By Steve Nielsen

Today’s Unsigned Senior Spotlight is on right-handed pitcher Matt Dennis. Dennis is a Class of 2013 graduate of Rolling Meadows HS. The Mustang senior is coming off of a productive season in 2012 as the righty posted a 6-4 record with a 2.50 ERA in 61 2/3 innings pitched. Dennis showed his ability to pound the zone with his 65 strikeouts and only 22 walks in those 61-plus innings pitched.

We recently saw Dennis at the Pitchers Showcase and Analysis and saw great things out of the right-hander. Dennis is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound athletic pitcher that showed the ability to command all of his pitches with regularity. Dennis throws from a high ¾ arm slot out of an athletic, repeatable delivery. He showed above average feel for a fastball, curveball, and change up. His fastball sat comfortably at 85-87 mph, his easy arm action proved that he was able to maintain his velocity throughout the extended bullpen. His curveball is a pitch he showed good feel for, throwing it at 66-68 mph and showing signs of true 12-6 action. Dennis also showed good fastball arm speed on his change-up (74-76 mph) which he threw consistently for strikes and showed good sink down in the zone. Dennis proves to have a good feel for the mound and control of all his pitches.

Dennis has also shown us his athleticism as a position player as well. As a projectable, athletic middle infielder he runs a 6.95 60. Defensively, he plays through the ball well, in addition to showing soft hands and an accurate arm across the infield. At the plate, Dennis impresses with his balanced approach. He showed excellent hand acceleration through the zone, which produced consistent hard line drives. He also demonstrated repeatable rhythm throughout his swing.

Right now Matt Dennis looks to be one of the better unsigned pitchers in the Class of 2013. Look for Dennis to have a great year and lead the Mustangs to another winning record.