Western Iowa ID Showcase: Top Overall Prospects

October 28, 2014

By Rob Allison
Iowa Scouting Director

The Western Iowa ID Showcase brought almost 30 uncommitted prospects to showcase themselves to colleges in attendance in the one day event held at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA.

A special thank-you to Briar Cliff Head Coach Boyd Pitkin and his staff in allowing PBR Iowa to host the event at his facility and their assistance with the event.

With many of these prospects participating as 2 way players at event; all their skills are taken into consideration in evaluation and posting of this list.

This year's top prospect is Christian Rozeboom, C from Sioux Center, who is currently uncommitted and ranked #23 in PBR Iowa's recently released Class of 2015 Rankings. Rozeboom's bat stood out above the rest while also showing raw athleticism and overall strength in his game.

TOP overall PROSPECTS

Christian Rozeboom, C, Sioux Center, 2015
6-foot-2, 205-pound catcher. 7.02 60 time. Very physical and athletic. Hasn’t reached ceiling with body. Will be a beast with time in weight room in college. Long and angular body with present strength. Deep load with slight arm bar. Is able to overcome with advanced strength. Shows pull side power. Typically stays gap to gap in approach. Short to contact. Keeps hand inside ball. 90 mph exit velocity. Crude mechanics behind plate. Relies on arm strength. 81 mph to second base. Throws from low ¾ arm slot. Threw short bullpen; arm slot changes from when behind the plate. Shows ability to throw strikes. Shows tons of ability; needs polish and work. Perfect JUCO candidate. High ceiling with raw tools and athleticism. Has present ability to hit. Would be interested in seeing him in outfield.

Arthur Sells, 1B/OF/RHP, WDM Valley, 2016
6-foot-3, 205-pound utility player. 7.03 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Starts open and strides into pitch. Short load. Arms stay in good cocked position. Very short to contact with extension through baseball. Plus pull side power. Ball explodes off bat. Very projectable hitter for 2016. 89 mph exit velocity. Is usable in outfield. Short arm action. Minimal use of front side effecting arm slot and carry. 77 mph exit velocity. Is athletic enough; needs more reps in outfield and become comfortable in position. Moves at first base with ease; overly athletic for position. High comfort level at position. On the mound has good sequence with upper and lower half. Rigid arm stroke. Uses lower half well. Gets downhill plane on fastball. Fastball is heavy for strikes at 77-79 mph. Sharp 12/6 break on curveball for strikes. Changeup was 3^rd best pitch. Struggled with consistency of pitch in zone. Overall high follow with bat and ultimately being able to play LF/RF effectively will determine college placement.

Tim Wood, 1B, Sioux Falls Washington(SD), 2015
6-foot-3, 235-pound first baseman. 7.87 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Big physical presence in box. Shows feel for hitting. Good hands and rhythm for player his size. Stays down and through at contact. Showed projectable power to pull side. Big upside as hitter. Has ability. 83 mph exit velocity. Is above average at first base. Ability to make routine plays. Handles himself around bag. Good target for infielders. Usable glove and feet. Ability to start double play.

Matthew Krontz, RHP, Hastings(NE), 2016
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. Live bodied pitcher on mound. Heavy run and sink on fastball. Low ¾ slot creates deception. Ball jumps on hitter. Flashed quality breaking ball at times. Lacks confidence in pitch; has chance to be effective out pitch. Throws effective changeup near fastball arm speed at 67-70 mph. Fastball had good life at 79-81 mph. Has chance to be effective situational reliever with ability to get right-handed hitters out with fastball and left-handed hitters out with usable changeup at next level.

Spencer Franko, SS, Sioux City East, 2015
5-foot-10, 160-pound middle infielder. 7.22 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Balanced set-up at plate. Quality gap to gap approach. Solid contact consistently. Line drive swing plane with good hand-eye coordination. Short finish at times. 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively moves very well in infield. Sure playable hands. Plays with confidence. Arm works very well with good hand speed and accuracy. 78 mph across diamond. Quality infielder with ability to play on both sides of bag.

Elliott Conover, OF, Remsen St. Mary’s, 2015
6-foot-2, 185-pound outfielder. 7.15 60 time. Right-handed hitter with simple mechanics. Limited rhythm and movement in swing. Squared baseball consistently. Hard contact. Some strength in hands. 83 mph exit velocity. Shows ok athleticism in outfield. Handles routine plays. Arms works cleanly from ¾ slot. Tended to miss arm side with throws. 82 mph from outfield. Projectable body and ok actions. Will have chance to develop and become contributor at college level.

Tryston Durham, LHP, Carlisle, 2016
5-foot-11, 150-pound left-handed pitcher. Simple turn to balance point delivery. Crouched posture at balance point. At times works uphill and will push ball towards plate. Body is loose and easy with minimal effort on release. Fastball shows late run and sink. 75-77 mph. Throws quality breaking ball with 1/7 shape and late break. Changeup is thrown with near FB arm speed down in zone with cut action.

Brady Shelgren, MIF, Humboldt, 2016
5-foot-11, 150-pound middle infielder. 7.87 60 time. Left-handed hitter. Smooth easy swing mechanics. Hands first to ball. Creates good swing plane. Long stride effects timing and ability to square consistently with hard contact. Pull approach with ability to keep ball fair. 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, puts body in great position to field. Reads ball of bat well. Very playable glove and exchanges to throwing hand. High aptitude in turning double play. Quick release across infield; pure arm strength is unknown. Throws do show carry and accuracy. 69 mph across diamond. Plays infield with flash.

Solomon Freking, SS, Lemars Gehlen Catholic, 2015
6-foot, 185-pound shortstop. 7.13 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Long lean athletic body. Wiry strength. Low hand set with limited bat speed through zone. Uphill swing plane. Tends to roll over at contact. 71 mph exit velocity. In the field shows good first step quickness. Has ability to cover a lot of ground laterally. Usable hands and arm works well from high ¾ slot. 81 mph across infield. Raw defensively with athletic tools to develop. Bat needs to continue to develop to be impact offensively in college.

Jacob Wesselmann, RHP, Remsen St. Mary’s, 2017
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. Long legs and projectable body. Very good rhythm and balance in delivery. Upper and lower half sequenced well. Drives throwing shoulder through on release. Extremely short finish on release point; cuts off drastically. Ability to throw three pitches for strikes. Showed good feel for changeup with sink. Interesting follow with physical maturity and development. Better feel for curveball than slider. Raw in some aspects but high ceiling.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Justin Aldrich, RHP/2B, Sioux Falls Roosevelt(SD), 2017
5-foot-9, 150-pound 2-way player. 7.64 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Pre-set simple load with hands. Knee to knee trigger into swing. Pushes barrel into contact with uphill swing plane. 76 mph exit velocity. Active feet in infield. Tends to lose momentum after fielding ball. Over-the-top slot with 69 mph velocity across infield. Average glove and range. On the mound uses simple delivery. Good balance point. Swings front leg open to landing point. Hips and shoulders open early. Fastball ranged 72-74 mph with slight cut down in zone for strikes. Curveball showed 12/6 early break at 62-63 mph. Slider had late break and was firm with tight rotation. Threw change-up near fastball arm speed with sink. 64-69 mph.

Will Delfs, 2B, Sioux City Heelan, 2018
5-foot-10, 140-pound middle infielder. 7.37 60 time. Right-handed hitter with good rhythm and energy in box. Tends to get out and around pitches. Slight leg kick trigger into swing. 75 mph exit velocity. Defensively moves with purpose and shows usable glove. Glove to throwing hand is clean and efficient. Tends to lose momentum after fielding ball. Infield velocity of 68 mph. Overall good energy and plays with a purpose for a 2018 grad.

Owen Durham, RHP/SS, Carlisle, 2018
6-foot, 150-pound 2-way player. 7.6 60 time. Right-handed hitter with wide base. Uphill inverted swing to contact. Good hand-eye coordination. Consistent solid contact. 68 mph exit velocity. Defensively uses short choppy strides to cover ground. Usable glove and ability to make routine plays. Arm works well from over-the-top slot. 79 mph across diamond with accuracy. On the mound works primarily from the stretch. Short arm circle. Ball comes out clean in front. Fastball was straight for strikes at 75-77 mph with average effort. Curveball showed early gradual break 62-64 mph. Tended to slow arm down with changeup. Pitch was down in zone for strikes with moderate sink. 64-66 mph. Arm works well for 2018 grad; interesting follow with physical development and maturity.

Jared Foote, RHP, Hastings(NE), 2015
6-foot-1, 205-pound right-handed pitcher. Simple easy balance point. Crouched at delivery. Lands closed with ok direction. Slightly across body. Fastball shows late cut from mid ¾ arm slot. Arm stroke shortens on 10/4 breaking ball. Breaking ball has power and is thrown for strikes. Changeup was erratic. Hand placement underneath pitch on release effecting command. Fastball ranged 77-81 mph. Slider 71-72 mph and changeup was 68-72. Body and build suited for middle reliever duties and ability to chew up innings.

Roman Freking, 3B/1B, Lemars Gehlen Catholic, 2016
6-foot, 225-pound corner infielder. 7.87 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Big bodied player. Stiff mechanics. Pushes bat through hitting zone. Strides across body. Low hand set with slight uphill plane. 69 mph exit velocity. Defensively shows adequate feet for first base. Soft hands and ability to turn double play. Low ¾ arm slot effects accuracy across diamond. 68 mph across.

Joshua Gross, RHP, Ridgeview, 2015
5-foot-10, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Travels across rubber with initial step creating tilt and angle towards home. No discernable balance point. Pitches mostly with upper half. Fastball showed heavy arm side sink at 79-81 mph. Breaking ball had 11/5 shape with sharp late break- 66-70 mph. Changeup was up in zone with flat action- 72-75 mph.

Tyler Jacobsen, RHP, Exira- Elk Horn- Kimballton, 2015
5-foot-11, 220-pound right-handed pitcher. Hitchy high knee raise delivery. Hides ball. Over-the-top arm slot. Short arm action with downhill plane. Ball is heavy down in zone for strikes. Curveball has 12/6 shape with sharp breaking action. Slider was erratic due to low elbow slot on release. Did not throw a changeup. Fastball was 81-84 mph. Curveball 66-68 mph. Slider was 67-69 mph. Medium effort in delivery; best suited in relief role.

Trey Jacobson, SS/RHP, Estherville Lincoln Central, 2018
5-foot-10, 140-pound 2-way player. 7.62 60 time. Right-handed hitter with wide stance and long stride. Low hand load with slashy line drive swing plane. Strides across body effecting balance. Middle/away approach. 67 mph exit velocity. Defensively plays with ton of energy. Moves extremely well through ball while fielding. Solid glove and arm works well for age. Clean exchanges from glove to throwing hand. Accurate across infield. 75 mph velocity across diamond. On the mound shows ability to throw strikes. Inconsistent rhythm in windup. Some effort at release with head jerk. Long stride; loses contact with ground in stride. Fastball was straight at 74-75 mph. Curveball showed early gradual break at 61-65 mph. Changeup was 63-65 mph with near fastball arm speed.

Cole Jensen, OF, Waukee, 2016
6-foot, 150-pound outfielder. 7.19 60 time. Left-handed hitter with tall to fall hitting mechanics. Pre-set hand load with knee to knee stride and trigger. Tends to start open and stay open to contact. Front hip leaks out before contact. Loses energy and power. Shows ability to routinely hit baseball square. 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively shows adequate actions. Makes routine plays. Loses momentum after fielding ball. Throws flat footed. Uphill plane to target. 77 mph velocity from outfield. Long loose projectable body.

Luke Johnson, OF, Dakota Valley(SD), 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound outfielder. 7.38 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Very active load and swing. Closed stance with long stride. Low hand set with slashy flat swing plane. 74 mph exit velocity. Defensively moves in the outfield with average actions. Fields and throws flat footed. Minimal use of front side and lower half in throws. Outfield velocity of 70 mph.

Blake Kamerman, RHP, Sioux Center, 2016
5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed pitcher. Uses simple delivery. Low hand set. Stagnant hands with minimal rhythm. Arm works cleanly. Inline to home. Lands slightly open. Fastball is straight at 71-74 mph. Minimal arm side life. Curveball has 11/5 break at 63-67 mph. Used knuckleball for third pitch. 61-64 mph for occasional strikes.

Max Kaplan, 3B, Waseca(MN), 2015
5-foot-9, 190-pound third baseman. 8.06 60 time. Right-handed hitter with balanced set-up in box. Shoulder rotation for load. Minimal weight shift through contact. Line drive swing plane. Pull approach with exit velocity of 80 mph. In the field tends to allow balls to get deep and underneath. Average range laterally. Short arm action from ¾ slot. 73 mph across infield.

Will Karrer, RHP, Sioux City Heelan, 2016
6-foot-2, 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Long projectable body on mound. Extended pause at balance point. Lands across body. Clean arm stroke. Fastball showed late cutting action. Curveball showed sweeping break flat across zone. Changeup was flat and up in zone. Erratic in zone with pitches. Shows loose arm with body that will handle weight and added strength. Better days ahead of him. Fastball velocity of 78-81 mph. Curveball was 71-73 mph. Changeup was 70-73 mph. Flashed a splitter at 69-70 mph.

Connor Koza, 1B/RHP, Sioux City East, 2016
6-foot-3, 185-pound 2-way player. 7.31 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Pre-set load. Stiff upper body swing with minimal rhythm. Flat line drive swing plane with 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average actions on left side of infield. Average range laterally. Tended to field balls deep and underneath. Throws from over-the-top slot with accuracy. 72 mph across diamond. On the mound uses a tuck and turn delivery. Picks up target late. Stabs underneath with short arm action to home. Creates some downhill plane on fastball. Slight cut on fastball at 71-73 mph. Flashed decent breaking ball at times with 12/6 break. Able to throw breaking ball and changeup for consistent strikes. Curveball velocity of 59-62 mph. Changeup at 63-67 mph.

Mason Kruger, C, Cherokee Washington, 2016
6-foot-1, 190-pound catcher. 7.67 60 time. Right-handed hitter with balanced swing. Inconsistent load and trigger. Hands drift down creating uphill swing plane at times. Gets extended through contact with long finish. 72 mph exit velocity. Behind the dish shows ability to receive. Quiet head and body. Strength in hands. Works to get in good blocking position. Inconsistent feet coupled with faulty exchanges effect accuracy to second. Short ¾ arm action with minimal carry. 67 mph throwing velocity with 2.43-2.69 pop times.

Bryce Schroeder, OF, Dakota Valley(SD), 2017
5-foot-10, 155-pound outfielder. 7.22 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Crouched balanced set-up. Out and around swing. Stiff upper body with short finish. 76 mph exit velocity. Shows below average actions in outfield. Uncertain in routes to ball. Throws flat-footed to base. 64 mph throwing velocity from outfield.

Jack Simonsen, C, Sioux Falls Roosevelt(SD), 2017
5-foot-11, 165-pound catcher. 7.62 60 time. Right-handed hitter. Loads with body. Front heel turn no stride trigger. Slight arm bar and pulls bat through hitting zone. 78 mph exit velocity. Behind the dish is a good receiver. Quiet body and head. Strength in hands. Keeps balls in zone. Inconsistent exchange. Long exchange to release. Accurate throws- all on the bag. 68 mph arm strength with 2.25-2.5 pop times.

Drue Soukup, OF, Wagner(SD), 2015
6-foot, 150-pound outfielder. 7.41 60 time. Left-handed hitter. Pre-set hand load. Arm bar. Inconsistent balance and lower half mechanics. Fights to stay on top of baseball. Will collapse at times and swing uphill. Uses hands well in swing. Choppy mechanics that need refinement. 75 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, shows average athleticism and actions. Unsure routes to ball. Minimal use of lower half and front side in throws effect velocity and carry. 76 mph outfield velocity.

Sean Tillma, OF, Garretson(SD), 2016
5-foot-11, 155-pound outfielder. 7.23 60 time. Simple efficient swing mechanics. Very closed stance. Downhill- line drive swing plane. Short finish causes roll-over effect at contact. 75 mph exit velocity. In the outfield shows some fluidity. Needs work on getting behind baseball and using momentum on throws. Ability to make routine plays. 75 mph from outfield.

Kyle Windeshausen, 2B, Dakota Valley(SD), 2018
5-foot-8, 145-pound second baseman. 8.35 60 time. Choppy mechanics at plate. Inconsistent load and trigger. Needs refinement. 69 mph exit velocity. In the field works down to up with active feet. Playable hands. Tends to field balls deep in crouch. Uses momentum through baseball. 64 mph velocity across infield. Lacks strength. Only 2018 prospect. Better days ahead of him.

Western Iowa ID Showcase: Top Overall Prospects

TOP overall PROSPECTS

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