Prep baseball: Five players to watch

Published 12:01 am Thursday, March 10, 2011

Dylan Lavelle, jr.
Lake Stevens | SS/3B/RHP
2010 recap: First-team all-state pick was dominant at the plate and on the mound, including hitting .457. Had outstanding summer season as well.
College plans: Only a junior but being recruited by most of the Pac-10 but is also likely a solid draft prospect.
2011 outlook: No. 1-ranked junior in the state by Baseball Northwest. Forms outstanding pitching duo with Anthony Blackie. Will likely play shortstop when not pitching and is showing great pop in practice. Could be the best all-around player in the state.

Blake Snell, sr.
Shorewood | LHP
2010 recap: Emerged as one of the top pitchers in the state, mixing good velocity with solid control.
College plans: Signed with Washington but a likely draft pick.
2011 outlook: Top-ranked senior in the state by Baseball Northwest. Part of a loaded Thunderbirds team that includes UW signee Trevor Mitsui and Gonzaga recruit Kevin Moriarty. Coach Wyatt Tonkin said Snell is in better shape after playing basketball, which improved his agility and should help his stamina.

Kyle Olson, sr.
Jackson | C
2010 recap: Continued to rank as one of the area’s top all-around catchers and had a strong summer showing as well.
College plans: Undecided.
2011 outlook: No. 13-rated senior in the state by Baseball Northwest. Jackson coach Kirk Nicholson said it’s Olson’s all-around tools that make him stand out. Has a 90-mile-an-hour fastball on the mound, which translates to an arm behind the plate that completely shuts running games down. The leader of a very solid Jackson team.

Alex Hatch, jr.
Mountlake Terrace | LHP
2010 recap: Was not the focal point of the Hawks last year as there were two pitchers ahead of him, allowing Hatch to develop as his own pace, which he did nicely.
College plans: Verbally committed to Washington.
2011 outlook: No. 5-ranked junior in the state by Baseball Northwest. Coach Andrew Watters said he’s blossomed as both a pitcher and hitter and made good strides in the offseason. Will be part of a talented MLT pitching staff that includes Kevin Sheets and Brandon Choate.

Derek Callahan, sr.
Edmonds-Woodway | LHP/OF
2010 recap: Solid all-around talent who emerged as one of the top juniors in the state. Good power and speed who also has an extremely strong arm. All were on display in 2010.
College plans: Signed with Gonzaga.
2011 outlook: No. 9-ranked senior in the state by Baseball Northwest. Expected to lead a solid Warriors team in what should be a competitive South Division, though no longer has to contend with Shorewood and Mountlake Terrace.