Spring Training 2019 Wrap Up

As our Spring Training 2019 experience came to an end last week in Florida; let's look at the individual award winners from our Ontario Nationals chosen by PBR Ontario.

After practicing each day, playing games and participating in an All-Tournament Scout Day; we are so proud of all the players for representing our organization with the utmost class. Here are our award winners from the week:

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM:

INF Jake Douglas: Douglas was the story of the week at Spring Training. Douglas displayed impressive power and did so consistently, taking advantage of anything hittable. On Day 2, Douglas hit the first and only HR by a Canadian player, sending a pitch over the fence by a mile. He later followed up with a loud double in the gap, one of many. Douglas' improved athleticism was evident as he ran a 7.02 60 yard dash, and with strength which led to a 95 mph exit velocity. Douglas is an uncommitted bat to watch closely. (via PBR Ontario)

OF Nick Styles: Styles was solid all week long, deservingly earning a spot on the all-tourny team. His great week was wrapped up with an outstanding day 5 which included a single, double, and triple, showing his ability to work line-to-line and use his speed which has been up to 7.00. On Scout day, Styles recorded the 3rd best outfield throwing velocity of 87 mph, while also topping out at 84 mph off the tee. The uncommitted outfielder was named our senior steal during the week, and it shouldn't be long before the Nationals product finds a home. (via PBR Ontario)

OF Tanner Almond: Almond was a standout and an easy choice to be all-tourney member. He impressed from the start of the week, putting together a couple solid rounds of batting practice, displaying a controlled, upward swing. The swing translated in-game where he got on plane early and was able to get out front and drive the baseball. It's an athletic and projectable build, and with added strength, his 82 mph arm strength along with power will take big jumps. As Almond heads into only his sophomore season, he has lots of time to continue developing an already impressive toolset. (via PBR Ontario)

RHP Nick LoStracco: LoStracco threw in multiple games and showed really well, earning a spot on the all-tourney team. He was best in his final appearance on day 5, sitting 83-84 mph while topping out at 86 mph. His arm works comfortably from a high 3/4 arm slow while landing in-line and following through aggressively allowing him to create extension. LoStracco mixed in some slow-breaking curveballs which had depth as well. The Ontario Nationals arm was a clear top arm throughout the week. (via PBR Ontario)

RHP Bennett Moore: Moore is a very projectable and exciting Ontario Nationals prospect. The righty features an arm stab out back and comes forward from a high 3/4 arm slot throwing his fastball up to 84 mph. He threw downhill, making for an uncomfortable at-bat for any hitter. Moore has the potential to develop into an imposing arm in the 2020 class and with strength gains will do so. (via PBR Ontario)

Canadian Spring Training Surprises:

INF Blake Gillespie: Gillespie was a standout on day one of the week as his athleticism and actions in the field were evident in practice. His defensive ability translated to games where he was controlled fielding and transferring before getting off throws up to 80 mph. He played with ease and showed little pressure against good competition. The actions at the plate were raw, but there is bat-to-ball ability and looseness in his swing. His young age with years to develop make him an interesting player on both ends, but his glove looks to be his carrying tool. (via PBR Ontario)


Tournament MVP: INF Jake Douglas

Douglas, an uncommitted 2019 infielder out of the Ontario Nationals program, made his mark on the week going 8-for-15 with 1 HR, 4 2B, 1 3B and 3 walks en route to MVP honours. "He definitely put himself on the map, and he has earned every single bit of it," said Jeremy Jayaweera, the Nationals' Director of Baseball Operations. "As an organization we were happy that people got to see Jake during game play." Over the course of the week, it was pretty easy to see why Douglas' at-bats were must-see. Standing at a stocky 5-foor-11, 180-pounds, even the outs were loud. Douglas has a quiet approach to the plate, and keeps it really simple while showing barrel feel to all fields. "He has developed into a mature player, and it showed" Jayaweera added. "Being his graduating year, we couldn't of asked for anything more during this trip. We cannot wait for what comes next for Jake." With the CPBL season only a few weeks away, it's tough to imagine someone like Douglas still being on the market for much longer. Either way, PBR will be following him closely on the summer circuit. (via PBR Ontario)

Daily Awards:

Player of the Day: Jake Douglas, Day 2

Pitcher of the Day: Owen Mitchell, Day 5

Play of the Day: Jack Hourahine, Day 2

Senior Steal of the Day: Nick Styles, Day 2/Nick LoStracco, Day 5

Surprise of the Day: Blake Gillespie, Day 3