FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
LOS ANGELES – UCLA baseball head coach John Savage welcomed 13 newcomers to campus Thursday morning as fall quarter classes began in Westwood. Savage’s fifth full recruiting class at UCLA features 12 freshmen and one junior college transfer.
"We are very excited about this group of young players, particularly from a position player standpoint," Savage said. "We have a solid group of left-handed hitters who can run well, making our team very athletic. In addition, our three incoming right-handed pitchers will help add depth to our staff. Coach Vanderhook, Coach Pearse and our entire staff did an outstanding job putting this class together"
UCLA’s incoming class features four players selected in the 2009 MLB Draft – Cody Keefer (33rd round, Detroit), Scott Griggs (34th round, Seattle), Jeff Gelalich (41st round, Philadelphia) and Beau Amaral (45th round, Arizona). In addition, the Bruins have added Dean Espy, a 2008 MLB Draft selection (41st round, Colorado), who transferred to UCLA after playing his freshman season at South Mountain City College in Phoenix.
The Bruins’ recruiting class features four left-handed hitting outfielders in Amaral, Gelalich, Keefer and Dennis Holt. In addition to Espy, UCLA welcomes infielders Matt Giovinazzo, Cody Regis and Aaron Weimer. Griggs join Allen Aguilar and Ryan Deeter as right-handers on the Bruins’ pitching staff. Freshmen catchers Trevor Brown and Tyler Heineman complete the team’s incoming class.
2009-10 Newcomers at a Glance
Four outfielders, four infielders, three pitchers, two catchers
Five MLB Draft selections (Beau Amaral, Dean Espy, Jeff Gelalich, Scott Griggs and Cody Keefer)
One AFLAC All-America honoree (Scott Griggs)
One NJCCA All-America selection (Dean Espy)
Allen Aguilar
RHP, Freshman
Escondido, Calif. (St. Augustine HS)
6-2, 175 – R/R
Two-year varsity baseball letterwinner at St. Augustine under head coaches Craig Da Luz and Mike Stephenson
Earned first-team All-City and All-Eastern League honors as a senior (2009)
Secured second-team All-CIF San Diego Section accolades as a senior
Three-year varsity football letterwinner under head coach Jerry Ralph
Led San Diego County with 73 receptions at wide receiver during his senior season (2008)
Earned first-team All-Eastern League honors in 2008 as a wide receiver
Named St. Augustine football’s offensive most valuable player his senior season
Head Coach John Savage says: "Allen is an exceptional athlete who looks to have a rubber arm and will be able to help us out of the bullpen."
Beau Amaral
Outfielder, Freshman
Huntington Beach, Calif. (Huntington Beach HS)
5-10, 175 – L/L
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Huntington Beach High School under head coach Benji Medure
Selected in the 45th round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks (No. 1356 overall selection)
Batted .446 as a senior (2009), totaling four home runs, one triple, eight doubles, 25 RBI and 39 runs
Secured first-team All-CIF Southern Section Division II honors as a senior
Missed his junior season (2008) with an arm injury
Elevated to the Huntington Beach varsity team late during his sophomore year (2007)
Played for the Southern California Mariners scout league team in 2007 and 2008
Selected to play for the USA Mariners Scout Team in 2008
Head Coach John Savage says: "Beau has great instincts on how to play the game and is a terrific young outfielder. His defense and baserunning skills are very advanced, and we look forward to him contributing at UCLA."
Trevor Brown
Catcher, Freshman
Valencia, Calif. (Hart HS)
6-2, 170 – R/R
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Hart High School under head coach Jim Ozella
Batted .429 as a senior (2009), securing the fifth-highest batting average among all Foothill League hitters
Finished his senior season with one home run, nine doubles, 22 RBI and 24 runs
Earned first-team All-Foothill League honors and first-team All-Santa Clarita Valley accolades as a senior
Batted .343 as a junior (2008), totaling three doubles, 14 RBI and 17 runs
Named a second-team All-Foothill League selection as a junior, leading Hart to the Foothill League title
Batted .333 in six games as a sophomore (2007), scoring six runs
Played for the Atlanta Braves Scout Team from 2007-09
Head Coach John Savage says: "Trevor is one of the best athletes in this class. He is a very versatile player with a great future as a catcher. He has been coached very well and will make an immediate impact in our program."
Ryan Deeter
RHP, Freshman
Newark, Calif. (Newark Memorial HS)
6-0, 165 – R/R
Four-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Newark Memorial High School under head coach Dan Freitas
Went 6-3, 1.99 ERA and six complete games as a senior (2009), totaling 60 strikeouts, nine walks in 60 innings
Earned first-team All-Mission Valley League honors as a senior (utility player) and junior (pitcher)
Posted a 9-2 record with a 1.19 ERA from his freshman through junior seasons
Registered 145 strikeouts in 109 innings, totaling nine complete games and two saves in first three seasons
At the plate, batted .360 with two homers, one triple, three triples and 16 RBI as a senior
Recorded 11 strikeouts and one walk, scattering two hits in a first-round CIF North Coast Section playoff win
Named a 2009 Louisville Slugger High School Preseason All-America selection
Helped lead Newark Memorial to the Mission Valley League title in 2006, 2008 and 2009
Head Coach John Savage says: "Ryan has a tremendous slider and very good command of two pitchers. He will certainly add depth to our bullpen."
Dean Espy
Infielder, Sophomore
Mesa, Ariz. (South Mountain CC)
6-1, 195 – R/R
One-year letterwinner (2009) at South Mountain Community College (Phoenix) under head coach Todd Eastin
Earned second-team NJCAA All-Region I honors and secured second-team all-conference accolades at SMCC
Batted .361 in 60 regular-season games for South Mountain as a freshman
Finished the 2009 season ranking sixth in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference with 70 hits
Totaled three home runs, 16 doubles, 40 RBI and 36 runs, posting a .425 on-base percentage in 2009
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Red Mountain High School under head coach Henry Faccio
Selected in the 41st round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies
Batted .476 with six home runs, one triple, 14 doubles, 30 RBI and 49 runs as a senior (2008)
Batted .588 with 33 RBI as a junior (2008), earning first-team Class 5A All-Tribune accolades
Head Coach John Savage says: "Dean has a tremendous feel of the game and should make a significant impact within our program from the start. His knowledge and tools make him a very valuable player."
Jeff Gelalich
Outfielder, Freshman
La Verne, Calif. (Bonita HS)
6-1, 180 – L/R
Four-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Bonita High School under head coach John Knott
Three-year varsity football letterwinner under head coach Eric Podley
Selected in the 41st round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies (No. 1247 overall selection)
Batted .338 as a senior (2009), totaling one homer, two triples, 14 RBI, 22 runs and 11 stolen bases
First-team All-Miramonte League honors as a senior and sophomore (2007); second-team as a junior (2008)
Secured second-team All-Inland Valley accolades as a senior
Batted .423 as a junior (2008), recording two triples, 11 doubles, 18 RBI, 17 runs and 10 stolen bases
Batted .393 as a sophomore (2007), recording four homers, two triples, nine doubles, 22 RBI and 22 runs
Batted .258 as a freshman (2006), collecting five RBI in 18 games on the varsity squad
Played for the Milwaukee Brewers Area Codes Team and Atlanta Braves Scout Team
Excelled as a linebacker, led Bonita varsity football in total tackles as a senior (117) and junior (123)
Secured first-team All-Miramonte League honors on the football team as a junior (2007)
Named the 2008 Miramonte League Defensive Most Valuable Player (football) as a senior
Head Coach John Savage says: "Jeff is a tremendous athlete with tools that will allow him to contribute as a freshman. He is a talented young player who has a bright future at UCLA."
Matt Giovinazzo
Infielder, Freshman
Laguna Hills, Calif. (Laguna Hills HS)
6-1, 195 – R/R
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Laguna Hills High School under head coach Pete Tereschuk
Three-year varsity football letterwinner under head coach Bruce Ingalls
Served as baseball team captain his senior season, missing nearly the entire year with a shoulder injury
Batted .363 as a junior (2008) with three homers, six doubles, 17 RBI, 27 runs and seven stolen bases
Earned first-team All-Pacific Coast League accolades as a junior and was named team defensive MVP
Helped lead Laguna Hills to the Pacific Coast League title in 2007 and 2008
Batted .441 as a sophomore (2007), collecting one homer, two triples, six doubles, 17 runs and 15 RBI
Secured second-team All-Pacific Coast League honors as a sophomore
Played for the 2008 South Coast Connie Mack team in the 18-and-under WWBA Championships
As a football player (running back), named the CIF Utility Player of the Year as a senior (2008)
Rushed for 655 yards as a senior, leading Laguna Hills to the 2008 CIF Championship and league title
As a football player (running back), named the CIF Utility Player of the Year as a senior (2008)
Earned first-team All-League honors as a junior and second-team accolades as a sophomore
Head Coach John Savage says: "Matt is a very good athlete who was injured as a high school senior, but we look for him to rebound and contribute this season."
Scott Griggs
RHP, Freshman
Alamo, Calif. (San Ramon Valley HS)
6-3, 195 – R/R
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at San Ramon Valley under head coaches Chris deClercq and Rick Steen
Selected in the 34th round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners (No. 1013 overall selection)
No. 11 high school prospect, No. 24 overall MLB Draft prospect by Baseball America (Nov. 2008)
No. 4 high school player in California, No. 12 high school prospect nationally by PG Crosschecker (Feb. 2009)
2008 AFLAC All-America selection
Went 2-3 with a 2.10 ERA, 50 strikeouts and 29 walks in 40.0 innings as a senior (2009)
Second-team preseason All-America selection in 2009 by Baseball America
Went 1-1 with a 2.21 ERA, totaling 16 strikeouts in 12.2 innings as a junior (2008)
Missed a portion of his junior season with an arm injury before making a complete recovery in the fall
Posted a 3.28 ERA, collecting 54 strikeouts in 49.0 innings as a sophomore (2007)
Selected to play at the 2008 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C.
Ranked No. 20 prospect at the 2008 Tournament of Stars by PG Crosschecker and No. 28 by Baseball America
Played for the Atlanta Braves Scout Team at the 2008 WWBA Championship in Jupiter, Fla.
Chosen to compete with the San Francisco Giants USA Scout Team in August 2008 at Safeco Field (Seattle)
Played for the Milwaukee Brewers Area Code Team in July 2008
Selected to tryout for the USA Baseball 2007 Youth National Team
Head Coach John Savage says: "Scott has one of the best arms of any player headed to college this fall. He has tremendous upside, and we are looking forward to having him join an already-talented pitching staff."
Tyler Heineman
Catcher, Freshman
Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Windward School)
5-10, 170 – S/R
Four-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Windward School under head coach Tyrone Powell
Batted .487 with 16 doubles, two triples and 21 RBI as a senior (2009)
Named a first-team All-CIF Division IV selection and earned Delphic League MVP honors as a senior
Secured All-Region honorable mention accolades his senior season, helping lead Windward to the league title
Batted .619 as a junior (2008), collecting 14 doubles, three triples and 30 RBI
Established the Windward School single-season batting average record in 2008 with a .619 mark
Captured second-team All-CIF Division V and second-team All-Delphic League accolades as a junior
Batted .490 as a sophomore (2007), totaling one home run, eight doubles, two triples and 27 RBI
Named Windward School’s baseball MVP as a senior, junior and sophomore
Competed for San Gabriel Valley Arsenal (October 2008) at World Wood Bat Championships (Jupiter, Fla.)
Participated at the 2009 Area Code Tryouts
Head Coach John Savage says: "Tyler is a very durable catcher, a player who has tremendous feel on receiving, blocking and working with pitchers. He will be a great asset to our program."
Dennis Holt
Outfielder/Infielder, Freshman
Yorba Linda, Calif. (Esperanza HS)
6-2, 180 – L/L
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Esperanza High School under head coach Mike Curran
Batted .377 as a senior (2009), totaling two homers, nine doubles, 24 runs, 15 RBI, 23 walks and a .529 OBP
Earned first-team All-Sunset League accolades as a senior and was named to the Sunset League All-Star Team
Named to the Orange County All-Star Team and National Classic All-Tournament Team as a senior
Claimed the Esperanza Baseball Coaches’ Award as a junior and senior
Batted .294 as a junior (2008), collecting two home runs, 15 runs and 12 RBI
Batted .338 as a sophomore (2007), registering four homers, six doubles, 21 runs and 12 RBI
Secured second-team All-Sunset League honors as a sophomore
Selected for the Angels Elite and participated in the Dodgers Elite Games
Competed for the Kansas City Royals Scout Ball in the fall of 2006 and 2007
Played for the Long Beach Cardinals Connie Mack baseball team in the summer of 2008 and 2009
Head Coach John Savage says: "Dennis is one our talented incoming left-handed hitters in this class. He is a tough-minded young player who can play the outfield in addition to first base."
Cody Keefer
Outfielder, Freshman
Davis, Calif. (Davis Senior HS)
6-1, 190 – L/R
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Davis Senior High School under head coach Dan Ariola
Selected in the 33rd round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers
Helped lead the Wenatchee AppleSox to the 2009 West Coast League Title (summer baseball)
Batted .292 for Wenatchee, totaling one homer, two triples, nine doubles 20 RBI and 20 runs in 39 games
Earned first-team Sacramento Bee All-Metro honors, first-team All-League accolades as a senior (2009)
Batted .449 with six home runs as a senior, leading Davis to the 2009 Delta Valley League Conference title
Named team MVP and Davis High School Athlete of the Year as a senior
Batted .541 as a junior (2008), recording two home runs, five triples, five doubles, 16 RBI and 20 runs
Led Davis to the 2008 Delta Valley League Conference title before batting .500 in the North Section playoffs
Recorded a .380 batting average as a sophomore (2007), logging three home runs, 10 doubles, 27 RBI, 32 runs
Played on the Milwaukee Brewers Area Code Team and Colorado Rockies Scout Team (2008)
Head Coach John Savage says: "Cody is one of the most talented hitters we have recruited at UCLA and should be an impact player for us from the start. He combines power, speed and the ability to hit the ball to all fields."
Cody Regis
Infielder, Freshman
Glendora, Calif. (Glendora HS)
6-2, 205 – L/R
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Glendora High School under head coach Dan Henley
Batted .355 as a senior (2009), totaling three home runs, 24 runs and 18 RBI
Earned first-team All-Sierra League honors as a senior and junior
Batted .354 as a junior (2008), belting one home run, seven doubles, 22 RBI and 17 runs
Batted .403 as a sophomore (2007), collecting three doubles, 13 RBI and 16 runs
Named a second-team All-Sierra League selection as a sophomore
Earned Glendora High School scholar-athlete honors as a senior and sophomore
Competed for the Tampa Bay Rays Scout Team in 2007 and 2008
Listed by ESPN Rise Magazine as a top-50 baseball player in the greater Los Angeles Area prior to senior year
Competed at the 2009 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C.
Played in the Babe Ruth World Series in Washington, D.C., and was awarded Gold Glove Award as shortstop
Named the San Gabriel Valley 18-and-under Babe Ruth Team MVP in the summer of 2009
Head Coach John Savage says: "Cody is one of the more advanced hitters from Southern California in the 2009 class. He is a durable athlete who brings the ability to play different infielder positions."
Aaron Weimer
Infielder, Freshman
Fresno, Calif. (Bullard HS)
5-11, 170 – L/R
Three-year varsity baseball letterwinner at Bullard High School under head coach Chad Thronhill
Three-year varsity football letterwinner under head coach Don Arax
Earned first-team All-Metro League baseball honors as a sophomore, junior and senior
Batted .402 as a senior (2009), totaling 39 hits, two home runs, 32 RBI, 24 runs and a .546 OBP
Secured first-team All-City honors, before being chosen to play in the City/County All-Star Game as a senior
Named a second-team All-Central Valley selection as a senior, earning Bullard Team Co-MVP honors
Guided Bullard to the Metro League title in each of his three seasons on the varsity squad (2007-09)
Batted .481 as a junior (2008), collecting 37 hits, 27 runs, 18 RBI and a .545 OBP
Earned the Bullard Scholar-Athlete Award as a junior and sophomore
Batted .393 as a sophomore (2007), registering 39 hits, 25 runs, 19 RBI and a .585 OBP as the leadoff hitter
Three-year starter on the football team, playing safety and wide receiver
Named a first-team All-Metro League selection as a senior (2008) and first-team All-City selection
Served as defensive captain as a junior and senior, earning the team’s Coaches’ Award his senior year
Named the Defensive Player of the Week on three occasions in each of his three seasons on the varsity team
Earned first-team All-Metro League football honors as a senior (2008) and first-team All-City selection
Head Coach John Savage says: "Aaron is a very consistent defender and talented hitter who we look forward to watching develop into a solid Division I ballplayer."
LOS ANGELES – UCLA baseball head coach John Savage welcomed 13 newcomers to campus Thursday morning as fall quarter classes began in Westwood. Savage’s fifth full recruiting class at UCLA features 12 freshmen and one junior college transfer.
