By TJ Hunt
Scouting Director, New Jersey


Name: Joey Ventresca
School: Pinelands
Grad Year: 2019

Key Notes: Started at shortstop for HS team.
One of the most consistent pitchers on the team
as well as a frosh.

SCOUTING REPORT


Winter Trials South (January 30, 2016)

J oey is a wiry and strong 5-foot-10 170 pound SS/RHP who ran a 4.48 home-to-1B. Offensively- Joey starts with a slightly open and narrow stance with a hand position just off the shoulder and a bat angle of 25-30 degrees. Controls his load back with a stride forward, sitting deep on his back side. Aggressive lower half effort with some shoulder dominance within the swing, creating a cross cut swing through the zone. Stays through the middle and pull side well, inside-outing the middle out swings to LF. Exit velocity was83 MPH. Defensively- Joey showed active feet and squares up everything with hands in front. Gets through his throws with a positional velocity of 78 MPH. Good bounce in his step and could project well also at 3B over the long term. Pitching- Joey was very impressive on the mound with pitchability beyond his years. He uses a slight side step up to a belt line knee drive.Slightly seals himself off to the plate, sitting over his back side into landing. Works up and over front side well with decent arm extension. Arm action is long and works from a higher 3/4 slot. Repeats delivery and efforts. FB stays arm side and down at 81-83 MPH with more in the tank. Curveball had some slurve feel to it at 67-69 MPH with his change up settling in at 70-71. Arm speed on secondary stuff may have slowed up but that can be typical for a younger players at this time of year. Above average velocity and polish for age.

4/30/16 - Ventresca, a freshman, has been arguably Pinelands’ most consistent player. Batted third and played shortstop on this day against Jason Groome. The left-handed batter sits in a deep crouch, with an open stance. His hands are already locked and loaded into place, and uses a short leg kick to start his swing. Lands his foot slightly open when he starts his swing. Good looking athlete in the field, made a couple great plays charging the baseball on a saturated infield/grass. Has a presence at his position already at a young age.