2/10/26 : High Performance Camp - Day Seventeen
- Steve Potter
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Workouts continued for camp participants. While the emphasis is on strength training and conditioning the winter version of HP Camp has more baseball practice activities than the Fall version.
HP Camp workouts were held on the complex training fields. Position player drills were conducted on Carlton field - a full infield/outfield joint session. Batting practice was held on three fields - Ashburn, Carlton and Roberts.
I watched both fielding and batting practice. Keaton Anthony took some fielding reps in right field along with first base as did Felix Reyes. Seventeen year old Romeli Espinosa has a rocket for an arm - the long and lean infielder is taking reps at shortstop and third base.
On Ashburn Field during BP both Jack Barker and Nate Humphries pelted the parking lot beyond the right field fences with long flies. On Roberts Field Felix Reyes hit one off the scoreboard and another into the trees beyond the walking trail behind the left field fences. Aroon Escobar has easy pop - the strong young man has a smooth swing and the ball jumps off his bat - he’s got a chance to be a special player. Both Dante Nori and Carson DeMartini had very solid BP sessions - line drives aplenty. I really like Robert Phelps overall demeanor on the field - he’s upbeat, encourages teammates and has skills - solid looking player at shortstop with a willingness to play wherever and a good short stroke as a hitter.
Twenty- five pitchers threw side bullpen sessions today on the seven mounds area and in the lab - Ryan Degges, Ryan Dromboski, Saul Teran, Marty Gair, Aaron Combs, Gabe Craig, Ryan Cusick, Luke Gabrysh, Cade Obermueller, Cody Bowker, James Tallon, Peyton Havard, Jacob Pruitt, Mavis Graves (up down), Christian McGowan, Gage Wood, Alexander De Los Santos, Wen Hui Pan, Brian Walters, Tegan Cain, Kyler Carmack, Sean Youngerman, Casey Steward, Ramon Marquez and Naoel Mejia. Luke Davis, Alirio Ferrebus, Kodey Shojinaga, Luke Vierling and Anderson Araujo were the catchers.
Some of the major league players and non-roster invites are at the Complex doing early work as well before big league camp officially opens tomorrow - today pitchers Jonathan Bowlan, Brad Keller, Jesus Luzardo, Kyle Backhus, Max Lazar, Andrew Painter, Alan Rangel, Nolan Hoffman, Zach Pop, Aaron Nola, Chase Shugart, Jonathan Hernandez, Tim Mayza, Trevor Richards, Christopher Sanchez, Alex McFarlane, Andrew Walling and Jean Cabrera threw side bullpens on the seven mounds. Rafael Marchan, Garrett Stubbs, Paul McIntosh, Kehden Hettiger, Caleb Ricketts and Mark Kolozsvary were the catchers.
Camp Spotlight : Aroon Escobar - 21 years old (22 on 1/1/27) - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/22 - Caracas, Venezuela
2025 Stats : RH hitter/thrower - played primarily second base - makes great turns at second on double plays, strong accurate arm, quick exchange - good range as well - has also played third base. Began the year with Clearwater - 69 games - 316 plate appearances - .285/.377/.452 slash line, .829 OPS - 12 doubles, 11 home runs, 42 RBIs, 32 walks, 51 strikeouts and 10 stolen bases. Promoted to Jersey Shore on 7/8 - 46 games - 198 plate appearances - .256/.348/.369 slash line, .717 OPS - 3 triples, 4 home runs, 19 RBIs, 22 walks, 41 strikeouts and 14 stolen bases. Promoted to Reading on 9/8 - played in 5 games - 24 plate appearances. Overall season numbers - 120 games - 538 plate appearances - .270/.361/.413 slash line, .774 OPS - 13 doubles, 4 triples, 15 home runs, 62 RBIs, 56 walks, 98 strikeouts, 24 stolen bases.
Notes : had a breakout 2025 season - strong stocky build - ball jumps off his bat, quick hands, powerful swing - hits the ball hard, patient hitter who will take his walks, when he hits it can drive the ball out of any park. We first met him a few years back, initially saw him play in person in 2024 on the backfields of the FCL where he performed very well before being sidelined by shin splints. Has all the tools along with the passion and desire to reach the majors as a lineup regular - loves the game and playing it - shines thru - infectious personality. Has fun playing - has his own version of the Soto Shuffle. He’s in tremendous condition as we’ve seen him on the field here daily in HP Camp - has primarily played second base in infield drills, also spending some time at third base. From my perspective he’s best at second.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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