LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2006 08 National Showcase
Nico Vargas is a 2008 left hand hitting first baseman/outfielder from Watsonville HS, residing in Watsonville, CA. He has a 6'5" 185 lb. frame and a long, lanky body, with long arms. He has a good body now and a chance to develop a big league body in the future. Vargas also saw some time on the mound and he looks the part of a pitcher, but at this point, he is much more advanced as a position player. Offensively he is a contact type hitter right now, but there is a power hitter inside that body. He keeps his hands inside the ball well and has good bat control. In the times when he does get his long arms extended, you can see the power potential. His approach will work well for him as he develops. Right now he has the ability to hit for average and does not seem too concerned with power at this point, which is rare for a young hitter, and quite refreshing. The power will come and when it does, it will come with the ability to also hit for average. Vargas also ran the bases well and was particularly good at reading the ball in the dirt. Defensively he can play in either the outfield or infield. He makes low trajectory throws from the outfield and has an accurate arm. At first base he stretches well and has good hands and feet. He is a good athlete. On the mound he has a long arm stroke and pitches from an over the top slot. Vargas' arm is loose but lacks some arm speed. His delivery is good and has some rhythm, giving him the ability to throw strikes. The fastball topped at 79 and showed some down angle. His curveball has 12/6ish shape and is a big roller. It is his best pitch. Vargas is a very intriguing position player prospect and very well could make a jump on the mound. He is the type of player a scout can dream a bit on and should get a lot of attention from D1 programs.