Top Prospect Showcase: RHP Analysis

July 27, 2015

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Illinois/Wisconsin

Rounding out our positional analysis of the Top Prospect Showcase we finish up with the most impressive group, the right-handed pitchers. This list features several high end arms, some of which have already committed after the event. Kevin Malisheski took the top spot, his easy upper 80’s arm screams more velocity down the road, and has made serious jumps in the last six months. Along with Malisheski are several other high end available arms.

Top Right-Handed Pitching Prospects

1. Kevin Malisheski, RHP, Wauconda, 2016
Recently committed to Illinois State. Typical pitchers frame, 6-foot-3, 190-pounds, lean, loose and athletic, right-handed pitcher. Clean and easy on the mound, shows little effort, long loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball has arm side run, flashes hard action, sat 87-88 mph, touched 89 mph. Curveball showed lateral action, 70-72 mph. Changeup thrown near fastball arm speed, 78-80 mph. Highly projectable arm has continually improved every time we’ve seen him in the last six months. Possible draft follow.

2. Dalton Parker, RHP, St. Joseph-Ogden
6-fot-4, 205-pound right-handed pitcher, typical pitchers frame, wide shouldered. Directional down the mound, squared at landing, used leg lift in stretch. Arm action is loose, and quick, over the top slot. Fastball works downhill, mostly straight four seam, showed ability to control well, 88-90 mph. Curveball ranged 71-75 mph. Changeup flashed advanced action, arm side run, 76-78 mph, good feel.

3. Dylan Mulvihill, RHP, Evanston, 2016
Long gangly right-handed pitcher, 6-foot-5, 215-pounds, projectable frame. Tall and fall delivery, works online, stays upright. Regular effort, arm works from ¾ slot, long and loose. Fastball played with run to arm side, occasional sinking action as well, sat 88-89 mph, touched 90 mph once. Curveball acted more slider, 10/4 plane, sweeping action, 74-78 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, thrown with arm speed, 77-79 mph. High follow uncommitted 2016 prospect.

4. Adam Lukas, RHP, Grafton, 2016
Large frame, 6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, solid sturdy build. Delivery works slightly across his body, top side stays closed, good tempo, ability to repeat. Arm action is loose, long draw with wrapping action, high ¾ slot, strong arm. Fastball sat 88-90 mph, ability to throw strikes. Curveball has more lateral action, 10/4 plane, 69-72, decels at release, could be better suited for slider. Changeup featured slight sink, 77-80 mph.

5. Devin Wessels, RHP, United Township, 2016
6-foot-2, 155-pound right-handed pitcher, loose wiry frame. Smooth athletic delivery, works online with squared landing. Loose, quick arm speed, over the top slot, regular effort. Showed control of his fastball, 85-87 mph touching 88 mph, runs to his arm side. Curveball has 12/6 action, 70-72 mph. Slight sinking action on his changeup, 79-81 mph, near fastball arm speed. Also flashed a knuckleball at 75 mph.

6. Joe Gahm, RHP/3B, Germantown, 2016
Loose lean frame, has athleticism, two-way player, 6-foot-1, 185-pounds. Projects best on the mound. Delivery is directional and athletic, shows slight effort, tall and fall approach, athletic finish. Arm action is quick and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 85-86 mph, touched 87 mph, comes out easy with slight run to arm side. Curveball has plus potential, sharp hard action, thrown aggressively with fastball arm speed, 11/5 plane, 72-74 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm action, showed arm side run, aggressive and occasionally chokes, 79-82 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loose athletic swing. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond, ball carries, athletic defender with softer hands. 80 mph across the infield. 7.66 runner in the 60.

7. Brett Smerz, RHP, Pius XI, 2016
6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame. Recently cleared from UCL repair. Delivery is uptempo, shows effort. Quick, athletic arm action, high ¾ slot. Everything showed lively action in the hitting zone. Fastball has arm side run, hard and late action, 88-89 mph. Signals breaking ball a cutter, sweeping action and showed depth, 74-76 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm action, arm side run, showed control, 79-82 mph. Quick armed right-handed pitcher with dynamic stuff, high follow considering recently been cleared from UCL repair.

8. Hank Christie, RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
Recently committed to Northwestern. 6-foot-0, 165-pound, long limbs, very projectable. On the mound displayed long arm action, high ¾ slot, lands closed, works across his body. Fastball easily sat 84-87 mph, touched 89 mph. Curveball worked on a 10/4 plane, gradual break, 71-72 mph. Changeup was thrown for strikes at 69-72 mph.

9. RD Lutze, RHP, Aurora Christian, 2016
Big strong frame, 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-handed pitcher, wide shouldered. Delivery has slight hesitation at the top of balance point, lower half works up, out and over, pitches with effort. Short, muscled arm action, big arm strength, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 90 mph, featured heavy downhill life, 87-89 mph. Throws a 12/6 downer curveball, flashed biting action, 72-74 mph. Firm changeup at 79-81 mph.

10. Alec Powell, RHP, Rockford Christian, 2016
6-foot-1, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher with a lanky build. Currently ranked No. 137 in the Illinois Class of 2016. On the mound works exclusively from the stretch. Over the top arm angle with a short arm circle in back, but gets extension out front. On toe at balance point. Tall and fall delivery with level shoulders throughout. Some rhythm with an occasional recoil at finish. Fastball sat 85-86 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with sharp action at 72-75 mph. Changeup was firm at 80-82 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Travis Berg, RHP, Eau Claire Memorial, 2016
6-foot-3, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, solid sturdy build. Tall and fall delivery, uptempo, works online, good direction. High ¾ arm slot, short and quick action, some effort. Fastball reached 85 mph, sat 80-83 mph with a heavy feel, flashing sinking action. Curveball works on 12/6 plane, 70-72 mph. Changeup sinks, fastball arm speed, 69-72 mph.

Cam Brown, RHP, Pontiac, 2016
6-foot-2, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky frame, young look. Smooth tall and fall delivery, shoulders stay closed, lower half works out and around to a closed landing, throws slightly across his body. Easy arm action, high ¾ slot, long and loose. Fastball sat 83-85 mph, touched 87 mph on last pitch. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, 68-70 mph, occasionally gets around it. Changeup flashed arm side run, 71-72 mph.

Bryan Callaly, RHP, Geneva, 2016
Extra-large frame, 6-foot-7, 210-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery works rotationally, can create more separation, toe up to balance point, slightly higher front side. Arm action is long, signs of looseness, high ¾ slot. Sinking action on fastball, 84-86 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, 64-67 mph, decelerated arm action. Changeup ranged 73-78 mph.

Jacob Curry, 3B/RHP, Pontiac, 2016
5-foot-10, 170-pound, average build, two-way player, left-handed hitter. Hits from a slightly-open stance, loads hands back, short stride, good balance. Average bat speed, level bat path, fluid rhythm, 82 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, ability to play through the ball, long arm action, high ¾ slot, 83 mph from across the infield. Ran a 7.65 60-time. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, high ¾ slot, smooth rhythm, lands on line. Fastball showed arm-side-run, 84-85 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, 70-71 mph. Changeup had good arm speed, some fade, 73-75 mph. Slider sat 79-80 mph.

Casey Dennison, RHP/1B, Jacobs, 2016
6-foot-2, 210-pound two-way player, large frame, shows strength. On the mound arm works from a high ¾ slot, short arm action. Fastball has slight run, 79-81 mph. Breaking ball landed for strikes, 10/4 plane, gradual action, 67 mph. Changeup sat 74-76 mph. Hits from a balanced stance,, short stride, lower half collapses. Showed bat strength, flat path some uphill pull approach. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. At first base arm played at 83 mph across the diamond. Hands showed playability, 7.71 runner in the 60.

Zach Frey, C/RHP, Normal University, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound two-way player, average lean build. On the mound works from a drop and drive style delivery with some effort, slide step from stretch, slight recoil finish to first base side. Arm action is loose and quick, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 85-86 mph, touching 87-88 mph, showed feel for the zone. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 71-72 mph, ability to throw strikes. Changeup has fading action, near fastball arm speed, controls the zone, 75-77 mph. Defensively showed a big arm out of the crouch, short high ¾ slot, carried well to the bag, 81 mph arm strength. Strong pop times at 1.92-2.01. Good athlete, 7.01 runner. Hits from a slightly open stance, short stride loads hands back. Spray hitter, line drive approach. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jake Garella, 3B/RHP, Edwardsville, 2016
6-foot-1, 185-pound two-way player, average athletic shape. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, good balance through impact. Compact approach with athletic hands. Showed bat speed on a short path, 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played short and loose, high ¾ slot with accuracy across the infield, 80 mph across the diamond. 7.42 runner in the 60. Looked athletic on the mound, delivery is clean. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 81-83 mph. Has feel for the curveball, 68-69 mph, 11/5 shape. Changeup sat 74-76 mph.

Nolan Gazouski, SS/OF/RHP, Rockford Christian, 2016
6-foot-6, 185-pound, lanky build with athleticism, two-way player. Hits from the left-side, slightly open set up, short stride, lower half works. Good bat speed, long bat path, 95 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, fluid footwork, loose arm action, ¾ slot, 88 mph from the OF, 80 mph from the IF. Ran a 6.78 60-time. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, high ¾ arm slot, short arm action, lands closed. Fastball showed arm-side-run, sat 84-86 mph. Sider had 10/4 shape, 74-77 mph. Curveball sat 72-74 mph.

Ryan Hartmann, RHP, Andrew, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a from a ¾ arm angle with a long arm action and stab in back. Online balanced delivery with good tempo from the wind up. Slightly closed landing. From the stretch uses a slide step, occasionally rushing not allowing arm to get on top and missing up. Fastball sat 82-85 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 73-76 mph. Changeup sat 77-79 mph.

Mitch Hunter, RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
6-foot-1, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, solid build, wider shouldered with strong lower half. Delivery works on line, level to target. Long loose arm action, high ¾ slot, easy arm. Fastball sat 80-82 mph, touched 83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, gradual action, 66-69 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, 70-73 mph.

Kevin Hussey, RHP, Columbus, 2016
6-foot-3, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, solid build. Delivery works online to target, can get more out of lower half. Arm action is short, over the top slot. Fastball flashed arm side run, ranged 80-84 mph. Curveball has gradual 11/5 break, 65-69 mph. Changeup sat 71-73 mph.

Matthew Jackson, RHP, Brooks College Prep, 2016
Lanky frame with some projectability, 6-foot-4, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery is in line with squared landing. High ¾ arm slot. Fastball has run to arm side, 80-81 mph. Showed a curveball and slider. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 65-68 mph. Slider at 67-68 mph, similar actions. Fading changeup at 70-72 mph.

Keith Kutzler, RHP, Kenosha Tremper, 2016
6-foot-4, 195-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, repeats, slightly across his body, shoulders have slight uphill tilt. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has sink, 84-85 mph, shows feel. Slider sat 75-76 mph, lateral action. Slightly slower tempo on straight changeup, 63-65 mph.

Jack Lauer, RHP, Notre Dame, 2016
6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, large build. Over the top arm slot, firm arm action. Fastball ranged 75-79 mph. Curveball has gradual action, 64-66 mph. Also threw a slider at 64-67 mph with similar action.

Cody Link, 1B/RHP, Edgewood, 2016
6-foot-5, 215-pound two-way player, long athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, tall open stance, stride gets back to square. Pull side approach with the ability to go the other way, flashed bat speed. Defensively plays with a long arm action, showed some carry across the infield. Showed the ability to play around the bag. On the mound arm worked similarly, long high draw, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed cut, 80-81 mph. Curveball sat 70-72 mph. Straight change was firm, 75-78 mph.

Max Maney, 2B/RHP, Boylan Central Catholic, 2016
5-foot-9, 160-pound, small frame, two-way player. Hits from an open stance, loads hands back, good balance. Level bat path, line drive approach, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, fluid footwork, short arm action, high ¾ slot, with accuracy, 80 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.39 60-time. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, lands closed. Fast ball consistently at 79 mph, touched 80 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, 67-69 mph. Changeup sat 70-73 mph.

Jake Manning, 3B/RHP, Hampshire, 2016
5-foot-11, 160-pound, average body, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced set up, short stride, average balance. Above-average bat speed, uphill bat path, exit velocity 89 mph. Defensively showed average hands, long arm action, high ¾ slot, 78 across the infield. Ran a 6.82 60-time. On the mound showed a high ¾ arm slot, toe lift at balance point, lands slightly open. Fastball thrown for strikes, 81-82 mph, touched 83 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, gradual break, 67-70 mph. Changeup showed some arm-side-fade, 76-79 mph.

Cooper Michalski, RHP, Mundelein, 2016
6-foot-5, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, long lanky frame. Tall and fall delivery, long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 79-81 mph, mostly straight. Curveball has gradual action at 64-66 mph. Changeup ranged 66-73 mph.

Aaron Mutter, RHP/1B, Burlington, 2016
Extra-large body, 6-foot-4, 230-pound two-way player. On the mound, front side gets slightly open, lands square with regular effort. Arm action is short, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed running action, 82-84 mph. Curveball played at 69-73 mph. Throws changeup with good arm action, has sink 76-79 mph. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride gets back to even. Pull power approach, showed pop in bat, looks to lift, advanced bat strength. Defensively showed footwork around the bag at first, hands play and shows feel for the position.

Jacob Nagel, RHP, Bolingbrook, 2016
6-foot-6, 205-pound right-handed pitcher, long frame, pitchers body. Tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, high ¾ slot, lands square. Fastball showed occasional arm-side-run, 85-86 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball had 12/6 shape, 72-74 mph. Changeup showed good sink, sat 75-77 mph.

Michael Oh, RHP, Glenbrook North, 2016
6-foot-4, 245-pound right-handed pitcher, big build, strong lower half and wide shoulders. Works from a full overhead windup, slight drop and drive. Arm action has length, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 83-85 mph, touched 86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action with ability to land for strikes, 66-67 mph. Changeup sat 72-74 mph.

Ryan Pfutzenreuter, RHP, Deerfield, 2016
6-foot-1, 175-pound, right-handed pitcher. Currently ranked No. 102 in the Illinois Class of 2016. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with level shoulders throughout. Closed toe at landing. Fastball sat 85-86 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 71-74 mph. Changeup sat 77-79 mph with armside run.

Jake Pomykalski, 1B/RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2017
6-foot-5, 210-pound, strong, athletic build, two-way player. Hits from a tall, balanced set up, loads back, short stride, above-average balance. Above-average bat speed, short bat path, 91 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed soft hands, quick footwork, long arm action, high ¾ slot, 79 mph from 1B. Ran a 7.29 60-time. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, high ¾ arm slot, loose arm action, landing square. Fastball showed arm-side-run, sat 83-84 mph. Curveball sat 64-68 mph. Changeup showed sink and cut, sat 69-73 mph. Knuckleball 70-71 mph.

Kolton Rominski, SS/RHP, Marian Central Catholic, 2016
5-foot-10, 180-pound, average frame, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced set up, loads hands back, short stride, good balance. Average bat speed, level bat path, 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, short arm action, high ¾ slot, with some carry, 83 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.47 60-time. On the mound displayed a drop-and-drive delivery, short arm action, landing square. Fastball sat 81-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, gradual break, ability to throw for strikes, 70-73 mph. Changeup sat 72-74 mph. Slider sat 72-74 mph.

Adam Schoenle, RHP, Chicago Christian, 2016
6-foot-5, 190-pound, athletic build, good projectability. Tall-and-fall delivery, high ¾ arm slot, above-average arm speed, landing slightly closed. Fastball showed some arm-side-run, sat 82-84 mph, touched 85 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, 68-70 mph. Changeup had some sink, thrown for strikes, 74-76 mph. Splitter showed sinking action, 77-78.

Sultan Solebo, RHP, Plainfield Central, 2016
6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed pitcher, thick lower half, loose arm. Delivery works directionally, shoulders plane uphill, high front side. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam, 83-84 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, showed the ability to drop for strikes, 69-72 mph. Changeup showed hard sink, almost like splitter action, thrown with fastball arm speed, 74-75 mph, showed control.

Tyler Strzelczyk, 1B/RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
Lon lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-4, 170-pound two-way player. Athletic and showed feel around the bag, easy athleticism, hands played soft, showed infield actions. Arm action is short and loose across, high ¾ slot, 83 mph. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride back to even, good balance. Loose hands at the plate, creates some whip, showed bat speed. Level path with gap to gap approach. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound works with little effort. Fastball showed slight arm side run, 83-85 mph. Changeup thrown with feel, 74-76 mph, control of the zone.

Brad Van Asdlen, RHP, Minooka, 2016
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, lean build. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. High ¾ arm slot, loose arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam, 79-81 mph. Curveball has gradual 11/5 action, 66-68 mph, flashed occasional 12/6. Splitter showed downward movement, 70-71 mph.

Brandon Williams, RHP, Tinley Park, 2016
Recently committed to Northern Illinois. 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, long limbed. Slight drop and drive style delivery, closed front side works slightly against his body. Over the top arm slot, short draw. Fastball flashed cut action, 83-86 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 73-75 mph, touched 78 mph. Changeup worked at 74-76 mph.

Cameron Zunkel, RHP, Willowbrook, 2016
6-foot-1, 165-pound, average build. On the mound showed a long, loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, landing square. Fastball showed occasional run, 84-85 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, sat 70-72 mph. Changeup had good arm-side-run and sink, good feel for the pitch, 75-78 mph.

Top Prospect Showcase: RHP Analysis

Top Right-Handed Pitching Prospects

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

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