2016-17 Prospect Showcase Pitchers Analysis

October 7, 2013

By Phil Wade & Blake Hibler
PBR Indiana

On Sunday September 15th, PBR Indiana hosted the 2016-2017 Prospect Showcase at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. The event consisted of 50 total players from across the Hoosier State. Below is the analysis of the pitchers that attended the event.

Top 10

1. Collin Lollar, RHP/OF, Columbus North HS, 2016: 5-foot-11, 160 pound sophomore possesses an athletic frame. On the mound sat 82-83, but was up to 85 mph this summer. Breaking ball shows a sharp, sweeping action at 70-71 mph. Delivery is repeatable with an effortless arm action. Easily projects as a high 80’s in the near future. High follow in the 2016 class. Currently ranked No. 18 in his class.

2. Drew Summeier, RHP, Warren Central HS, 2016: 5-foot-11, 175 pound sophomore is mechanically sound for his age. Possesses good arm speed from a ¾ arm slot that creates whip. Good downward plane on all pitches. Consistently in the zone. Fastball sat 79-81. Arm speed suggests there will be a significant velocity jump in the near future. 68-72 mph Breaking ball shows two planes from an 11/5-10-4 shape with good depth.

3. Austin Dickey, RHP/3B, Providence HS, 2016: 6-foot-4, 180 pound sophomore has a prototypical pitcher’s frame. Mechanically is raw. Creates good arm side run, fastball is heavy at 77-79. Saw him in the spring up to 83 mph. Breaking ball is slow and lacks depth at 60-64. Arm speed and size make him an interesting follow in the 2016 class.

4. Alex Batistatos, OF/RHP, Hobart HS, 2016: 6-foot, 150 pound sophomore works at a good pace with a repeatable delivery. High ¾ long arm action with good speed. Projects to add more velo in the near future. Fastball sat 75-78. Breaking ball was 65-68 with an action between a cutter and a slider. Changeup was 67-70 with some arm side run and sink action. Body type projects more on the mound. Good follow in the 2016 class.

5. Brodee Lipinski, RHP/OF, Western HS, 2017: 6-foot-2, 155 pound freshman has a slow delivery. Prototypical pitcher’s body. Throws from a high ¾ arm slot and works downhill. Fastball is 74-76 mph. Arm action is quick. Breaking ball shows an 11/5 shape with good life at 62-66 mph. Needs to improve on finding the strike zone more consistently.

6. Nathan VanDeventer, RHP/SS, Columbus North HS, 2016: 6-foot-1, 140 pound sophomore shows good rhythm and pace within his delivery. Lower half is a little stiff. Throws from a ¾ arm slot. Fastball is 75-77. Still developing his breaking ball, however does show good downward movement. While he’s not a high end prospect at the moment, has the makeup to become a top end pitcher in his class.

7. Tony Smodilla, RHP/3B, Terre Haute North HS, 2017: 5-foot-9, 150 pounds. On the mound shows a lot of activity within his delivery. Lands open. Possesses good arm speed, topping out at 78 mph with his fastball. Throws from a high ¾ slot. Breaking ball should be effective against high school hitters at 58-62. Throws three pitches for a strike.

8. Alex Nisle, 3B/RHP, Lake Central HS, 2015: 6-foot, 185 pound junior has a pause in peak of delivery. Arm action is short and throws over the top. Fastball is heavy at 74-78 mph. Breaking ball shows an 11/5 action, however is inconsistent at 64-66 mph. Changeup still needs development.

9. Phillip Lawson, 2B/RHP, Pendleton Heights HS, 2017: 5-foot-8, 140 pound freshman throws from a high ¾ arm slot with smooth rhythm and good direction. A little stiff. Fastball sat 74-77 mph. Flashed a good breaking ball but was inconsistent.

10. Tyler Burthay, C/RHP, Western HS, 2017: 6-foot, 180 pound freshman has a projectable frame On the mound uses a small pump with a repeatable delivery. High over the top arm slot and short arm action. Fastball was 75-76 mph. Breaking ball was inconsistent at times, but did flash a good one at the event.

Best of the Rest (In alphabetical order)

Dawson Armstrong, RHP/3B, Noblesville HS, 2017: 6-foot-3, 170 pound freshman shows a short arm action from an over the top slot. Delivery is repeatable. Fastball sat 71-73 and his breaking ball was at 60-64 mph.

Arian Coffey, 3B/RHP, Delta HS, 2016: 6-foot-2, 135 pound sophomore has a stab on the back side. Delivery shows good rhythm and is repeatable. Fastball was up 72 mph. Needs to add overall strength. Projectable frame at 6-foot-2.

Payton Mattingly, 1B/RHP, Southridge HS, 2016: 6-foot-2, 190 pound sophomore throws over the top with a long arm circle. Mechanically raw. Tops out at 76 mph with his fastball. Projects more as a hitter.

Brendyn Nelson, RHP/OF, Tipton HS, 2016: 5-foot6, 155 pound sophomore throws from a high ¾ arm slot and is stiff. Works from a rock-step delivery with a slow pace. Fastball was up to 66 mph.

Justyn North, RHP/3B, Centerville HS, 2016: 6-foot, 180 pound sophomore was 70-75 mph with his fastball. Possesses long legs and wide shoulders. High ¾ arm action is long with some hand speed. Lacks arm strength. Lots of activity in the delivery causing deception.

Matt Olovich, SS/RHP, Guerin Catholic HS, 2017: 5-foot-8, 145 pound freshman shows good athleticism. On the mound starts with his hands high and has a repeatable delivery and good line. Tops out at 75 mph with his fastball. Needs to improve on maintaining arm speed on his off speed pitches.

Sam Paddock, SS/RHP, Lawrence North HS, 2017: 5-foot-10, 160 pound freshman repeats the delivery with good balance. Needs to improve arm strength. Fastball sat 70-73 mph.

Ryan Ruthrauff, RHP/3B, Lake Central HS, 2016: 5-foot-11, 165 pound sophomore. On the mound his delivery is slow with a short stride and lands open. Throws over the top with average arm speed. Delivery is repeatable. Fastball tops out at 74 mph.