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Underclass Showcase 10.27.13: Pitching Analysis

November 13, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

We save the most impressive group of the Underclass Showcase for last, the pitchers. The top three arms in this group were exiting to watch as all three have highly projectable arms and have yet to play their sophomore season of baseball. RHP Ryan Hodgett (St. Francis, 2016) was most impressive touching 88 mph on one of his last pitches and sitting at 84-86 mph. RHP Mitch Owens (Moline, 2016), who we have already tabbed as the top corner infielder, made it look easy on the mound sitting 84-85 mph and touched 86 mph, also showing feel for his secondary. RHP Max Franklin (St. Rita, 2016) might be the most projectable of the group, his arm works extremely quick and has a late life to his fastball that cannot be taught.

Here’s a look at our top pitching prospects from the Underclass Showcase.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Ryan Hodgett, RHP, St. Francis, 2016
Strong build, solid frame, 6-foot, 165-pound right handed pitcher. Arguably the top prospect at the event, high follow pitcher with advanced arm strength. Delivery shows some effort, slight drop and drive style, athletic finish. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, advanced arm speed. Showcased a four seam and two seam fastball, sat 84-86 mph, two seam touched 87 mph, four seam touched 88 mph, plus potential fastball. Two seamer flashed advanced action, hard arm side run, showed the ability to command both fastballs. Curveball has advanced action, 11/5 plane, sharp bite, throws with conviction, fastball arm speed, displayed feel and control, 71-74 mph. Straight changeup has feel, 75-77 mph flashing occasional action. Splitter had occasional downward action, 74-76 mph, erratic action, some feel. Hodgett is one of the top arms in his class and has high level potential.

2. Mitch Owens, 3B/RHP, Moline, 2016
Advanced frame, highly projectable, athletic, 6-foot-3, 180-pound two-way prospect. Plays with an easy athleticism, one of the more highly touted prospects in the Class of 2016, high level prospect, high follow. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, smooth loading action, short stride. Athletic swing, consistent hard contact, ball jumps off his bat, power potential. Advanced bat speed, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee, fluid rhythm, gap to gap approach, high level hitter. Defensively plays through the baseball, advanced infield actions, quick clean exchange, athletic body control, plays with ease. Arm action is short and loose, over the top, with accuracy and carry, 78 mph across the diamond. Projects well on the mound, delivery is easy, full windup, tall and fall. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight sink, 84-85 mph touched 86 mph, showed the ability to command the zone. Curveball has advanced action and feel, 11/5 plane, 70-72 mph. Changeup has feel, slight fading action, 73-77 mph.

3. Max Franklin, RHP/OF, St. Rita, 2016
Lanky, athletic frame, highly projectable build, 6-foot-3, 180-pound two way prospect. Projects well on the mound, high ceiling arm. Tall and fall delivery, shows some effort, athletic finish. Operates from an over the top arm slot, loose arm action, advanced arm speed. Fastball has run, hard heavy action, showed control, 84-85 mph. Curveball has potential, aggressive arm action, 11/5 plane, 67-71 mph, flashed occasional bite. Ran one of the best 60 times at the event (7.04). Defensively plays through the baseball with aggressive arm action, long over the top slot, 88 mph from the outfield with carry. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Handsy swing, flat bat path, low finish. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.

4. Hank Christie, RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
6-foot, 145-pound pitcher with above average projectable pitcher’s frame. Has long limbs with a slight build, frame has ability to carry additional muscle mass. Has a slight drop and drive delivery, works with tempo, level shoulders. Has long, loose, arm action, from a ¾ slot, quick acceleration, arm speed suggests projectable velocity. Showed feel for his fastball, sitting 78-81 mph, touching 83 mph twice, with sinking action. Breaking ball lacks identity, sits 68-71 mph, flatter plane, sweeping action, thrown with fastball similar arm speed. Changeup showed quality sink and fade at 67-71 mph.

5. Alec Barger, OF/RHP, Central, 2016
Long athletic frame, projectable build, 5-foot-11, 155-pound two-way prospect. Barger was one of the top prospects at the event, shows a high level of projection, excellent athlete. Ran the fastest 60 of the event, 6.95 runner. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride, strong balance through contact. Advance bat speed for age, creates whip through the zone, hard contact. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Short path with extension, line drive gap to gap guy, athletic hitter. Plays through the ball well in the outfield, athletic actions, clean exchange, soft hands. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, 84 mph from his crow hop. Athletic delivery on the mound, regular effort, long arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, sat at 81 mph touched 82 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, well above average action, excellent depth, 65-68 mph. Changeup missed down, 71-74 mph.

6. Angelo Smith, LHP, Richards, 2017
5-foot-8, 150-pound athletic left handed pitcher with above average projectability for his age. Smith controls the mound well and has an advanced presence for his age, does everything with ease and confidence. Has tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, clean lines, athletic finish. Arm works short, loose, clean, with effortless acceleration that projects better velocity down the road. Fastball has cutting action, at an easy 77-80 mph. Breaking ball has flat, sweeping action, 65-66 mph. Changeup was straight, 74-78 mph. Smith is a high follow left handed pitcher in the Class of 2017.

7. John Rugen, 3B/RHP, La Salle Peru, 2016
Solid frame, 6-foot, 200-pound two way player. Tall and fall style, effortless delivery, works online, athletic finish, mechanically sound. Arm action is long and loose, easy arm action, ¾ slot. Fastball has sink, heavy feel, showed the ability for command, 77-78 mph. Curveball showed well above average action for his age, 11/5 plane, slurve feel, 65-67 mph. Changeup has sink, fastball arm speed, showed control, 70-71 mph.  Defensively showed the ability to play through the baseball, body control, clean exchange, above average hands. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, accurate arm with carry at 75 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a wide stance, minimal stride, heel lift load. Advanced bat speed, showed occasional pop, erratic contact, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran an 8.55 60.

8. Jake Garella, SS/RHP, Edwardsville, 2016
6-foot-1, 170-pound two-way player who projects well as a pitcher. On the mound he has a tall and fall delivery with regular effort, rhythm, and clean lines. Arm works from a high ¾ slot, wraps, quick acceleration projects more velocity in the future. Fastball was straight, sitting 77-80 mph, touching 81 mph. Showed feel for the curveball, 11/5 shape, sharp action, quality depth, 66-68 mph. Changeup was straight, 75-78 mph. At the plate he has a balanced stance, no load, short stride, quality balance through contact. Swing is short, level, sprays to all fields, solid extension, fluid rhythm. Exit velocity was above average at 81 mph off a tee. Defensively arm works long, from high ¾ slot, 79 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.62 60.

9. Jake Jones, RHP, Brother Rice, 2017
6-foot-2, 170-pound pitcher with a projectable frame. Has tall and fall delivery that’s quiet and repeatable. Arm works long, loose, high ¾ slot. Showed feel for the fastball, throwing it 72-76 mph with sink. Curveball has 11/5 shape, early action, 61-63 mph for strikes. Changeup was 64-67 mph with quality sinking action. Highly projectable frame, young arm with plenty of upside.

10. Ryan Miller, 3B/RHP, North Scott (IA), 2016
6-foot-3, 170-pound athletic frame, lanky limbs, two-way player who projects well on the mound. His delivery has steady rhythm, some effort, falls off to the first base side after release. Arm works long, quick, clean, from over-the-top. Showed real feel for the fastball, living at the knees, sitting 75-77 mph with two plane action. Curveball has 11/5 shape, sharp breaking action, sitting 65-66 mph for consistent strikes. Changeup was 68-69 mph, with late arm side run. Offensively he hits with a wide stance, balanced through contact. Swing is compact, flat path, solid extension, explosive bat whip. Exit velocity was above average for his age at 81 mph off a tee. On the infield showed solid hands. Arm works long, from ¾ slot, accurate, with carry, 65 mph. Ran an 8.0 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Anthony Ackerley, LHP/1B, Lake Park, 2016
6-foot-1, 180-pound left handed hitting two way player  with a strong body. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, backward loading action, short stride, quality balance through contact. Has rotational swing, pull side approach, consistent contact with lift, solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 79 mph off a tee. Defensively showed clean actions, soft hands, fluid footwork, quality exchanges, plays through the ball. Arm works loose, ¾ slot, accurate, good carry, 69 mph. Ran an 8.05 60. On the mound has tall and fall delivery, some rhythm, repeats. Arm works from a ¾ slot, long, loose arm action. Fastball was straight, sitting 70-72 mph, flashing 73 mph, for strikes. Breaking ball was 58-60 mph, 10/4 shape, gradual sweeping action. Changeup was 57 mph with flashes of sink.

Ryan Anderson, 3B/RHP, Palatine, 2016
Long fame, slender build, 6-foot, 170-pound two-way player. On the mound delivery shows regular effort. Arm operates from a high ¾ slot, quick loose action. Fastball is mostly straight, 73-75 mph, touched 77 mph. Breaking ball worked on 11/5 plane, 57-62 mph, showed some feel. Changeup flashed sink, 64-67 mph, showed control. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee, long path. Defensively plays with a loose arm action from a high ¾ slot, 71 mph across the diamond.

Andrew Bidochka, 3B/RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
5-foot-6, 145-pound two-way player with athletic body, strong legs. Defensively, uses a long arm action from over-the-top slot, occasional carry across the infield at 71 mph. Showed solid feet, occasional deep fielding position. Ran a 7.62 60. At the plate hits with athletic, balanced stance, leg kick stride, solid balance through the swing. Has uphill bat path, opposite field approach, makes strong contact. Exit velocity was above average at 82 mph off a tee. On the mound uses a drop and drive delivery with slow rhythm. Arm action is short, from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was straight, sitting 72-75 mph, for strikes. Curveball has 11/5 shape, slight breaking action, 59-64 mph. Changeup was straight, flashing occasional sink, 63-66 mph.

Peyton Bizzari, LHP, Rockridge, 2016
5-foot-11, 155-pound left handed pitcher, lanky frame. Slow tempo delivery, deliberate actions, balanced fnish. High ¾ arm slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 69-70 mph, some control. Curveball has gradual action, 11/5 plane, 55-56 mph. Changeup has slight sink at 61 mph.

Mark Brown, 1B/LHP, Harlan, 2017
Solid frame, strong, 6-foot-2, 215-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from the left side open stance, short stride. Pull side approach, lifts the baseball, power potential, creates some whip. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a long arm action across the diamond, ¾ slot, some accuracy (72 mph). On the mound works across his body, high ¾ arm slot, long arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, 74-75 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, 62-65 mph.

Ryan Coleman, OF/RHP, Glenbard West, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from an open stance, shorter stride. Flat path, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a long arm action from an over the top slot, 72 mph from the outfield. On the mound arm works from a high ¾ slot, up-tempo delivery. Fastball is mostly straight, 69-72 mph touched 75 mph. Curveball has some feel 56-60 mph. Changeup is mostly straight with occasional sink, 62-65 mph for strikes.

Breven Daugherity, OF/RHP, Joliet West, 2017
5-foot-10, 175-pound two-way player. Offensively this from a balanced stance, heel lift load, partial lower half. 67 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed quick footwork in the outfield, 7.18 runner. Arm plays from an over the top slot, short arm action (72 mph). On the mound fastball topped out at 74 mph, sat 71-72 mph mostly straight, high ¾ slot. Curveball sat 54-58 mph, decelerated arm action, steep plane. Changeup has sink, 56-58 mph, showed some control.

Aidan Dolan, RHP/3B, Lakes, 2017
6-foot, 195-pound two way player. On the mound he uses a slow rhythm delivery, regular effort. Arm works long, over-the-top. Fastball was mostly straight, flashes of sink, sitting 62-65 mph. Changeup was 59-61 mph, straight. Curveball was 57-58 mph, rolling action. Cutter was 56-57 mph, soft action. On the infield he showed solid hands. Arm works long, from over-the-top, 61 mph across the diamond. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Swing is a sit and spin style, uphill path, pull side approach. Exit velocity was 68 mph off a tee. Ran an 8.26 60.

Matt Gonsowski, RHP, Argo, 2016
6-foot-1, 190-pound right handed pitcher. Tall and fall type delivery, regular effort, some rhythm. Arm action is long, ¾ slot, above average arm speed. Fastball has sink, occasionally heavy, 75-78 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, 10.4 plane, 62-65 mph, showed feel. Changeup flashed sink, 68 mph. Showed solid overall projection, feel for the mound, projectable arm.

Jeremiah Hoskins, MIF/RHP, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-5, 115-pound two-way player. On the infield he showed quality hands, throws from an over the top slot at 61 mph. Ran an 8.08 60. At the plate hits from an open stance, short stride approach, solid balance through contact. Swing is short and hits off front foot, singles guy. Exit velocity was 62 mph off a tee. On the mound has a tall and fall delivery, good direction, choppy rhythm. Throws from high ¾ slot, short, stiff arm action. Fastball was straight at 60-63 mph. Curveball was 54-56 mph.

Hunter Keim, RHP/SS, Rock Island, 2017
Slender build, 5-foot-10, 135-pound two-way player. On the mound delivery shows regular effort, high ¾ arm slot, works slightly across his body. Fastball has occasional sink, 74-76 mph. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, near fastball arm action, showed control and feel, 61-66 mph. Changeup missed mostly down, 68-71 mph. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, longer leg lift stride, solid balance. Rhythmic hitter, one piece swing, level flat path, line drive guy, loose swing, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action across the infield, ¾ slot, 65 mph across the diamond.

Yaki Lee, C/MIF/RHP, Harlan, 2017
Solid build, 5-foot-6, 140-pound left handed hitting two-way player. Showed overall athleticism and good projectability at multiple positions. Behind the plate displayed quick actions, efficient transfer, short over the top arm action, 68 mph out of the crouch. Posted pop times at 2.20-2.36. On the infield showcased soft hands and advanced infield actions for his age. Above average body control with the ability to play on the move. Arm played at 72 mph across the diamond. On the mound worked from a high ¾ slot. Fastball had occasional sink, 72-77 mph. Off-speed pitches are still a work in progress, lacked separation in action.

Harold McClarin, MIF/RHP, Evergreen, 2016
5-foot-8, 145-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from a balanced athletic setup, leg kick trigger. Showed quick hands, occasional whip, line drive gap to gap hitter. 69 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively on the infield uses a ¾ arm action, 72 mph across the diamond, deep fielding action. Ran an 8.10 60. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball sat 68-72 mph, mostly straight. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, gradual action at 60-61 mph. Straight changeup sat 65-68 mph, near fastball arm speed.

Nolan Moeller, LHP/OF, Rock Falls, 2016
5-foot-10. 145-pound, athletic body, left handed hitting two-way player. On the mound he has a tall and fall delivery, slow rhythm, and some effort. Has a long, two piece arm action, high ¾ slot. His fastball was straight, sitting 65-66 mph, straight, for strikes. Curveball has 11/5 shape, loose breaking action, 57-58 mph for consistent strikes. Throws a changeup with sinking action, 59-61 mph. In the outfield he fields the ball deep, with two hands. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, with accuracy, 64 mph. Ran an 8.63 60. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, quality balance through the swing. Swing path is uphill with pull side approach, some pull side pop, solid extension. Off a tee exit velocity was 71 mph.

Sean Rickert, RHP, De La Salle, 2016
5-foot-8, 160-pound right handed pitcher. Arm action is long, ¾ arm slot, moderate arm speed. Fastball has sink, 74-76 mph, lacked control. Breaking ball flashed 11/5 shape, 65-68 mph. Changeup has fading action 65-68 mph.

Jacob Rintz, SS/RHP, Schaumburg, 2016
Slender physical make up, 5-foot-10, 140-pound two-way player. Defensively showed above average actions at shortstop, hands have a soft feel, showed the ability to play through the baseball. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot, 71 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, slight leg kick trigger. Line drive approach, mostly flat, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound works out of a ¾ slot, longer arm action, occasional back side collapse. Fastball is mostly straight 71-72 mph topped out at 75 mph. Curveball has slurve action, near fastball arm speed, 61-63 mph for strikes. Straight change up, 64-66 mph.

Trevon Sutton, 3B/RHP, Harlan, 2017
Strong 6-foot-1, 185-pound third baseman. Sutton shows potential as a power hitting corner infielder. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride. Strong athletic hands, well above average bat speed for his age, creates whip, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Short path with extension, pull side power approach. Defensively showed athletic feet, played through the baseball with above average infield actions, showed soft hands. Arm plays loose, high ¾ slot, accurate with occasional carry, 75 mph across the diamond. On the mound fastball was mostly straight, 74-75 mph touched 77 mph. Curveball showed some action, steep plane, 62-68 mph. also showed a straight changeup at 70-72 mph.

Tavion Towers, MIF/RHP, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-8, 135-pound two way player. Defensively showed above average actions for his age. Has soft hands, clean exchanges. Arm action is long, athletic, from a high ¾ slot, occasional carry at 69 mph. Ran a 7.9 60. Offensively hits from balanced stance with zero stride. Has opposite field swing and approach, solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 76 mph off a tee. On the mound uses drop and drive delivery with rhythm and clean lines. Arm works long and loose, from high ¾ slot. Fastball was 66-68 mph flashing sink. Curveball has 12/6 shape, rolling break, 53-54 mph. Changeup was 57-61 mph, flashing sink, similar arm speed to the fastball.

Tommy Washington, C/MIF/RHP, Harlan, 2017
Athletic, 5-foot-8, 145-pound two-way player. Defensively showed well both behind the plate and in the infield. Out of the crouch displayed a quick transfer, short over the top arm action. Arm played at 68 mph, posted pop times at 2.25-2.33. On the infield displayed softness in his hands, advanced body control for his age. Arm works athletic and can play on the move, 71 mph across the diamond. On the mound fastball was straight at 72-75 mph. Curveball sat at 63-64 mph, rolling action. Changeup sat 65-69 mph.

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