Cooper
Casey

The other half of the Dragons middle infield duo Casey is a compact wiry built RH hitter who perfectly fits the “ball player” moniker given by coaches to players whose overall game plays stronger than their raw tools. Casey has performed well at a trio of Prep Baseball California events and this being my second live look at him on the High School circuit he just consistently plays at a strong level. He is solid across the board from his glove to his arm to his feel to hit and his run ability with his lightest tool being his raw power, but as a table-setter profile that suits him just fine. Casey works quality plate appearances with discipline to stay within his plan and get pitches he wants to hit over attacking anything within the zone. When the RH hitter gets a pitch he likes he delivers a compact bat to ball based swing which is showing more bat speed now that he has added a leg kick to get more rhythm with his lower half. Still only a Soph. the foundation of ability I’ve seen in Casey intrigues me to his future as he continues to mature as a player, but even more so physically/athletically.

Cooper Casey, Foothill Technology (CA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-7, 142-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Stays low during swing with low hands, heavy load, high leg lift. Longer path, snaps wrists, possesses slight lift, sprays the field. 60.3 mph bat speed with 14 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 82.4 mph. 317' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-77 mph. Full arm circle, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Easy and athletic, fields through the ball.
ATH: 7.25 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 76.89 Edge Score

Casey returned to the Preseason ID stage after a sound 2024 appearance at the OC Preseason ID and a solid showing at the Future Games Tryout: Ventura County in summer 2024. He continues to get stronger and more athletic having added some strength to his wiry athletic frame with room to keep building. As well, he ran a personal best for our staff in the 60 clocking a 7.25 and the arm continues to get stronger up to 75 MPH now. He plays downhill with quick feet on the dirt and solid hands into a quick transfer which helped him to see significant time at SS on the varsity level as a FR., but the increases in his arm strength with room to keep adding more may give him a chance to stay there long term. In addition the swing path continues to trend upward for Casey who showed better leverage with more impact during his 3 rounds of BP lacing the ball the middle of the field with carry. His peak EV is now up to 88.1 MPH while averagaing just under 83 MPH. Casey should be the full time starter at SS for Foothill Tech again this spring and as just a '27 the arrow on him points up to keep getting better.

Cooper Casey, Foothill Technology (CA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-8, 140-pounds. Athletic frame with room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Even stance with hands away from his body positioned by his ear. Lots of movement in hands during load. Short, quick swing through the zone.
Power: Shoots the ball where it is pitched.
Arm: RH. INF-74 mph. Low three quarters release across the infield.
Defense: Athletic footwork progressing through the play.
ATH: Explodes off the line.

Cooper Casey, Foothill Technology (CA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-7, 140-pounds. Small lean athletic frame
Hit: RHH. Sets up even with his feet wider than shoulder with in a small crouch. Hands are set low with a low back elbow around chest height just below his ear. Keeps hands loose with bat waggle. Short stride with his forward move and loads hands back into the launch position. Sequences his lower 1/2, upper body and hands well with some quickness to the swing. His bat path and hands work in a direct path with a flatter angle through contact playing to line drive contact. Shows a middle to pull heavy approach. 60.9 mph bat speed with 22 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 78.6 mph. 310' max distance. With a flatter bat path and smaller frame his power profiles to play for doubles carry to the gaps with sneaky pull side HR potential presently. Showed a consistent feel for hard contact.
Arm: RH. INF-74 mph. Arm stroke is fluid with some depth to the back swing, but shows quickness. Ball comes out with carry. Shows strong feel for accuracy.
Defense: First step is quick with good body control and actions through the ball. Plays well laterally and downhill with instincts. Hands are fluid and can play both 1 and 2 handed.
ATH: 7.45 runner in the 60. shows burst off the line with quickness in running stride.