01/15/2016 - Under Armour All-America Pre-Season Tournament
Tarabek stands at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds with some fill and a mature look. He featured rhythm to hit along with strength to impact the ball to allow for a legit hit / power combo. He was very aggressive to the ball, and created speed through the zone for 100.4 mph exit velocity. His approach help up live in game at bats, where he was able to deliver the barrel to the ball very well. Defensively, his actions were smooth and he maintained good body control through a variety of plays. His hands worked out front, and he maintained momentum through the play on the ball. He got rid of the ball efficiently and his throws tracked on line to the target. Overall, a well-rounded player with usable tools and ability to play the game.
01/16/2015 - Under Armour All-America Pre-Season Tournament
Tarabek showed major improvements in his baseball abilities and now shows as a solid draft type player in 2016. In the MIF is where he has improved the most, now displaying tremendous abilities. Foot speed is well above average as he ran his best 60 time to date at 7.15. He utilizes his quick/aggressive feet as he moves well laterally, displaying range as he covers a ton of ground. He displays smooth / clean actions with hands / feet working well together through the fielding process, showing big play potential. Throws display life, accuracy, and on line carry through a loose arm action as he gets rid of the baseball quickly. At the plate is continues to shine through an athletic setup. Hands are quick, generating outstanding bat speed through a short / direct path. He works to stay inside the baseball, utilizing all fields and makes consistent hard contact, showing plus barrel accuracy.
07/11/2014 - 2014 Under Armour Showcase: Baseball Factory's Team One South
Matt had another outstanding showing at the event with the makings of a special type player at the next level. Defensive abilities are superior as he displays aggressive / athletic actions. Hands / feet work well together and he shows big play potential in the MIF. He gets rid of the baseball quickly with life, accuracy, and on line carry across the diamond, displaying superior arm strength. At the plate, he continues to shine through an athletic setup. He gets to a strong launch position and attacks balls with his hands. Barrel accuracy is a plus with baseball exploding off the bat when centered, displaying gap to gap power.
01/17/2014 - Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament
Matt continues to shine on the diamond. Defensively, this polished middle infielder maintains active prep footwork and is aggressive in attacking the ground ball. He works through fluidly, from right to left with clean actions. A quick exchange and strong arm, firing the ball over to 1B. At the plate, this RH presents fluid rhythm, getting back into a strong loaded position. He extends through the zone and drives the ball to all parts of the field. Only a 2016 grad - Tarabek will be a player to watch over the next couple of years.
07/26/2013 - Under Armour Showcase: Baseball Factory's Team One North
Tarabek showed only at SS at the event and continues to display solid abilities. Feet are active as he works to square balls up and presents soft / clean hands well out front. For defensive abilities to continue to improve, he needs to attack ground balls and play through with his body. Throws are accurate but needs to build more arm strength through a long toss program. At the plate, Matt shows a balanced / crouched stance. Hands are quick, flashing bat speed through a level swing path. He shows a feel for the barrel with baseball jumping off the bat when centered.
10/24/2012 - Arizona Freshman/Sophmore Fall Classic
In Matt's latest Factory event he played short and pitched. Defensively, he has an accurate arm from various arm slots with good situational baseball knowledge. He takes an aggressive first step, generates good hops, plays through balls well, and has clean/quick feeds on double-play balls. Implementing a throwing program to strengthen his arm and working on his footwork/agility will help increase his lateral movements, and ultimately, his fielding grades. On the mound, he threw two pitches for strikes with his fastball hitting 77 MPH, and his 11/5 curve-ball touching 63 MPH. He has long backside arm action and short front side arm action with decent arm speed. He is very raw on the mound with a good lower half and complete finish. Matt has decent control, that will become better with more work on his pitching mechanics. Offensively, he has good balance, uses all fields with quick hands and has good extension through contact. His swing path is very level and he displays good patience, swinging at good pitches. Matt should be sure to take reps over at second base, because middle infielders are asked, many times, to play either spot. Overall, we believe Matt projects well in the infield and can jump in and effectively throw strikes and get outs.
12/27/2011 - Vero Beach Christmas Camp and Tournament
- Matt is a 2016 graduate with an athletic/ strong lower half/solid body structure who plays SS and is a RHP. In the infield he he displayed an athletic/low fielding position, he presents well, timing is good, his footwork is quick/fluid/active, he takes good angles, plays through well, he has excellent agility, his feeds/pivots are quick/sure and he has above average arm strength/accuracy with good arm action /mechanics. On the mound Matt has solid mechanics, he throws strikes and he has an above average pick-off move. Matt's FB has good velocity, he has command over it and it has good run. He needs to use his lower half more, loosen up his front-side a little (too stiff) and be careful not to drift at balance point. At the plate Matt has a short stride, solid load, stable balance, very good bat speed, consistent line drive approach/contact and his swing path is on plane. He needs to develop a smoother rhythm but Matt is well above the average hitter at this point. He is a great kid with a high knowledge of the game. Matt was one of the best players in Vero and as long as he continues to work he will be an exceptional player in the future.