
2022 Uncommitted Spotlight Santiago Ordonez C (Coconut Creek, FL) PG Grade 8.5, 1.91 pop time, 82mph Exit Velo, gains good ground behind the plate and has a naturally lifted barrel plane, #15 2022 C in FL #PGSpotlight https://t.co/FJD99LOznd pic.twitter.com/8Dv5i8eu6Q
— PG Showcases (@PGShowcases) December 16, 2019
The backstop moves FSU’s 2022 class to 8th in the nation. The Seminoles now have 13 commits and two catchers in the class. From the 2020-23 classes, FSU has eight catcher commits. With the 2021 class nearly complete and a couple more spots left in the 2022 class, the focus will likely shift to the 2023 and 2024 cycles for the staff the rest of the summer.
I had the chance to ask the newest commit a couple questions:
Q: First off, was FSU a dream school for you growing up?
“Yes, FSU was a dream school for me. I’ve always followed them in every sport, I’ve loved the school forever.”
Q: What does it mean to you to call yourself a ‘Nole now?
“It means everything to me to call myself a ‘Nole, it’s been a dream for me to play in garnet and gold.”
Q: From your talks with the coaching staff, what’s been your biggest take away from them and what they’ll do for you while you’re at FSU?
“The coaching staff at FSU is top notch and will for sure help me out. While I’m at FSU I know the Coaching staff will help me develop into a better player and will get me into the next level.”