SoCal ProCase Spotlight: RHP Jacob Vargas
August 9, 2019
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ORANGE, CA. - The 2019 MLB Draft completed on June 5th, and on June 8th, it was time to turn our attention to the 2020 class at the SoCal ProCase. A select group of players were chosen to participate in this exclusive event geared toward high level collegiate and draft prospects.
Players were put through a pro-style workout - 60 yard dash, exit velocity testing, BP, defensive workout - before participating in scout ball format game that saw eight pitchers toe the rubber. PBR California scouting staff collected various stats/data during the workout and game which can be found HERE.
Be sure to click on the highlighted player to see more video and notes from previous viewings at PBR Events and during the Spring Season.
In this edition of the SoCal ProCase Spotlight we highlight:
RHP JACOB VARGAS (BISHOP AMAT HS)
Right-handed pitcher Jacob Vargas, a Cal-State Fullerton commit, is listed at 6-foot-3 215 pounds, displaying a power pitchers build with room for added strength down the line. Per the stats available to us, Vargas finished his 2019 junior season with a 4-1 record compiling a 1.04 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 33 strikeouts and 12 walks while allowing 5 earned runs over 33 ⅔ innings pitched for the Bishop Amat Lancers. Vargas signature outing during the 2019 season came against El Dorado High School in the first round of the Division 1 playoffs as he tossed six shutout innings, scattering four hits to help propel the Lancers to a 7-0 first round victory. Vargas also chipped in at the plate during the 2019 season, batting 358 with a 1.001 OPS, compiling 2 doubles, 3 triples and 1 home run over 53 at-bats.
Vargas showed consistency throughout his ProCase pitching performance, displaying advanced feel on the mound and mechanical repeatability. Releasing from an over-the-top release point, with his hands held high and a short-medium arm swing in the back. Overall the arm is clean with a consistent follow through but lacks electric arm speed. Vargas lower half worked well with his upper half and showed a consistent back leg follow through. Based off his size and stature, it seems that he could gain more ground with a longer extension down the mound thus potentially creating more velocity.
Vargas pounded the zone with a three-pitch mix consisting of a 4-seam fastball, breaking ball and change-up. The 4-seam fastball showed downward plane with run topping at 88 mph and sitting comfortably at 85-88 mph. Vargas featured a sharp breaking ball at 74 mph that displays swing and miss ability but also showed inconsistent break. Completing the three-pitch mix was a change-up at 70 mph, showing a desirable speed differential from his fastball, advanced feel and the ability to throw in any count.
Jacob Vargas ProCase pitching performance looked the part of a future Big West pitcher, with repeatable mechanics, three-pitch mix and the ability to command the zone. An uptick in velocity, command and consistency of the breaking ball coupled with his change of pace change-up should make him a successful starter down the line.
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| California State Games | CA | 08/17 | Vanguard University |
| Kern County Prospect I.D. | CA | 09/07 | Cal State Bakersfield |
| SoCal Prospect Games | CA | 09/14 | JSerra High School |
| NorCal Top Prospect Games | CA | 09/21 | College of Marin |
| Rising Stars Showcase | CA | 09/21 | Santiago High School |
| N. CA Uncommitted Senior Games | CA | 10/06 | College of Marin |