Lucas
Kelly

NorCal Preseason All-State: Kelly was one of my favorite young ‘22’s to get to see during the 2019 season and he put on a show having a strong season in the West Catholic League. Projection has always been there and he’s starting to tap into it more consistently. At the plate the very high hands, squatted stance is athletic with a high front foot allowing the barrel to have a compact swing behind him before unloading upwards through the baseball (90 EV); regularly drove the gap and hit at my count 4 out of the park deep to LF. The late barrel speed is impressive and the added pop will continue to show up more as he matures. At SS, Kelly moves well using his big stride to cover ground with timing and rhythm through the baseball; the glove is soft and there’s good posture when fielding out in front of him. The arm worked from different slots keeping throws firm across the infield (82 INF). Kelly finished the day showing more arm strength on the hill as he stays over the rubber well with a longer stride allowing the compact arm to finish out over the firm front side. FB 84-86 with arm side run and life at the plate. CHG 78 late sinking action. CB 73 11/6 shape and small overhand bend. With the way he swang it and how big his frame is, projecting a power hitting/strong armed 3B at the next level isn’t out of the question. Expect Kelly to be a name high on lists this Spring.

NCA Underclass ID - Large, lanky and very lean frame with squared shoulders showing lean current strength. Long, inline stride moving well underway (7.78 60yd). Open, crouched stance with high back elbow and high hands showing pre-pitch hand bounce. Quick foot lift as he puts weight into back hip as hands lift and back hip starts to drive to baseball; small bat wrap around the head with load. Shows quick bat speed as he creates easy leverage driving the ball to the pullside and showing pop that way as well; strong quick hands can do a lot of damage to the baseball with full turns from strong back hip (83 EV). Keeps feet underneath him with compact steps; high hips keeping glove out front and feet staying balance with solid step and throw technique. Some lateral range with throws online; loose arm from compact 3/4 release putting balls on the bag (81 MPH). Saw him produce during regular season and frame projects more strength and power. Chance to be a power hitting corner INF.

at Menlo - caught my eye during pregame with his large, physical frame including length in the lower half and overall projectability. His arm was loose and easy being able to get the ball all across the diamond without much effort. Kelly made some freshman mental mistakes during pregame not knowing where to be, but those mistakes are easily fixable as he plays with the Fightin’ Irish more. He started as the DH during the game and had a great day at the plate going 2-3 with a BB, 2B and 4 RBI. Kelly stands open with a crouch and high hands wiggling showing projectable bat speed from a balanced swing that shows feel for the barrel. During his 2nd AB he got a 1st pitch FB out over the plate and drove it into RCF to clear the bases. That barrel feel came into play during the 4th AB when he was fooled, but stayed behind the ball enough to flick the barrel and hit the ball through the middle of the infield. He was a very impressive ‘22 player and one we will definitely keep our eyes on.