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PODCAST: SoCal ProCase Recap

ProCase Spotlights: SoCal Spotlights

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:

OF CHAD BORN (ORANGE LUTHERAN HS)

Rising 2020 OF Chad Born is the #33rd ranked player in California. The University of Miami commit checks in at 6-foot-1, 175 lbs with a lean athletic build, long arms and legs. Lanky, projectable frame, that is currently growing into his strength and power. There is plenty of room to enhance muscle and strength here, and might add an inch or two when it’s all said and done. At the moment, Born shows average to above average tools across the board, barring the power tool which is developing suitably along with the other tools. This top level recruit can do everything well on a baseball field doing it with style, and in arguably the best high school baseball conference in the country night-in, night-out; the Trinity League. One word always comes to mind when I watch Born play; Gamer.

Fairly safe bet that you will see Born at the top or middle of the loaded Orange Lutheran Lancers lineup in his senior campaign. Born displays a fluid, balanced swing, even on power strokes, and stays short to the ball for a long-armed hitter. He consistently shows the ability to square the ball up and a willingness to go with outside pitches, lending itself to a high average. Born has ample bat speed to handle velocity, budding power, level bat path with barrel staying in the hitting zone a long time, and really encouraged with his ability to make quick in-game adjustments. When Born maintains his simple approach, he is a tough out.

Defensive potential carries the profile and could make him a star. Born is an elite defender at a premium position, centerfield. He demonstrates an excellent first-step, getting good reads and glides to the gaps with ease. Arm is a tic above average, with carry and slight arm side tail, often one-hopping the mitt. Routes are typically straight lines with the flexibility to make deviations. I’ve been really impressed over the years with his athleticism and willingness to leave his feet on balls at the end of his range. Above average, graceful runner who gets the most out of it defensively and on the bases. Born’s speed and stolen base ability play up because of instincts and his knack to make quick reads. He studies pitchers, and will definitely be in the double digits in stolen bases throughout his high school college and professional career. In this ProCase viewing he clocked an electronic timed 7.24 60-yard dash, and more recently a hand timed 7.02 sixty at the Milwaukee Brewers Area Code Team Tryouts in Santa Barbara last week.

Born, in my opinion, could have the most upside and long term potential in the 2020 Southern California outfield class. He is an impact player for the OLu Lancers, who are three-time champions of the National High School Invitational in North Carolina. An Area Code Team alum, he's looking to make the upper-class team this summer and put his name firmly in the conversation as a top prospect. Born possesses all-around natural abilities, and is a joy to watch.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Inland Empire Top Prospect ID	CA	07/23	Santiago High School
Northern California Top Prospect ID	CA	07/24	St. Mary's College
Junior Future Games	NATIONAL	07/30	LakePoint
2019 PBR Future Games (California Invite)	CA	07/31	LakePoint - Cartersville, GA
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
Rising Stars Showcase	CA	09/21	Santiago High School

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