By TJ Hunt
Scouting Director, New Jersey

Day two of the 18U Wood Bat Championship at Diamond Nation saw some top talents and a few new names to watch on the PBR radar. Here is a look at a few:


+ Nick Maldonado, RHP/SS, Seton Hall Prep HS, NJ, 2019
Maldonado has a lean, athletic build at 6-foot-1 180-pounds. Is the top 2019 prospect in the state. On the mound, was sitting 84-86 with FB. Has an advanced feel for offspeed pitches. Throws sharp 11/5 breaking ball at 68-73 mph. Also flashes a changeup with some arm side run at 77-78 mph. Polished pitcher for age - will throw any pitch in any count for strikes. Delivery is up tempo but under control. High leg kick helps him stay over the rubber longer. Gets good extension with gloveside going down the mound. Loose hips, extension on finish is long and toward home plate. No wasted movements. high follow prospect

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+ Brandon Hylton, 1B, Watchung Hills HS, NJ, 2018
Hylton has a lanky, athletic build at 6-foot-5 215-pounds. Took first pitch he saw over the right field fence for a home run (88 mph FB). LH hitter with power. Starts in a tall, relaxed stance with hands just below shoulder. Uses a small leg kick/lift to start swing and hand load. Hip torque is fluid and hands are quick through the zone. High follow prospect.

+ Ian Murphy, RHP, Gloucester Catholic HS, NJ, 2018, (St. John's commit)
Murphy has a lanky athletic build at  6-foot-3 180-pounds. Sat 86-88 in first two innings of work, up to 89 from a high-3/4 slot. Showcased a true 12/6 breaking ball at 70-71 mph. Has made a significant jump since the beginning of summer. Drives off back leg more to get some explosiveness down the mound. Long, loose arm action. Will cut his fastball on occasion.

+ Christian Hlinka, OF, Delaware Valley HS, NJ 2018 (Virginia commit)
Hlinka has a lean, physical build at 6-foot-2. Virginia commit, ranked No. 8 in NJ top 2018. LH bat with power. Starts in a neutral stance with a tall, narrow base. Hands are in line with shoulder to start. Uses a small leg lift and stride to start load, hands load straight back. Compact swing with feel for barrel, easy finish.

+ Quincy Clark, RHP, Seton Hall Prep HS, NJ, 2019
Clark has a long, wiry build. Sat 81-83 and touched 84. Breaking ball has tight spin, but changes his arm slot when he throws it at 61 mph. Young for 2019 class. Long, loose arm action, no effort in delivery. High-3/4 slot, ball seems to jump on hitter quickly. Frame needs some filling out, will increase velocity with added strength.

+ John Kelly, RHP, Rutherford HS, NJ, 2018
Kelly is a strong, physically imposing RHP with some life to his fastball at 81-83 mph. Uptempo delivery, throws from a high-3/4 slot. Finishes athletic and square. Short, clean arm action with little effort. Finishes out front of lead side well. 

+ Jake Field, 3B, Deptford HS, NJ, 2018
Field has a stocky build at 6-foot 180-pounds. Can play every position in the infield well - shows smooth hands and exchange, average arm. Had a triple and double, both a which he showcased sneaky speed on the bases. Level stance to start, bat speed is apparent. Gap to gap power.

Others to watch:
+ Dylan Heine, RHP, Haddonfield HS, NJ, 2019
+ Dylan Maria, RHP, Highland HS, NJ, 2019
+ Mike Velez, RHP, St. Joseph's (Metuchen) HS, NJ, 2019
+ Mike Decker, Clearview Regional HS, NJ, 2019

 

 

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