Joseph
Kruszka

Committed to the University at Albany from Niagara CCC.

Kruszka has a small compact frame with solid athletic ability on the mound.  He sat 79-82 and even popped an 84 MPH FB early in the game.  He also showed good command of his off speed as well with a 74mph CU with nice run/sink action.  CB was tight and controlled at 69-71.  Joe will certainly be the ace of the Gowanda staff this year and will give them a chance to win any game as he shows the ability to take control of a lineup as long as his command stays this sharp. 

Upstate Underclass Games (September 7, 2014) 

Pitching- From the mound Kruszka starts with a wide base, works with a fast tempo and keeps his hands high on his separation. He drives off his back side using upward shoulder tilt, long arm action to a high 3/4 slot. His fastball sat 80-82 mph with some downward angle. His curveball had sharp late action at 73 mph with 2/8 shape. Fun prospect to watch develop over the next couple years. Defensively- He moves quick to the ball staying very low and keeping his feel moving. His funnel is high to a long arm action from a mid 3/4 arm slot with arm strength at 77 mph. Offensively- At the plate he sets up wide with his weight back, hands shoulder height. On the pitch he back loads with a leg kick, works hard at keeping his hands inside the ball, needs more extension through contact, bat plane is slightly uphill with a shoulder height finish.

Buffalo Prospect ID (July 15, 2014)

Kruszka stands 5-foot-7 160-pounds and athletic. Pitching- He throws from a high 3/4 slot with a fastball sitting 81, topping 84 mph. His fastball has some last hard life to it with slight run. His curveball has 2/8 hard shape at 70 mph. He also shows a change up at 74-76 with good hand speed. Mechanically he stays tucked over his belt with good separation and finishes out in front. Offensively- At the plate he sets up wide and balanced and uses a knee lift with a short stride before the swing. His bat path is slightly inclined through the zone making consistent contact. His exit velocity is 77 off a tee. Defensively- In the MIF he fields the ball in front of his body but crouched down and uses a long arm from a mid 3/4 slot at 80 mph. He ran a 7.4 60.