IA Preseason All-State: Pitching Analysis

April 21, 2015

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Iowa

The IA Preseason All-State was an unbelievable opportunity for 2016 and 2017 prospects from all reaches of Iowa to showcase themselves and begin preparations for the Iowa high school summer season. There were many breakout performances, opportunities to see new players, and create an extensive follow list of prospects to see over the course of the Spring and Summer. Many individuals placed themselves into the fray for our 2016 and 2017 state-wide player rankings which will be released soon.

The Prep Baseball Report Iowa's Preseason All-State event took place on Sunday March 15^th at Sportsplex West in Waukee, IA. The showcase featured over 65 prospects from the 2016 and 2017 class who showcased their talents in front of our scouting staff, college coaches, and professional scouts.

Here are our top pitching prospects from the IA Preseason All-State:

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Top right-handed pitching Prospects (Listed Alphabetically)

Anthony Alepra, OF/RHP, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, 2017
6-foot-3, 170-pound 2-way player with lean athletic build who ran a 6.85 60. Slightly closed crouched stance. No stride approach with heel turn trigger to swing. Stands up through swing. Low launch position with hands. Arm bar forces drag through zone. Has long levers and strength in body with 90 mph exit velocity off tee. Usable feet and hands in outfield. Makes routine plays and takes good routes to baseball. Arm is long and loose producing 86 mph throws from outfield with above average carry and accuracy. Up tempo delivery on mound. Inconsistent front side. Some effort in delivery. Lands hard across body in stride cutting off direction. Upright finish leaves balls up in zone. Has very live arm. Fastball comes out clean. 82-83 mph fastball topping out at 85 mph. Flashes of sharp breaking ball at 66-68 mph with 11/5 shape. Changeup is straight and thrown for strikes at 71-74 mph. Strong follow for 2017 class; in-mature body who should continue to grow and add strength; while possessing above average present tools.

Javin Drake, RHP/3B, Wilton, 2016
6-foot-4, 205-pound 2-way player. Long lean athletic player. Ran a 7.46 60. Long levers. Flashes power to pull side. Front heel turn trigger to swing. Solid contact. Front foot hitter at times. Overall solid contact. Short to contact. Stays connected well for player with length in limbs. Good extension and separation after contact. 84 mph exit velocity off tee. Long clean arm action in field. Throws are accurate with carry. 83 mph arm strength across infield. Solid glove. Glove will be stiff at times. Shows appropriate feet and actions for third base. High Follow prospect with room for additional strength and size. Simple mechanics. Some crouch at balance point. OT slot with some effort in release. Occasional downhill plane to fastball. Some recoil in release. 81-83 mph. Curveball has hard 12/6 shape and break. Slider is plus pitch- cutter action with late break and depth at 75-77 mph. Changeup is heavy with 2-seam run. Throws strikes with 4 pitches; body projects; and arm action is long and clean. Strong follow for 2016 class as a 2-way player.

Connor Lindaman, 1B/RHP, Davenport Assumption, 2016
6-foot-5, 240-pound 2-way player. Lindaman is a physical first baseman/ middle of order bat who is committed to U. of Iowa. Ran a 7.53 60. Not a burner but runs solid-average for position and size. 90 mph exit velocity off tee. Loads weight on back side. Tall and fall type approach with balance. Has good hands and stays inside ball at contact. Gap to gap approach with power to oppo gap and left field line. Good feet at first base. Moves well. Handles above average plays. Glove works and throws above average. 81 mph arm strength across infield. Balance and rhythm on mound. Flashes downhill action on fastball when he gets out front. Throws 3 pitches for strikes. Fastball was 81-83 mph. Curveball was 71-73 mph with 11/5 shape and late break and showed better feel for changeup at 68-71 mph. Has and will continue to add velocity. Already steadily in the mid-80’s this spring and climbing.

Peyton Long, RHP/3B, WDM Valley, 2016
6-foot-4, 210-pound 2-way player. Tall lean projectable player. Ran a 7.03 60. High back elbow. Open stance. Turns in to square. Front heel turn trigger. Short stride length. Stiffness to lower half. Some swoop to swing plane. Has strength in bat. 88 mph exit velocity with average pop in batting practice. Shows an easy arm and delivery on the mound. Short leg kick and will rush out of balance point. Direction is good and arm is loose and clean from high ¾ slot. Good command of fastball. Athletic actions on mound. All pitches in/around zone. Fastball was 83-84 mph. Curveball is average and up in zone due to rush to plate. Much better out of stretch once everything is simplified. Slider is above average with depth and tight rotation. Changeup has late 2-seam action with flashes of being very heavy in bottom of zone. Long is a High Follow arm for the 2016 class. As he continues to fill out and mature he projects as an upper echelon arm.

Brett McCleary, C/RHP, Iowa City, 2017
6-foot-1, 200-pound right-handed hitting catcher/right-handed pitcher who ran a 8.00 60. Physical 2017 grad. Shows bat speed and strength. Gap to gap approach. Shows above average power. Hands will drift down into swing causing uphill swing plane. Quality job of staying inside ball at contact. Produces hard fly balls and line drives. 89 mph exit velocity off tee. Solid receiving ability. Flexible lower half. Blocking stance is wide; effects quickness. Clean exchanges. Exchange is low creating length to release. Above average arm strength for age. 77 mph arm strength with 2.00 pop time. Good direction to plate. Arm is clean. Falls down the mound at times. Moderate effort in delivery. Fastball has life; gains velocity towards plate. Fastball is straight with occasional run at 81-84 mph. Flashes of above average breaking ball with tight rotation, 11/5 shape, and late break at 69-70 mph. Firm changeup with feel for strike zone and fade at 75-77 mph. Strong Follow for 2017 class.

William Rodruck, RHP/3B, WDM Valley, 2017
6-foot, 195-pound 2-way player. Solid build. Ran a 7.38 60. Crouched stance. Strides slightly closed into contact. Some strength in swing. Uses whole field. Shows some power to middle of field. 79 mph exit velocity off tee. Shows some quickness and body control in field. Glove is solid. Makes routine plays. Plays tall at times. Shows ok arm across with plus carry and accuracy. Would benefit from following throws across diamond and creating better direction. 83 mph arm strength across. Easy delivery on mound with balance and coordination. Good direction to plate. Short arm action from OT slot with quickness. Has solid life on fastball. Fastball was 80-82 mph. Sharp 12/6 breaking ball for strikes. Has ability to show in zone and take away at 71-72 mph. Changeup for strikes with ok fade. Strong follow for 2017 class.

DeShawn Welch, RHP, Indianola, 2016
6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed pitcher who continues to develop and make strides. Has grown 2 inches since October. Slight back-turn delivery. Hides ball from batter. Has athleticism and rhythm in mechanics. Travels across the rubber and lands slightly closed at times. Arm is fast and loose from high ¾ slot. Fastball has steep downhill plane at 79-81 mph. Will cast curveball and lose arm speed. Gradual break with 11/5 shape. Slider is above average offering with greater arm speed and length to arm circle at 69-70 mph. Has feel for changeup in zone; near fastball arm speed for strikes and average action at 72-74 mph. Welch is an interesting prospect; one to watch closely over the following months. Is a sleeper in 2016 class and is a Strong Follow into the summer.

Keaton Winn, RHP, Pekin, 2016
6-foot-4, 205-pound right-handed pitcher with long legs and room to add strength. Sound delivery. Lands closed across body at times. Will rush out of balance point. Arm is clean and fast out of OT slot. Shows downhill plane on fastball that was 84-86 mph with good life. Breaking ball was avg/ok with 12/6 shape at 68-71 mph. Heavy sink on changeup with above average command to arm side of plate. Very projectable right-handed pitcher that will continue to develop physically and will add velocity. High Follow for 2016 class.

Jarred Wood, RHP/3B, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 2017
6-foot-3, 195-pound 2-way player. Solid build. Ran a 7.97 60. Knee to knee trigger into short stride. Stiff lower half in swing. Lower launch position with hands. Slight uphill swing plane causing some top spin at contact. Pull approach with decent strength in bat. 78 mph exit velocity off tee. Easy actions at third base. Solid glove. Ability to make routine. Shows ability on backhand play. Has arm strength. Pie arm action across with cut action on ball. 85 mph arm strength across. Throws heavy fastball with downhill plane from ¾ slot with pie arm action. Keeps fastball in bottom of zone at 84-86 mph. Curveball lacks rotation at times with varying break. Slider was tighter with flat break in upper half of zone. Split is best secondary pitch with late action at bottom of zone at 76-77 mph. High Follow in 2017 class with sturdy build that will continue to add strength and size.

Ryan Wyant, 3B/RHP, Linn-Mar, 2016
5-foot-9, 180-pound 2-way player. Ran a 7.94 60. Slightly closed stance. Creates bat speed and has whip to his barrel. Some length to swing with arm bar. Pull approach with power to pull side. 87 mph exit velocity off tee. Shows above average feet and glove at third base. Appropriate angles and makes plays. Loose clean arm action. Fast arm with accuracy and carry. 85 mph arm strength across. Controlled delivery with good balance point and posture on mound. Explosive to plate with quality direction. Arm is long and loose from high ¾ slot. Fastball is clean out of hand with slight run at 80-82 mph. Slider has tight rotation with ability to show in zone and take away. Slider has 11/5 shape with solid break at 69-71 mph. Good feel for changeup. Slows arm slightly but pitch has good fade at 73-74 mph. Strong follow for 2016 class going into the summer.

Top left-handed pitching Prospects (Listed Alphabetically)

Zeb Adreon, LHP/1B, Pleasantville, 2016
6-foot-2, 180-pound 2-way player. Lean athletic body. Stronger lower half. Ran a 6.9 60. Small leg kick trigger to swing. Pre-set hands with rhythm. Translates weight through swing to contact. Has whip to barrel with solid hands and ok pop. Mid-pull approach with solid contact. 82 mph exit velocity off tee. Works through ball fielding. Has good feet. Glove is soft. Makes above average plays. Shows athleticism. 77 mph arm strength across infield. Front foot drag in delivery. Creates some hitch/disrupts timing. Short arm circle with quickness out front. Consistently throws strikes with FB and CH. Didn’t throw breaking ball; in preseason throwing program. Good sink on changeup. Flat was flat at 79-80 mph. Changeup was 68-69 mph. Shows feel for zone and has athleticism.

Porter Hummel, LHP/1B, West Sioux, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound 2-way player. Ran a 7.34 60. Short stride to contact. In-line with pitcher. Controlled swing. Front shoulder tilt. Low hand slot. Flat swing plane with average pop and all pull approach. 79 mph exit velocity off tee. Plays first base with energy. Loose actions. Average mechanics. Fields ball deep. Makes plays with athleticism. 75 mph across infield. Shows balance in delivery. Upper and lower half sequenced well. Up to down mechanics with good direction to plate. Clean one piece arm action. Fastball shows life to arm side at 80-81 mph. 12/6 breaking ball with late action at 64-66 mph. Changeup shows cutting action at 72-74 mph. Throws strikes with clean mechanics. Flashes of feel with secondary. Strong follow for summer season.

Kaj Robinson, OF/LHP, Johnston, 2016
5-foot-11, 140-pound 2-way player. Robinson is a switch-hitting OF/LHP who ran a 7.06 60. Currently shows better ability as a right-handed hitter. Has ok strength in bat with 82 mph exit velocity. All pull approach with a rotational swing path. Short to ball and quickly out of zone. Moves well in the outfield. Has good hands and feet. Arm is long and loose from high ¾ slot. Gets on top of ball with carry and accuracy to target. 79 mph arm strength from outfield. Has balance and good direction to delivery. Arm is clean and loose. Throws a light fastball with life at 77-79 mph. Curveball is heavy at times. Tends to leave arm-side. Changeup has late sink with good action. Overall interesting follow for Summer season; has athletic ability.

Bryce Simon, LHP/OF, Cascade, 2017
6-foot-1, 160-pound 2-way player who ran a 7.16 60. Left-handed hitter with slightly open stance to start. Strides square and in-line with pitcher. Low hand load. Does good job of working top half of baseball producing line-drives with solid contact. Load is too active at times. Decent strength in bat- singles/doubles hitter currently with mid-pull approach. 82 mph exit velocity off tee. Aggressive routes in outfield. Shows solid glove and feet. Uses momentum from lower half on throws. Body and arm is loose with good actions. Mid ¾ slot causing arm side misses on accuracy. Average accuracy and carry. 81 mph velocity from outfield. Loose actions with rhythm on mound. Lands across body. Swings out front leg at times. Clean arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball shows quality sink at 77-81 mph. Shows above average command to arm side of plate. Slows arm action on breaking pitches. Curveball was 58-63 mph and split was 63-64. Projectable left-hander with feel for zone and life to fastball.

Gage Smart, LHP, Indianola, 2016
6-foot-2, 165-pound left-handed pitcher. Lean loose body. Long whippy arm action. Unorthodox mechanics. Limited use of front side. Is an intriguing prospect. Ball comes out of hand clean and looks very hard to square up from low ¾ slot. Fastball shows varying heavy movement with cut and run/sink. Fastball was 80-81 mph. Flashes of solid breaking ball; at times pitch will spin with minimal break at 70-74 mph. Changeup was firm at 77-78 mph and around zone. Has some things he needs to clean up mechanically but could be guy who makes big jumps through the summer. Body is projectable. Has some raw arm strength with loose actions.

Chris Witzke, LHP/OF, Humboldt, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound 2-way player who ran a 7.31 60. Knee to knee trigger with no stride. Solid load with some length and arm bar. Creates good bat speed. Barrels balls well. Shows ability to drive baseball to oppo gap. Slight uphill swing plane with separation after contact. 85 mph exit velocity. Flashes of quick twitch athleticism in outfield. Average glove and feet. Throws from over-the-top slot with arm speed and plus carry. Uses momentum in throws. Solid accuracy. 83 mph arm strength from outfield. High paced delivery on mound. Big leg kick with some effort in delivery. Lands open to plate. OT slot with head jerk. Creates arm speed from 2 piece arm action with stab underneath. Fastball has hard run at 80-81 mph. Shortens arm circle on breaking ball at times. Will leave pitch arm side at 62-63 mph. Average changeup at 67-69 mph that he keeps in bottom of zone. Fast twitch. Athletic actions. Follow for summer.

Best Of The Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Blake Bagenstos, RHP/3B, Dowling Catholic, 2016
6-foot, 180-pound 2-way player. Ran a 7.45 60. High hands. Work down and through at contact with solid line drive swing plane. Mid-away approach with solid contact. Small leg kick trigger. In-line direction with pitcher. Balance throughout swing. Good strength in swing with 85 mph exit velocity off tee. Plays third base with energy. Solid glove and shows ability to make plays. Arm is clean and fast. Shows solid actions and above average ability on body control plays. 79 mph across infield with carry and accuracy. Unorthodox delivery on mound. Rolls into balance point. Hides ball away from hitter. Strong lower half. Shows life on fastball at 79-81 mph with late sink. Keeps change at bottom of zone with good fade at 73-75 mph. Curveball is average/ok with 12/6 break at 64-67 mph for strikes.

Robert Barker, RHP/1B, Van Buren, 2016
6-foot-2, 180-pound 2-way player. Tall lean build. Ran a 7.87 60. Strides across body cutting off swing at times. Clean line drive swing plane. Has leverage at contact. Pull approach. Average pop in bat. 83 mph exit velocity off tee. Sits back on ground balls. Stop and go mechanics. Average arm is accuracy. Makes routine plays. 77 mph across infield. Shows ok rhythm and balance in delivery. Occasionally lands open leaving pitches up in zone. Falls off to first base side. Long clean one-piece arm action. Ball jumps out of hand well. Fastball was 77-79 mph. Flashes of depth and hard break on 11/5-12/6 breaking ball at 67-69 mph. Changeup is flat and thrown for strikes at 73-74 mph.

Austin Brown, LHP, PCM, 2016
5-foot-10, 182-pound left-handed pitcher. Solid build with lower half strength. Hides ball from hitter. Arm works relatively well. Fastball is heavy and commanded the zone well. 75-77 mph. Breaking ball is thrown at 61-64 mph with gradual break. Changeup shows run at 70-71 mph and will occasionally miss arm side. Has decent feel for zone with 3 pitches. Should have chance to do well this summer.

Clayton Christian, RHP, Glidden-Ralston, 2016
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher. Shows ability to repeat mechanics. High leg kick delivery. Some collapse at balance point. Long extended arm action. Leads to plate with elbow and wrist. Fastball is straight for strikes at 73-75 mph. Curveball has gradual break with 11/5 shape. Has average sink and depth on split with feel for pitch. Overall was in zone with 3 pitches for strikes and showed ok athleticism.

Brady Donohue, RHP, Marion, 2017
6-foot-3, 165-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall lean physique. Shows some rhythm in delivery. Short arm action from OT slot. Almost turns ball over in fastball release. Lands open and falls to first base side. Heavy run on 78-81 mph fastball. Varying break on curveball thrown at 60-62 mph. Has above average feel for changeup thrown at fastball arm speed at 71-72 mph to spots.

DJ Duve, 2B/RHP, WDM Valley, 2017
5-foot-9, 160-pound 2-way player. Ran a 7.69 60. Knee to knee trigger with low hand slot to swing. Some length to swing with uphill finish. Average power with mid-away approach. 75 mph exit velocity off tee. Stiff actions in infield. Makes routine play. Throws from mid ¾ slot with limited carry. 70 mph arm strength across the diamond. Simple mechanics with rhythm. Slight collapse at balance point. Solid direction to plate. Clean extended arm action. Flat fastball for strikes at 74-77 mph. 10/4 breaking ball with tight rotation and depth. Drops elbow occasionally on breaking ball. Shows good feel for changeup in zone at 64-66 mph.

Brandon Heilskov, 3B/RHP, Ankeny Centennial, 2016
6-foot-2, 170-pound 2-way player. Ran a 7.71 60. Open stance. Steps in to square. Rotational lower half. Works to keep hands inside ball at contact. Average/ok pop. Mid-away approach with flashes of pop. 83 mph exit velocity off tee. Average feet defensively. Shows ok glove. Funnels baseball into body causing some stiffness. Mid ¾ arm slot with slight stiffness. Average carry and accuracy at 77 mph across diamond. Simple delivery. Short arm action from mid ¾ slot. Lands across body with upright finish. Fastball was 73-74 mph with varying cut and sink. Curveball had loose rotation up in zone at 63-64 mph. Solid feel for changeup with fade at bottom of zone. Changeup was 65-68 mph.

Nick Houzenga, RHP/3B, Muscatine, 2016
6-foot, 200-pound 2-way player. Solid build. Ran a 7.44 60. 74 mph exit velocity off tee. Flat bat path through zone with balance in swing. Singles/doubles hitter. Shows some pop mid-away when he gets extended. Fastball showed downhill plane at 77-80 mph. 12/6 breaking ball with flashes of sharp break down in zone. Changeup was in zone more than previous outing and had better feel. Clean arm action. Should continue to improve with training program and added strength.

Mason Huntley, C/RHP, Marshalltown, 2017
6-foot-1, 175-pound catcher/right-handed pitcher who ran a 7.56 60. Slightly closed stance. Small heel turn trigger to swing. Some length to contact with arm bar and in-direct path to baseball. 74 mph exit velocity off tee. Ok receiver with present glove strength. Proper blocking mechanics on balls in dirt. Low ¾ release with hitchy arm action. 60 mph arm strength with pop times ranging 2.34-2.38. Up tempo delivery on mound. Lands slightly across body. Short clean arm action from high ¾ slot. Upright finish after release; leaving balls up in zone. Fastball was 65-71 mph. Curveball has 1/5 shape with loose spin at 59-63 mph. Changeup has wobbly action in zone for strikes at 58-63 mph. Shows some feel on mound. Will benefit from increased strength and maturity.

Peyton Krugler, RHP/3B, Dowling Catholic, 2017
5-foot-11, 185-pound 2-way player. Ran a 7.22 60. Square stance with pre-set hand position. Front heel turn trigger to swing. In-line direction to pitcher with good separation after contact. Fly ball hitter with gap to gap approach and average pop in bat. 79 mph exit velocity off tee. Works down to up on ground balls with some rhythm and actions. Glove is soft. Arm is clean with quick release. Throws show average carry and solid accuracy at 77 mph across diamond. ½ arm circle. Short arm action with quickness out front. Deceptive- ball jumps on hitter. Some collapse at balance point. Lands across body in stride. Fastball was 76-80 mph with varying action. Solid feel for breaking ball; thrown for strikes with 11/5 shape and consistent break at 67-71 mph. Changeup was up in zone, thrown with stiff wrist, at 65-68 mph.

Walker McDonald, 2B/RHP, Waukee, 2016
5-foot-11, 150-pound 2-way player. Solid build. Ran a 7.22 60. No stride approach with crouched stance. Good linear load with hands. Shows above average pop to gaps. Mid-away approach. Solid contact with separation after contact. 78 mph exit velocity off tee. Average actions defensively. Quick feet and solid glove. Shows ability to make routine plays. Average on body control plays. Has ok range to left. High ¾ slot. 2-seam action on throws occasionally. Accurate arm. 78 mph across infield. Quick tempo to delivery. Collapse at balance point and front foot is outside of knee. Good directon to plate. Short arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball for strikes at 79-80 mph. Curveball has gradual break with ok 12/6 shape at 63-64 mph. Changeup is above average with arm side fade with good arm speed at 68-70 mph.

Cooper Merrill, SS/RHP, Clear Lake, 2016
5-foot-8, 160-pound 2-way player. Small frame with quick twitch actions. Ran a 6.81 60. Slightly closed stance. Easy front heel turn trigger to swing. Line drive swing with average/ok pop. Consistent solid contact with gap to gap approach. 72 mph exit velocity off tee. Has soft hands defensively. Shows ability to cover ground laterally. Easy actions. Tends to funnel baseball when fielding. Quality back-hand. Arm works well with accuracy across at 84 mph. Deliberate mechanics with body control. High balance point with good direction to plate. Arm circle is long and arm is clean with quickness out front. Fastball is straight with command to spots at 79-80 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape with small break for strikes. Changeup is thrown slightly below fastball arm speed with minimal action at 70-74 mph. Shows ability to repeat and throw 3 pitches for strikes and above average command of zone.

Ryan Morrissey, SS/RHP, Pleasant Valley, 2017
5-foot-10, 180-pound 2-way player. Ran a 7.25 60. Slightly closed stance to contact. Leg kick trigger. Keeps front shoulder on at contact. Slightly off-time at this event. Shows ability to drive baseball to gaps. 86 mph exit velocity off tee. Showed plus accuracy and had carry on throws across infield at 80 mph. Continues to develop defensively. Arm is playable. Shows ok actions. Fields deep in stance at times. Strong lower half with good direction to plate. Will swing front leg around at times- landing slightly closed and across body. Some effort in delivery with feel for zone. Faster arm with short quick arm action. Fastball shows late cutting action at 79-81 mph. Breaking ball has 12/6 shape with flashes of late break. Changeup is plus pitch for Ryan with quality fade and depth with sink at 70-74 mph.

Tyler Nunemaker, OF/RHP, Cedar Rapids Prairie, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound 2-way player. Left-handed hitter who ran a 7.28 60. Square stance with short stride into contact. Flat line-drive swing plane. Solid extension and finish through contact. Stiff lower half swing against straight legs. Causes him to pull off/rollover at contact sporadically. Average power with 76 mph exit velocity off tee. Average glove and feet in outfield. Arm works clean and loose. Has quick arm. Throws show carry and accuracy. 82 mph arm strength from outfield. Simple delivery on mound. Travels across the rubber. Lands open to target. Quality finish after release. Arm starts long and shortens from ear. Fastball shows life at 80-82 mph with slight cutting action. Breaking ball is thrown with good arm speed with varying shape and flashes of hard break. Changeup has late cut and has feel in/around zone at 72-73 mph.

Chase Rath, RHP/3B, Highland, 2017
6-foot-1, 145-pound 2-way player. Tall slender build. Ran a 7.69 60. Tall stance with quiet actions. Square to pitcher with in-line stride. Singles hitter with short repeatable swing in the box. 75 mph exit velocity off tee. Tall fielding position. Stop and go mechanics fielding. Average actions and glove. Winds up to throw from high ¾ slot. 72 mph velocity across infield. Simple turn and stride mechanics. No balance point to delivery. Strides across body and falls off to first base side. Clean 2-piece arm action from OT slot. Fastball is straight at 75-77 mph. 12/6 breaking ball with ok feel for zone at 62-65 mph. Slows arm on changeup with stiff wrist causing flat action. 62-65 mph. Projectable body. Arm works cleanly. Requires additional strength.

Maxwell Ridenour, SS/RHP, West Delaware, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound 2-way player. Strong build. Ran a 7.38 60. Shows average power to gaps. Strides slightly closed with low hand slot. Balance in swing. Overall solid contact. Used whole field. 77 mph exit velocity off tee. Feet are active. Good angles to baseball. Glove is average. Has range to his left. Throws from OT slot with carry and accuracy to bag. 82 mph arm strength across infield. Rhythm and balance in delivery. Good direction to plate. Upright finish on release- falls down the mound. Short arm action from OT slot. Fastball shows tilt and run to arm side at 78-82 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape with varying depth of break. Changeup is thrown at fastball arm speed with slight run and fade at 71-72 mph.

Tyler Roeder, SS/RHP, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 2016
6-foot-1, 165-pound 2-way player. Roeder ran a 7.35 60 at this event. Has made adjustments to hitting mechanics. Added a balanced short leg kick trigger. Is more down and through baseballs with greater extension through zone. Line drive swing plane with above average power. Gap to gap approach with solid contact. 89 mph exit velocity. Plays with energy defensively. Glove is solid and uses momentum on throws. Shows ability to adjust feet on bad hops. Has accuracy and carry. Tends to field deep in stance. Overall Strong Follow for 2016 class with ability to drive baseball and chance to continue to develop at shortstop. Shows athleticism on mound. Front foot gets outside of body. Is able to control and stay in-line with catcher. Long extended arm stroke. Fastball shows life and downhill plane when Roeder is able to get out front. Fastball was 79-81 mph. Varying release point on breaking ball. Flashed couple with solid 11/5 shape in zone. Average feel for changeup at 75-76 mph.

Arthur Sells, OF/1B/RHP, WDM Valley, 2016
6-foot-3, 205-pound utility player with physical build who ran a 6.87 60. Open stance and dives into plate. Shows strength in bat with loose swing. Short to contact. Arms stay in good slot to drive baseball. Off-time during B.P. at this event. Shows power to gaps. Creates back-spin and balls carry off bat. 92 mph exit velocity off tee. Profiles as a right fielder in college. Usable feet and hands. Covers adequate ground. Limited use of front side on throws but creates arm speed with above average carry and accuracy from over-the-top slot at 84 mph. Easy actions at first base. Good feet and ability to field routine. 78 mph across the infield with accurate arm and ability to start double play. Multi-piece arm action on mound from high ¾ slot. Ball jumps out of hand at times. Shows ability to command in zone at 78-80 mph. Has good feel for breaking ball with sharp break and 12/6 shape at 67-70 mph. Flashes of usable change; will throw with stiff wrist at times elevating pitch.

Joshua Stivers, OF/3B/RHP, Pleasant Valley, 2017
6-foot-2, 205-pound utility player with above average strength who ran a 7.22 60. Square stance with medium length stride. Short to contact with slight uphill finish. Lower hand launch position. Physically strong hitter with good pop in the bat. Gap to gap approach with 87 mph exit velocity off tee. Active and aggressive in outfield. Profiles as a right fielder. Glove and feet work well. Limited use of front side on throws effecting velocity. Average carry with ok accuracy at 78 mph. Tends to sit back on ground balls. Shows range to his left. Average actions. Profiles better as power-hitting corner outfielder/first baseman at next level. 79 mph arm strength across infield with accuracy. 74-76 mph fastball with some downhill plane. Launches body towards plate at times. Upright finish in delivery. Short arm action. Fastball will jump on hitter. Cutter has short break with 11/5 shape. Keeps changeup around the zone. Solid follow for 2017 class with raw strength and ability.

Trevor Tallman, RHP, Dowling Catholic, 2017
6-foot-2, 195-pound right-handed pitcher. Solid build with lower half strength. Short tuck and turn delivery. Clean arm action, leads with elbow at times, from high ¾ slot. Has decent life on fastball with some sink at 79-80 mph. Shows flashes of good curveball with tight rotation and 12/6 shape. Changeup is thrown with stiff wrist and showed varying action at 73-75 mph. Solid arm/ body who should attract attention once the summer season begins.

Max Utsler, RHP/OF, Waukee, 2016
5-foot-11, 160-pound 2-way player. Utsler is working his way back into shape and threw a rehab type bullpen. Decent balance point. Direction is solid to plate. Limited use of front side when throwing. High ¾ slot. Fastball ranged 78-81 mph with varying cut and run. Changeup had plus fade in bottom of zone. Showed good feel for pitch at 66-67 mph.

Casey Zarr, 1B/RHP, Bondurant-Farrar, 2017
6-foot-1, 200-pound 2-way player. Solid build- physical player. Ran a 7.31 60. Slightly closed stance. Strides across body to contact. Easy load and solid launch position with hands. Short to contact with some present strength. Short finish with limited extension. 85 mph exit velocity off tee. Solid first baseman. Ability to make routine plays. Fields deep in stance at times. Solid arm with accuracy across and to start double plays. 80 mph arm strength. Up tempo delivery. High leg kick. Front foot gets outside knee. Solid direction to target. Upright finish. 2 piece clean arm action from OT slot. Fastball is straight with flashes of slight run at 77-80 mph. Breaking ball has 12/6 shape with occasional late break at 69-70 mph. Changeup at times shows tilt and sink away from left-handed hitter at 71-72 mph.

IA Preseason All-State: Pitching Analysis

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