Top Prospect - Milwaukee: Pitcher Analysis
September 13, 2018
On July 24, we visited The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, Wis., to host one of the state’s most important events on the summer showcase circuit: Top Prospect – Milwaukee. Nearly 80 of the area’s brightest 2019 graduates attended and, since the event, eight prospects on this event’s roster have committed, so far, to play ball the next level.
Today, we’ll break down the pitchers who took the mound at The Rock.
The top two pitching prospects from the Milwaukee event actually made their way to The Rock from Illinois: LHP Johnny Beck (Rochelle Township; Western Illinois commit) and RHP Ben Harris (Prairie Ridge; uncommitted). As far as pure stuff goes, Beck had one of the best performances on the day. He recorded the event's hardest fastball velocity and earned swings and misses with his sharp curveball. The 6-foot-8 Western Illinois-bound lefty possesses some big-time upside from the mound and is nightmarish assignment for any opposing hitter in the box.
Harris is a name we’re especially familiar with after he was named the top catching prospect from this showcase on Monday. Still uncommitted, Harris has demonstrated authentic two-way capabilities this summer. For as talented as he from the crouch, he can work into the upper 80s on the mound. He has the makings of a real go-to slider, too – thrown hard and aggressively. His electric two-pitch mix probably has him slated for a relief role for now, but his skills as both a catcher and a pitcher gives him an intriguing resume at the next level.
On the Wisconsin side, lefties Tyler Denu (Mount Horeb; Evansville) and Adrian Montilva (Madison East; uncommitted) both earned spots in the top five within this group of arms. Denu lives in the zone with his running/sinking mid-80s fastball, that can get even a tick or two higher. Montilva is really athletic and it’s incorporated throughout his delivery. He also has an enviable fastball-curveball combo.
Check out who joined these four on on the top 10 in the rankings below, as well as reports on each of the pitchers who toed the rubber in the Top Prospect event. For a look at the previously published Catcher, Infielder, and Outfielder Analysis from the showcase, in addition to a Statistical Analysis, click the hyperlinks.
TOP PROSPECTS
1. Johnny Beck, LHP, Rochelle Township (IL), 2019
Western Illinois commit. 6-foot-8, 200-pound, left-handed pitcher, wiry, long-limbed, towering frame. Works in rhythm with a leg wrap at balance point, slightly cross bodied to home, easy extension down the mound, closed toe landing, athleticism in finish. Arm plays long and loose, full arm swing, arm speed out front, high ¾ slot, effort involved. Fastball comes out firm, late run down, ability to elevate, 87-88 mph, topped 89 mph. Curveball, sharp 1/7 break, generated multiple swings and misses, 73-75 mph. Changeup, faded, occasional cut, 77-79 mph.
2. Ben Harris, C/RHP, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2019
6-foot-2, 170-pound two-way player, lean athletic frame. Plus arm strength defender behind the plate, carries well and accurate, quick release with short arm action, 77 mph out of the crouch. Posted pop times at 1.97-2.01. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth load, leg kick trigger, good balance through contact. Hands are quick and creates bat speed, short path, slight pull tendency. 84 mph exit velocity form the tee. 7.04 runner in the 60. Arm plays well on the mound, short loose and easy arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, 85-87 mph, touched 88 mph. Slider is firm and thrown aggressively, 11/5 shape, some depth, 75-76 mph.
3. Tyler Denu, LHP, Mount Horeb, 2019
Evansville commit. 6-foot-1, 220-pound, durable build with present lower half strength, wide shoulders, projectable body. Tall and fall delivery, changed tempo, sturdy balance point, works in-line, lands square to home, some pop up at finish. Arm action is short and quick, arm strength, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball, same plane run, jumped out of hand, 85-87 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape with arm speed, 66-70 mph. Changeup, faded, 75 mph.
4. Adrian Montilva, LHP, Madison East, 2019
5-foot-9, 170-pound, left-handed pitcher, athleticism in frame translate to delivery on the mound. Pitches with composure, compact balance point, leads with the hip and gets extension down the mound, high front side, works in-line, lands square, super athletic finish. Hands break late, long arm swing, quick arm speed out front, over the top slot, pulls down. Fastball worked straight, jumped out of the hand, topped 87 mph, sat 85-86 mph. Curveball, tight 1/7 shape, flashed sharp break down with arm speed, 72-74 mph.
5. Trent Turzenski, RHP, Burlington, 2019
6-foot-6, 220-pound, right-handed pitcher, daunting, long-limbed frame. Short side step to compact balance point, works in-line, hip leads to shorter stride, which allows arm to work out front, athleticism in finish. Glove pat at hand break, long arm action with a slight wrap on back side, present arm speed, ¾ to high ¾ slot, deceptiveness in arm action. Showed ability to work downhill with conviction, ball came out firm. Fastball, true run and sink down in the zone, can climb the ladder with four seamer, topped 87 mph, sat 85-86 mph. Slider, lateral 11/5 shape in the zone, sharp break with arm speed, 68-70 mph.
6. Jace Kressin, LHP, Menomonie, 2019
6-foot-3, 175-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky frame with athleticism in actions. Methodical pace with back step into balance point, lulls hitter, balance is low with slight coil, tempo speeds at hand break, lands square and finishes athletically. Short, loose, whippy arm action, quick arm speed, gets on hitters, deceptive ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball had run late, life in the zone to both sides, 83-86 mph. Slider, sweeping 2/8 break, sharp in the zone and out, fastball arm speed, 77-79 mph.
7. Bailey Banaszynski, RHP, Brookfield East, 2019
6-foot-2, 215-pound, right-handed pitcher, thick frame with present lower half strength. Works with tempo and repeats, sturdy balance, cross-bodied delivery, athletic finish towards first base. Short arm action, some stab on back side, quick arm action, high ¾ slot. Commanded the zone with confidence on all offerings. Fastball, downhill tilt with run, both sides of the plate, comes out firm, topped 88 mph, 85-87 mph. Curveball, 11/5 sharp break, present depth, 67-69 mph.
8. Ryan Klainos, RHP, Libertyville (IL), 2019
6-foot-1, 205-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned frame with present lower half strength. Presence on the mound, repeats tempo, sturdy balance to hip lead down the mound, high front side, lands square and in-line, easy, athletic finish. Short arm swing, arm speeds through throwing window, hides on back side, high ¾ slot. Showed three pitches for strikes. Fastball, late run, located to both sides of the plate, 84-86 mph. Slider, 10/4 break, generate swings and misses, 72 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 77 mph.
9. Grant Ver Voort, RHP, Appleton North, 2019
6-foot, 195-pound, right-handed pitcher, strong build, wide shouldered with present lower half strength. Quick tempo, front step to low hanging balance, works in-line to foot strike, toe lands open and momentum works towards first base at finish. Short arm swing, muscled arm strength, over the top slot. Fastball, worked straight with tilt down, in the zone, 85-87 mph. Curveball, 12/6 break, flashed depth for strikes, 70-72 mph.
10. Codey Quirin, LHP, Oswego (IL), 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound, left-handed pitcher, high-waisted, athletic frame. Works with tempo and repeats, sturdy, waist high balance point, hip leads in-line down the mound, uses frame to get extension, lands square, finish is easy and athletic. Glove pat leads to short, loose arm swing, quick arm speed, clean high ¾ slot, maintains control. Fastball had late run, pounded the bottom of the zone, 82-85 mph. Curveball, 1/7 gradual break, maintains arm speed, 72-74 mph.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Christopher Barnes, LHP, Sussex Hamilton, 2019
6-foot-2, 190-pound left-handed pitcher, solid durable frame. Delivery works from third base side of the rubber, stays closed, solid front side, closed landing. Arm action is clean, full circle, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 79-81 mph, topped at 82 mph, showed feel and ability to induce ground ball. Breaking ball showed feel, 67-72 mph, 1/7 action.
Luke Blaha, OF/RHP, Mukwonago, 2019
Recent UW-Stevens Point commit. 6-foot-1, 185-pound, two-way prospect, strength throughout frame. Defensively, long arm action, quick arm speed, over-the-top slot, kept throws on target with carry, 84 mph from the outfield. Plays through the ball athletically, soft hands, fluid footwork, clean on exchanges. Offensively, wide setup, short stride, maintains good balance. Line drive hitter, middle approach, repeats, level barrel path through zone, 88 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.29 laser-timed 60. On the mound, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Drop and drive delivery, simple 90-degree leg kick up and down, works on-line, lands square, finishes athletically. Fastball, slight cut at-times, sat 80-82, touched 83. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, keeps down in the zone, 71-72.
Nick Brazelton, RHP/INF, Oconomowoc, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound two-way player, solid sturdy build. Projects best on the mound, competitive mound presence, slight drop and drive style, works on line, lands square, repeats, ability to pound the strikezone. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm out of high ¾ window. Fastball topped at 86 mph, sat 82-84 mph. Curveball plays with 11/5 shape, above average action, 66-69 mph. Changeup has fade action, 73-74 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, leg kick trigger, good balance. 99 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at third base, clean hands and arm showed carry across, 80 mph. 7.78 runner in the 60.
Trey Bretl, RHP, Marinette, 2019
6-foot-1, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic, durable build. Quick side step to sturdy balance point, extends with lower half, lands slightly cross-body, foot squared to home, athletic finish. Arm plays shorts and loose, slight wrap on back side, high ¾ slot, some effort. Slide step out of the stretch. Fastball, worked straight, occasional cut, topped 86 mph, sat 83-85 mph. Curveball rolled on a 11/5 plane, 63-65 mph.
Pete Burnside, RHP, New Trier (IL), 2019
6-foot-5, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, tall, lanky frame. Tall and fall delivery, quick tempo and rhythm, compact balance, works in line, extends down mound, lands square, recoil finish towards first base. Arm works long, slight stab, present arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball, jumped out of the hand, slight run at times, topped 86 mph, sat 80-83 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape with depth, deceptive action and feel for pitch, 75-76 mph.
Nick Carpenter, LHP, Lake Mills, 2019
Wisconsin-Stevens Point commit. 6-foot, 170-pound, left-handed pitcher, wiry frame with room for continued physical development. Quick side step to sturdy balance point, slight drop on back side, toe lands open and heel first, hips open, athleticism in finish with head jerk down. Arm plays long and loose with slight wrap, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball worked straight, cut some, 74-76 mph. Curveball, 2/8 shape, 62-66 mph.Changeup played 70 mph.
Darren Dionne, RHP, Peshtigo, 2019
6-foot-4, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher, tall, lanky build. Deliberate pace to heel lift balance point, slide step stretch, heel first landing, works in-line, lands square, athletic finish with slight recoil. Arm plays long and loose, present, whippy arm speed, ¾ to high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball, slight run in the zone, worked the knees, 81-83 mph. Slider, best secondary offering, 10/4 late break with arm speed, 74-79 mph. Changeup maintained fastball arm speed, worked straight, 74 mph.
Trent Ehlers, LHP, Sturgeon Bay, 2019
6-foot-3, 205-pound, left-handed pitcher, strong, durable build. Side step to high knee balance point, slight sit on back side, high front side, works slightly cross body, toe lands open and heel first, athletic finish, slight head jerk. Short arm swing, quick arm speed, clean, high ¾ slot. Fastball, worked straight, firm through the zone, topped 85 mph, sat 81-83 mph. Curveball, 1/7 tilt, sharp break with depth down, maintains arm speed, feel for, 66-69 mph.
Nick Evert, RHP, Franklin, 2019
6-foot-4, 210-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned build, strong frame. Tall and fall delivery, heel lift balance point, toe lands open and heel first, works towards first base at finish, head jerks. Short arm action, slight wrap on back side, over the top slot. Fastball, worked straight, occasional cut, 77-79 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, 66-68 mph.
Nick Fields, RHP, Galesburg (IL), 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher, athleticism in frame. Pitches with tempo, low effort delivery, sturdy balance, works in-line and lands square, easy, athletic finish, repeats with rhythm involved. Long draw out of glove, short arm action out front, present arm speed, high ¾ slot. Maintained arm speed on all pitches. Fastball, run to both sides of the plate, 83-85 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, flashed depth, 67 mph. Slider, 10/4 wrinkle, thrown for strikes, 75-76 mph.
Jack Habeck, LHP, Appleton East, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky frame with room for continued physical development. Highly repeatable delivery, works in rhythm, shoulders leveled, works straight to home, lands square, easy, athletic finish. Short arm action, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball, slight run, mostly straight, 81-82 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, flashed depth down, 66-68 mph. Slider worked similar to curveball, leveler plane, buried it in to righties, 71-72 mph. Changeup played 73 mph.
Carter Hesselman, INF/RHP, Eau Claire North, 2019
6-foot-2, 165-pound two-way player, lean lanky frame. Tall and fall delivery, balanced and easy, lands closed and on line. Full clean arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball sits 76-78 mph, topped at 79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, sharp action, showed depth and feel for the zone, 67-69 mph. Flashed changeup at 74 mph. Right-handed hitter, slight open stance, loads hands back, leg lift trigger. Path has length, pull side approach, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays loose from a high ¾ slot, 73 mph across. 7.36 runner in the 60.
Carter Highline, RHP, Bay Port, 2019
6-foot, 215-pound, right-handed pitcher, thick frame. Works with tempo and rhythm, low, crunched balance point, tilt and topple delivery with slight sit on back side, works in line and toe lands closed, easy and athletic finish. Arm plays long and loose, slight wrap, high ¾ slot with arm speed. Fastball, same plane run, in the zone to both sides, 81-83 mph. Curveball is effectively slow with present depth and spin, in the zone, 66-68 mph. Changeup came out with arm speed, worked straight and down, 73 mph.
Harrison Hoff, RHP, Providence Catholic (IL), 2019
6-foot, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher. Easy, sturdy balance point, tilt and topple delivery, stays over the back side, works in-line, lands square, athletic finish, some recoil. Arm is long and loose, full swing, high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight, occasional cut, topped 81 mph, 78-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 break, in the zone with depth, effectively slow with arm speed, 62-65 mph.
Ryan Hubley, LHP, Marquette University, 2019
6-foot-4, 180-pound, left-handed pitcher, wiry frame with room for continued physical development. Tall and fall delivery, cross-bodied delivery to home, toe is open at foot strike, athletic finish forwards, rhythm involved. Long draw out of glove, full arm swing, present arm speed through window, ¾ slot. Fastball, slight run in the zone, topped 83 mph, 80-81 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 66-68 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, tight spin with depth in the zone, 71-74 mph.
Kyle Maurer, RHP, Huntley (IL), 2019
5-foot-11, 155-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic frame with room to physically fill out. Repeatable, hybrid delivery, compact balance point, works in-line and lands square, athletic finish with easy extension down the mound. Arm works long, loose out front, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Flashed a three pitch feel in warmups, no changeup in game. Fastball, arm side run, worked straight to gloveside, topped 83 mph, 80-82 mph. Curveball, 10/4 sharp, tight break with arm speed, deceptive and feel for it, 67-70 mph.
Kyle McKinnon, RHP, Bradford, 2019
5-foot-11, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic frame. Tall and fall delivery, coils at balance, hips open early, works in-line, extends, lands square to home, easy, athletic finish. Arm works short and loose out front, slight wrap on back side, over the top slot. Fastball, mostly straight with occasional cut, favored outside corner to LH and RH hitters, topped 83 mph, sat 80-82 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape with gradual break, thrown for strikes, 67-69 mph.
Micah Overley, 3B/RHP, Janesville Craig, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound two-way player, lean frame. Left-handed hitter, hits out of a tall open stance, loads hands back, leg lift trigger, gets back to square, maintains balance through contact. Path has some length, generates bat speed and hard contact off the bat, line drive to pull side tendency. 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm works long and firm, 83 mph across. Profiles at third base, hands play out front, long exchange, occasional wind up. 7.53 runner in the 60. On the moundfastball topped at 80 mph, sat 78-79 mph. Curveball has gradual 11/5 shape, 65-70 mph.
Sam Pederson, RHP, Verona, 2019
6-foot-2, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky, athletic frame. Repeats tempo to a tall balance point, tall and fall down the mound, slightly cross-bodied to home, toe lands closed and heel first, athleticism in finish, slightly upright. Hands break late, arm is short and quick out front, high ¾ slot. Attacked hitters with his fastball, ran early out of the hand, showed sink down, sat 83-85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, maintains arm speed, 68-70 mph. Changeup faded, 79 mph.
Jack Perinovic, RHP, Menomonee Falls, 2019
5-foot-9, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher. Works with tempo, knee gets behind rubber at balance, extends down the mound in-line, foot lands square, some recoil at finish. Long arm action, slight stab on back side, clean, high ¾ slot, effort involved. Quick feet on pickoffs. Flashed in-game pitchability. Fastball worked straight, can climb the ladder, topped 84 mph, sat 83-83 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, flashed sharp bite down, 70-74 mph.
Sawyer Phillips, RHP, Antioch (IL), 2019
6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, live, athletic frame. Deliberate pace with long gather step, tall balance point, stays over back side, works cross-body, lands closed, upright finish. Arm draws long at hand break, slight wrap on back side, present arm speed out front, over the top slot. Fastball, ran in the zone, sat 84-85 mph. Curveball, 115 shape with depth, in the zone with fastball arm speed, 68-70 mph. Changeup played 75 mph.
Cade Pisca, RHP, Oak Creek, 2019
6-foot-3, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, wiry build. Stretch only delivery, tall and fall style, sturdy balance point, toe lands closed at foot strike, works towards first base at finish. Long arm action, present arm speed out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball, flashed sink to arm side, in the zone, topped 82 mph, sat 79-81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 sharp break, maintains arm speed, 69-70 mph. Slider, 10/4 break, 71-72 mph.
Nathan Platter, RHP, Oconomowoc, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame. Quick side step to crunched balance point, hip open early, works in line and lands square to home, athletic finish. Long draw out of glove, full arm swing, ¾ to high ¾ slot. Fastball, ran in the zone, topped 86 mph, sat 84-85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed depth, 68-70 mph. Changeup, faded hard with fastball arm speed, best secondary offering, 77-80 mph.
Jarrett Ramer, RHP, Bradford, 2019
6-foot, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic, durable frame. Drop and drive style, high knee balance with slight crunch, shoulders leveled, lands cross-bodied, easy, athletic finish. Long draw out of glove, short arm through throwing window, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, rhythm and tempo involved. Fastball worked straight, 82-84 mph. Curveball, true 12/6 shape, flashed depth down, 70-74 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, dropped straight, 78-80 mph.
Sam Rogers, RHP/C, New Lisbon, 2019
5-foot-10, 185-pound two-way player, solid build. On the mound works from a short high ¾ slot, quick arm. Delivery is compact and balanced. Fastball plays with arm side action, sat 83-86 mph. Curveball had 10/4 shape, flashed occasional sharp action. 65-68 mph. Changeup sinks to arm side, 71 mph. Defensively arm plays similar, with carry, 82 mph out of the crouch. 2.11-2.22 pop times. Right-handed hitter, open stance, toe tap trigger gets to even. Gap to gap approach, 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.61 runner in the 60.
Isaac Rios, OF/RHP, Superior, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, right-handed two-way prospect. On the mound, over-the-top slot, short arm action. Hybrid side-step delivery, tilt and topple, leads with hips, works on-line, lands square, finishes athletically. Fastball, works downhill, flashed cut, sat 84-86. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 67-70. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, mostly straight, 77 mph. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot, plays through the ball with fluid footwork and clean exchanges, 85 mph. Ran a 6.96 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, maintains balance. Pull hitter, long, uphill barrel path through zone, 83 mph exit velocity off a tee.
Luke Schraufnagel, RHP, Arrowhead, 2019
5-foot-9, 155-pound, right-handed pitcher, strong build with preset lower half strength. Repeats delivery and tempo, tall and fall style, sturdy balance, short stride, closed landing at foot strike, easy, athletic finish. Long draw out of glove, short arm swing with some arm speed, high ¾ slot. Two pitch feel, fastball worked straight, in the zone, 79-81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed power break with arm speed, thrown for strikes, 70-75 mph.
Austin Steele, RHP, Sycamore (IL), 2019
6-foot-2, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned frame. Tall and fall delivery, up/down/out to home, slight drop on back side, works in line and foot lands square, athletic finish. Short arm action, present arm speed, ¾ arm slot. Fastball, flashed run, 80-83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, 61-63 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, sank in and out of the zone, 73 mph.
Trey Tennessen, INF/RHP, Kimberly, 2019
5-foot-11, 160-pound two-way player, athletic body. Plus runner, 6.82 in the 60, laser timed. Right-handed bat, hits out of a tall setup, loads hands back, short reverse load stride. Path is level, occasional uphill, pull side tendency, in rhythm. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long out of a high 3/.4 slot, 81 mph across. Clean exchange, plays athletically through the baseball, occasional long release. On the mound fastball runs easy to arm side, worked 80-82 mph in the strikezone. Curveball has above average depth on 11/5 plane, flashed sharp action, aggressive arm speed and feel, 72-73 mph. Changeup fades, with arm speed, 76 mph.