Eldorado's Austin Treadwell still touts big-time MLB Draft potential despite slow start

Austin Treadwell, a senior outfielder-pitcher from Eldorado (Albuquerque), is the No. 1 baseball player in New Mexico, according to Perfect Game rankings.

It makes sense because as a junior he batted .330 with 24 runs scored and 24 runs batted in on just 29 hits. He slammed eight doubles and three home runs in just 88 at-bats and led the Eagles to second place in the Class 5A (now 6A) state tournament. He also pitched 22 innings with a 3-2 record and was chosen first team all-state as a right fielder.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound righthander is noted for a 90 mph fastball on the mound and at the plate he has shown great power. He also runs well for his size.

Veteran coach Jim Johns said "He has tremendous power. The ball comes off so much different than the other kids. He's had some great playoff games for us. He has a 90 mph arm and a good breaking pitch. You look at him in a uniform and you say, 'Here's a Major Leaguer.'"

His senior year should be even better, but after 12 games he is batting only .229 (8-for-35) with one home run (grand slam) and 10 runs batted in. He already has struck out five times after fanning only 10 times last year.

Johns, who has notched six state titles and ranks No. 2 in state history with 513 career wins, analyzed, "We've got to make an adjustment with his swing. Right now he is too much on his tippy toes. His back foot isn't down and he's falling over the plate when he's hitting. It's a timing and balance thing right now."

After starting the season as the Eagles' No. 3 hitter, Treadwell has been moved to No. 4, then No. 5, and even placed at leadoff in an attempt to get him into a good hitting groove. So far nothing has worked, although he still fires bullets from center field, having already thrown out three baserunners.

Treadwell, who already has signed with the University of New Mexico and has been contacted by 20 of the 30 Major League teams, is rather mystified, although there are some obvious reasons for the slow start.

"Yeah, it's been pretty frustrating," he conceded. "I just need to figure out the timing and my swing should be fine. I've probably widened it (his swing) out."

Maybe he needs to study some film of his favorite player, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.

He noted that he plays in showcases from time to time where he faces pitchers who often throw in the 90s. In the high school season top speeds may be only 78 to 80 mph and he finds himself swinging too quickly. Of course, there is pressure from the presence of pro scouts and how high he could go in the June 5 MLB Draft.

He admits that pro scouts can add pressure and "sometimes it does cross my mind."

Treadwell hasn't been overly pleased by the umpiring, either. He said confidently, "I have a pretty good mindset on what is going to be a ball or strike."

He is quick to add that being named the state's No. 1 player means a lot.

"I feel honored and it's a great feeling that they see me as the No. 1 player in New Mexico."

Until this year's hiccup at the plate, Treadwell has been quite successful on the diamond ever since he joined the Albuquerque Baseball Academy at age 8. He has played club ball for the academy before and after the high school season each year.

Treadwell broke into the Eldorado varsity starting lineup as a sophomore, when he played third base and had an outstanding .850 fielding percentage. He batted .269, drove in 13 runs on 18 hits and scored 15. He hit seven doubles and two home runs. He also pitched 28.2 innings with a 3-2 record.

His strong junior year included a three-run homer that put the Eagles in the Elite 8 and was capped off with a triple and a diving catch with the bases loaded during a 5-4 loss in the state championship game.

For the immediate future, Johns says confidently, "He is a hard-working kid who wants to do well. He's just frustrated now. He's going to break out."

Concerning a professional career, the veteran coach points out, "Some (scouts) like him as a hitter because he's got a lot of power and the way the ball jumps off his bat. Others like his arm strength (as a pitcher)."

If he passes up his college scholarship and does sign a pro contract, Treadwell said hopefully," I would rather play the field."

Interestingly, his club coach, Ryan Brewer, said, "Down the road I see him on the mound. He has the body and plus arm. The pro guys who are coming to see him are coming to see him pitch. He's an energy kid and very competitive."

The Eldorado star, who has a 3.8 GPA, said that if he does sign a pro contract he wants a clause to ensure he also will get his college education.

He closed with this thought: "I really want to go pro, but I have to be in the 12th or 13th round (to give up his scholarship). I would like to go top 10 (rounds). (but) I'm not in it for the money."