Zachary O'Connell ‘23 Recruiting Profile

Events

• Camp/Event
F
• Top Tier Roos Tryouts
• 12/13/19 to 12/15/19
• Diamondprospetmedia.com - 2023 Zach O'Connell stood out offensively where he showed present bat speed from the right side, driving the ball back up the middle and to the left-center field gap. When he is on time he can square it up and use his stronger lower half for additional power. Perfect Game Florida- Zach O'Connell has a compact stroke with strength. Swing projects and has good feel to work toward the middle of the field. PBR Florida - Zach O'Connell showing feel for the barrel and power potential.
• Camp/Event
F
• PBR New York 2021 Preseason All-State - Central (3 P.M.)
• 2/17/21 to 2/17/21
• PBR New York, (Fielding) '23 C/SS Zach O'Connell (@ZachOconnell3) Peru, No Wasted movements in his round...The ball seemed to be in and out of his glove instantly!! Impressive internal clock with a good feel for his feet and hands!! (Hitting) Upright set up. Early, easy load followed by a toe tap for timing. Slightly downhill barrel path.. Exit Velo 89 with more in the tank, Line drive top of the order guy!! Physical: Athletic, lean 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame with present feel in all phases of the game; positional flexibility. 7.36 runner in the 60-yard dash. Offensively: RHH - The righty started from a narrow, open stance while showing a mostly upright setup to start; hands used a barrel tip coupled with a leg hang stride in order to launch the bat head through a fluid, flat path into the hitting zone. Recorded an 89 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball while peppering the ball back through the middle of the field, some front side drift on occasion leading to a 50% ground ball rate during his batting practice round. Kept it on a line as well (30% LD rate) with confidence that he can repeat the swing at the plate (70% on-plane efficiency). Developing power at the moment, but can handle the bat near the top of the batting order. Defensively: The primary middle infielder showcased adequate footwork during defensive evaluations; got the chest downhill early with feel for pace, got the hip and shoulders in good angles prior to fielding, funneled into the beltline, and let it rip from an accurate high ¾ slot (74 mph) … The backstop featured solid pocket awareness when receiving from a traditional setup. Lightning quick feet and transfers on postures yielded impressive 2.04-2.09 pop times with accuracy on the bag (71 mph). Might have the chance to stick behind the plate, but certainly gives the chance to start at two positions moving forward (second base, catcher).
• Camp/Event
F
• New York State Games
• 6/28/21 to 6/29/21
• Zach was 5-7 with 3 runs scored, 2 stolen bases and 2 RBI's during his 3 games at the NYS Games. He faced multiple pitchers that signed division 1 scholarships after the NYS games. He used his line drive stroke to attack the baseball and spray it all over the diamond. He likes to use the middle of the field, with pull side pop. Zach's baserunning knowledge is present when he is on the bases. His quick first step lets him steal the next base. Physical: Lean, athletic 5-foot-9, 165lb frame with some feel present. 7.2 runner in the 60-yard dash. Offensively: RHH - Balanced, simple stance as the feet showed in-line with a slight bend in the knees and minimal, extra hand movements. Utilized a lift and replace stride on time with a quick launch through a flat path into the hitting zone. Found good extension on the front side, gaining leverage at impact when pitched middle-in. Produced a mostly gap to gap approach, hitting into an adjustable front side with good bat to ball skills that translated into low swing/miss rates in-game action. Posted a T90 mph bat-exit velocity (via Trackman) adding a 36% line drive rate and 314 foot batted ball distance; ability to hit above average with current doubles power at the plate. Defensively: The primary middle infielder featured rangy, choppy feet early in routes, getting to the baseball on-time when presenting a soft glove hand. Medium/low posture and worked down to up in the actions, able to funnel into the chest and release immediately from a shorter ¾ slot (73 mph arm, accurate). Second base projection moving forward with ability to make the play on the run across his body.