Class of 2020 Showcase: Pitcher Analysis

On Oct. 14, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the fall’s Class of 2020 Showcase at The MAX in McCook, Ill. There, more than 80 high school juniors came out to perform in a pro-style workout in front of our staff and a group of college coaches.

Today, we’ll complete our position-by-position analysis by going over the day’s pitchers.

Normal University’s RHP Jack Feely (uncommitted) comes away from this event with the No. 1 rank among the arms in attendance. The 6-foot, right-hander works with tempo, easy effort and a mid-80's fastball. Feely couple it with an above-average changeup and feel for a breaking ball. 

Right behind Feely on the board is RHP Mitchel Sampson (Galesburg; uncommitted). Sampson has a strong, athletic, 6-foot-2 frame and a fastball that he ran up to 87 mph. Sampson will be one to follow as he continues to refine his secondary offerings.

Check out the full reports below on both Feely and Sampson, as well as each and every one of the pitchers who took the mound at The MAX last month. We’ve already published the Statistical Analysis from this showcase, as well as the breakdown of the event’s catchers, outfielders, and infielders. Keep an eye out tomorrow when we wrap up the Class of 2020 Showcase analysis by ranking the top-10 overall prospects at the event.

TOP PROSPECTS

1. Jack Feely, RHP, Normal University, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, strong compact build. Tall and fall type delivery, lands square, athletic finish, smooth delivery with tempo. Above average arm strength, action is loose and long, ¾ slot. Fastball showed arm side run, thrown for strikes, 84-86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 68-70 mph. Changeup sinks slightly to arm side, near fastball arm speed, 77-79 mph.

2. Mitchel Sampson, RHP, Galesburg, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame. Delivery is deceptive, changes direction, works across body, finishes to first base side, some effort. Arm action is long, deep draw, high ¾ slot. Fastball plays lively at times, 85-86 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball varies between 12/6 and 11/5, 61-62 mph. Changeup played best out of the stretch with down action, ranged 71-74 mph.

3. Matthew Zahora, RHP/C, St. Laurence, 2020
6-foot, 190-pound two-way player with arm strength. On the mound delivery play tall and fall, regular effort, lands closed to, rotational finish. Short draw arm action, ¾ slot. Fastball plays with slight run to arm side, 82-84 mph. Above average slider for age, 10/4 shape, sweeping action, near fastball arm speed, 74-76 mph. Changeup slightly fades to arm side, 75-76 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, short stride, solid balance. Path is short, line drive contact, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm played strong out of the crouch, 78 mph, flashed carry. 2.08-2.26 pop times. Ran the 60 at 7.27.

4. Caleb Pyrz, OF/INF/RHP, Champaign Central, 2020
5-foot-11, 160-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional player, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, short stride, maintains control. Quick twitch in swing, strong hands, short level bat path, repeated hard line drive contact to all fields, smooth rhythm through contact. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively from the outfield, quick, under control footwork, clean exchange, hands work. Arm plays loose, ¾ arm slot, ball comes out firm, throws topped 86 mph from the outfield. In the infield, lets ball get deep, steady hands, ranges well, packs at exchange. Loose arm action, ¾ slot, accurate throws carried 81 mph across the infield. 7.26 runner in the 60. On the mound, repeats tempo, sturdy balance, works in-line, lands square, athletic finish. Arm plays loose and quick, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball, late run in the zone, 83-84 mph. Curveball, sharp 11/5 break, 70-73 mph. Changeup played 79-81 mph.

5. Isaac Crabb, C/RHP, Harrisburg, 2020
6-foot-1, 190-pound two-way player, strong build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg lift stride, solid balance through contact. Simple approach showed ability to spray to all fields, path is level and gets extension. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Above average arm strength, carries out of the crouch, played on line with accuracy, short over the top slot, 77 mph. Actions are quick and clean, showed soft hands, 1.98-2.12 pop times. 7.69 runner in the 60. On the mound uses full wind up delivery and slide step out of the stretch, uptempo with direction. Arm action is short and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight arm side run, 83-85 mph. Slider has 10/4 action thrown near fastball arm speed, 71-74 mph. Changeup sinks, slight decel arm action, 72-74 mph.

6. Ethan Alexander, RHP, Marian Catholic, 2020
6-foot-3, 150-pound right-handed pitcher, projectable frame, lean build. Slight tilt and topple type delivery, deliberate actions to closed landing, finishes to first base side. Arm action has some length on backside, loose and quick, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, occasional heavy feel with sink, showed control of the zone, 81-82 mph, topped at 83 mph. Curveball has above average action, 11/5 shape with bite and arm speed, 70-73 mph. Throws changeup with arm speed, 73-76 mph.

7. Sebastian Parchomenko, RHP/INF, Dundee Crown, 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound two-way player. Delivery is tall and fall, works on line, tucked at top of balance point, lands closed. Arm action plays long and over the top with some effort. Fastball sat 80-83 mph, showed tilt when down. Curveball has sharp 11/5 shape, above average action, 71-75 mph. Changeup sinks, 71-75 mph. Big arm on the infield, long high ¾ slot, accurate across the diamond, 85 mph, length in release with effort. 7.73 runner in the 60. Hands showed softness, gets through the baseball. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, loads hands back, longer stride. Some bat strength present, pull side power approach, 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.

8. Rafael Ortiz, RHP, Montini Catholic, 2020
6-foot, 190-pound right-handed pitcher. Stretch only delivery, big leg lift with hip load, some deception. Arm plays out of high ¾ slot. Fastball showed occasional arm side run, 81-82 mph, topped at 83 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional deceleration, 65-70 mph. Straight changeup showed occasional fade, 72-75 mph with control.

9. John Gavric, LHP, Loyola, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound left-handed pitcher. Stretch only delivery, lands square, balanced finish. Arm action is long, draws out with slight hook, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight sinking action, 79-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, gradual action, near fastball arm speed, 65-68 mph. Changeup has sinking action, near fastball arm speed, 74-79 mph.

10. Mason Graham, OF/RHP, Neuqua Valley, 2020
6-foot, 155-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced, open setup, back load, toe lift stride. Strong hands, short, level bat path, high finish, line drive contact, fluid rhythm throughout. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, gets behind the ball and plays through, steady hands, long to release. Short, whippy arm action, over the top slot, throws carried 87 mph from the outfield. 7.28 runner in the 60. On the mound, tall and fall type, sturdy balance, works in-line and lands square, some recoil at finish. Arm action is loose and live, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, flashed run, 80-83 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual break, 63-67 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, faded, 73-74 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Bryan Avalos, INF/RHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2020
5-foot-9, 135-pound two-way player, lean wiry frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Bat path is level, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm plays long on the infield, high ¾ slot, 63 mph across the diamond. Actions play deliberate through the baseball. 7.91 runner in the 60. On the mound arm plays similar, fastball showed sink, 68-70 mph, touched 71 mph. Curveball played 60-62 mph. Changeup sinks, 63-65 mph.

Nathan Barbato, OF/RHP, Oak Forest, 2020
6-foot-4, 192-pound two-way prospect with athletic, strong frame. At the plate, right-handed, wide setup with some pre-pitch rhythm. Leg kick load into short stride, strength in hands creates bat speed off a slightly uphill plane, line-drive type contact, looking to pull; 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, profiles in left field, clean actions, hands work, plays through, short and stiff arm action from a high ¾ slot, 76 mph throws home. 7.34 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, stretch only, rocks into tall balance point, can work a little uphill. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, mostly straight, slight cut, 75-79 mph. Curveball, slows arm, gradual 10/4 shape, 63-66 mph. Changeup, slows arm, some fade, 58-63 mph.

Brett Buzzelli, RHP, St. Laurence, 2020
5-foot-10, 158-pound right-handed pitcher. Wide rocker step to medium balance point, works in rhythm and direction, front side open at times. Full circle arm action out of high ¾ window. Fastball runs to arm side, topped at 81 mph, ranged 73-78 mph between four and two seam fastballs. Curveball has 10/4 shape, gradual action 62-65 mph. Changeup fades with fastball similar arm action, 66-68 mph.

Nico Carpello, OF/LHP, Downers Grove South, 2020
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting, left-handed throwing two-way player, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced setup, minimal load, short toe lift stride. Level, long bat path, occasional hard, line drive contact, pull side tendencies, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, footwork is short and quick, fields on side of body and plays through the ball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 76 mph from the outfield. 7.63 runner in the 60. On the mound, long slide step to crunched balance point, strides in-line and lands square, some recoil. Short arm action, hides on back side, ¾ to high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball played straight, 75-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, gradual 2/8 break, 55-61 mph. Changeup early release, 58-60 mph.

Luke Chlystek, OF/LHP, Lake Forest, 2020
6-foot, 165-pound, left-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, high-waisted, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced, open setup, smooth load, short toe tap trigger, maintains control. Short bat path, pull side approach, flashed hard line drive contact. Generates quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 87 mph from a tee. Defensively, athletic actions, attacks the baseball with fluid footwork, clean exchange, steady hands. Arm plays long, high ¾ slot, throws topped 78 mph from the outfield. 7.32 runner in the 60. On the mound, sturdy balance point, works in-line, lands square, shoulders open early. Long and loose arm action, ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball, early cut out of the hand, 73-74 mph, topped 75 mph. Curveball, 2/8 shape, 64-65 mph. Changeup played straight, some sink at times, 70-73 mph.

Noah Curl, C/RHP, Reed Custer, 2020
6-foot, 195-pound two-way player, solid lower half, carries some strength. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short toe tap stride. Path has some length, uphill path, occasional hard contact up the middle, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, 75 mph out of the crouch. 2.22-2.37 pop times out of the crouch. 8.70 runner in the 60. On the mound arm is over the top, loose action. Simple squared delivery. Fastball is straight, 79-80 mph, topped at 81 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 67-71 mph. Changeup is straight, 70-72 mph.

Joshua DeLeon, OF/RHP, Taft, 2020
5-foot-10, 140-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, thin, lanky frame. At the plate, wide setup, smooth load, long toe tap trigger, some dive. Short, level bat path, loose hands, line drive contact to all fields, keeps it simple, fluid rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. Defensively gets behind the baseball, short fluid steps, clean exchange, hands work. Arm plays short and loose, present arm speed, high ¾ slot, throws topped 87 mph from the outfield. 7.46 runner in the 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery, wide toe lift balance, short stride to even, recoil finish with rhythm involved. Arm plays long and super loose, generates arm speed, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball played straight, 80-81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual shape, 65-68 mph. Knuckleball, hard sinking action, 68-71 mph.

Cameron Demos, OF/RHP, Downers Grove North, 2020
6-foot-2, 185-pound left-handed hitting two-way prospect with strength in athletic, lean frame. Offensively, balanced, closed-toe setup, smooth load back with leg lift into short stride. Loose, strong hands create bat speed, hits on an uphill bat path, fluid rhythm throughout. Consistent hard contact, especially to his pull side; 88 mph exit velo off the tee. On defense, profiles as a left field type, fluid footwork, throws with long arm action from a high ¾ slot, plays through the ball, throws topped at 86 mph home. Ran a 7.04 in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, quick side step into high knee at balance point, works on line, lands square. Pitches with some tempo, throws from high ¾ slot with loose arm action. Fastball, 79-84 mph, mostly straight. Curveball, had better feel out of the stretch, 11/5 shape with gradual break, 63-67 mph. Changeup, flashed some sink, slows arm, 69-73 mph.

Thomas Devine, 1B/LHP, Brother Rice, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound left/left two-way player. Offensively, balanced setup, bat wrap load back, short and quick leg lift stride. Long, uphill bat path, line-drive contact, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, clean exchanges, long, over-the-top arm action, 69 mph throws to third. 8.83 runner. On the mound, dorp-and-drive type, can work across body, lands closed. Long, high ¾ arm action, some effort. Fastball, straight, 68-69 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 57-60 mph. Changeup, some sink, 64-65 mph.

Jason Donohue, INF/RHP, Grayslake North, 2020
5-foot-10, 145-pound two-way player, lean frame. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, big quick leg kick trigger. Uphill path, showed gap to gap contact, late trigger at times. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm is long and loose, high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond. Actions moved well, played through the baseball showed body control. 7.07 runner in the 60. On the mound arm is long out of a ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, 73-75 mph, topped at 76 mph. Curveball is slurve type action, 58-59 mph. Changeup sinks, 65-67 mph.

Kaden Fearday, INF/RHP, St. Anthony, 2020
6-foot-4, 165-pound two-way player with long, thin frame, room for projection. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, small leg lift stride. Long, uphill bat path, 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, clean exchanges, short, low ¾ arm action, 77 mph across the infield. 7.30 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed, tall-and-fall type with some rhythm, works with some tempo. Loose arm action from ¾ slot. Fastball, flashed run, 75-78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, better feel from the stretch, 63-65 mph. Changeup, some sink, 70-72 mph.

Alex James, RHP, Lake Central (IN), 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, carries present strength. Drop and drive type delivery, squared landing, slightly across body, stays close working slightly uptempo. Arm plays out of high ¾ slot, some quickness. Fastball flashed run to arm side, 80-81 mph out of the windup, 77-78 mph out of slide step stretch. Curveball has 10/4 shape, 64-67 mph. Occasional sinking action on changeup, 67-71 mph.

Nathan Jendraszkiewicz, LHP, Oswego East, 2020
6-foot-4, 215-pound left-handed pitcher. Stretch only delivery, sets up closed, loads quick and coiled to balance point, uptempo. Arm action is short, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight cut action, 77-79 mph. Curveball sat 66-68 mph, Slider has 2/8 action, 68-70 mph. Changeup has slight cut action, 71-73 mph.

Joey Kalish, C/RHP, Elk Grove, 2020
6-foot-2, 174-pound two-way player, long frame. Right-handed hitter, tall balanced stance, long stride. Path is short and level, tends to stay on top of the baseball. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with long levers out of the crouch, some effort, 2.19-2.33 pop times. Arm played over the top at 70 mph. On the moundarm played slightly lower at a high ¾ slot. Fastball runs slightly to arm side, 77-79 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, showed feel, 60-66 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, 70-73 mph.

Justin Kerestes, 1B/RHP, Rockford Boylan, 2020
6-foot-4, 200-pound two-way player with lean, projectable frame. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, bat wrap load, quick and short stride. Long, uphill bat path, flashed some power potential to the pull-side, 87 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, long, over-the-top arm action, 72 mph throws to third. 7.83 runner in the 60. On the mound, tall-and-fall type, high draw. Long, over-the-top arm action, finishes upright. Fastball, straight, 68-73 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 58-61 mph. Changeup, near-fastball arm speed, mostly straight, some sink, 60-63 mph.

Tyler Lawrence, RHP, York, 2020
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, durable build. Tall and fall delivery, works directional and balanced, stays on line with closed landing. Arm action is long and loose, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 78-80 mph, touched 81 mph. Curveball showed feel, 12/6 shape, showed ability to drop for strikes, 64-67 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, ocasional sink action, 68-72 mph.

Colin Malkowski, LHP, Mount Carmel, 2020
5-foot-7, 165-pound left-handed pitcher, compact frame. Delivery repeats, tall and fall type, works on line, lands heel to open toe. Arm action is long, over the top slot. Fastball topped at 77 mph, sat 74-76 mph. Has feel for curveball, 1/7 shape, dropped for strikes, 62-64 mph. Changeup has sinking action, 68-72 mph.

Adam Massello, INF/RHP, Highland Park, 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound infielder, lean athletic build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, dives. Path is short, slightly uphill, rotational hitter. 70 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensive actions work deep on the infield, arm is short and high ¾, accurate across diamond, 75 mph. 7.50 runner in the 60. On the mound delivery works slightly uptempo, squared landing, arm action is short and over the top. Fastball plays with arm side run, showed feel for the zone, 75-77 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 65-66 mph. Changeup is near fastball arm speed, 67-70 mph.

Matthew McAleer, RHP/3B, Prospect, 2020
6-foot-3, 165-pound two-way prospect with high waist, lanky frame. On the mound, right-handed, briefly rocks into tall-and-fall delivery, works on line and lands square. Over-the-top arm action with some rhythm. Fastball, mostly straight, some tilt, 77-79 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 64 mph. Changeup, sinks, 66-68 mph. At the plate, balanced/tall setup, brief loads back, toe-tap stride. Long, uphill bat path, fluid rhythm, 84 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, agile feet, short, over-the-top arm action, 79 mph across the infield. 7.47 runner in the 60.

Max Myers, OF/RHP, Lees Summit (MO), 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, athletic, lanky frame. Present foot speed, 6.99 runner in the 60. At the plate, balanced, crouched setup, minimal load, short stride, occasional dive over plate. Long, uphill bat path, all field approach, exit velocity topped 79 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick footwork, steady hands, plays through. Short, over the top arm action, throws topped 73 mph from the outfield. On the mound, deliberate pace, short stride, toe lands square, spins to first at finish. Short arm action, over the top slot, early release. Fastball, slight run, 70-72 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual shape, 62-64 mph. Slider played 66-68 mph.

Brett Panick, LHP, St. Rita, 2020
5-foot-11, 140-pound left-handed pitcher, slender build, long levers. Tall and fall delivery that works across his body, regular effort. Arm action is loose and over the top. Fastball flashed cut action, ranged 70-74 mph, touched 75 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, 64-67 mph. Changeup played with sink action, 71-76 mph.

Connor Phalin, RHP, Harrisburg, 2020
6-foot-2, 145-pound right-handed pitcher, long lean frame with projection. Tall and fall delivery, works with tempo and loose levers, regular effort. Arm action is loose, slot works between high ¾ and ¾, some quickness. Fastball flashed sink action, 73-75 mph. Curveball plays 11/5, feel for strikezone, 63-67 mph. Changeup tends to drop slot, sinking action, 65-68 mph.

Evan Pogioli, 3B/RHP, Pekin, 2020
6-foot-2, 220-pound two-way prospect with durable, strong frame. Right-handed hitter, tall/balanced, open setup, hands drop into load, brief leg lift trigger back even. Present strength, long, uphill bat path, looking to launch the ball, pull-side tendencies, 87 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, long, over-the-top arm action, 76 mph throws to first. 8.04 runner in the 60. On the mound, drop-and-drive type, some effort involved, lands closed. Short, over-the-top arm action. Fastball, straight, 74-76 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 66-68 mph. Changeup, sinks, 68-71 mph.

Patrick Quirk, OF/RHP, Glenbrook South, 2020
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, athletic build. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, leg kick trigger. Long, level bat path, occasional hard contact, all field approach, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through the ball, clean exchange, hands work. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 75 mph from the outfield. 7.85 runner in the 60. On the mound,tilt and topple delivery, low hanging knee balance, works in-line, lands square. Short arm swing, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, slight run, 70-73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, 62-63 mph. Changeup some cut, played 66-69 mph.  

Edwin Rodriguez, LHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2020
5-foot-10, 140-pound left-handed pitcher, lean proportional frame. Tall and fall delivery, works slightly open, methodical rhythm. Arm action is long and firm, high ¾ slot. Fastball sits 71-73 mph, straight with ability to throw strikes. Curveball has 1/7 shape, 59-62 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, 61-65 mph.

Jacob Roubein, INF/RHP, Mount Zion, 2020
6-foot, 160-pound two-way player. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action, short leg lift stride, hands load back. Path is short, short low finish, level through contact, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.97 runner in the 60. Arm plays 76 mph across the diamond, long and loose across the diamond, ¾ slot. On the mound armed worked similar, regular effort, tall balance point, upright through release. Fastball sinks, 71-73 mph, topped at 74 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, slurve type action, 60-62 mph. Changeup slightly sinks, 62-64 mph.

Roberto Vaca, SS/RHP, Lake View, 2020
6-foot, 180-pound two-way prospect with strong, athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, pre-pitch rhythm, balanced setup, small stride, repeats. Loose hands, long, uphill path produces line-drive/gap-to-gap contact, 82 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, quick, fluid footwork, plays through the ball, clean exchanges. Long, high ¾ arm action, 73 mph across the infield. 7.68 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, uptempo, tall and fall delivery with regular effort throughout. Short arm action, over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, occasional sinking action, sat 71-73 mph, touched 74. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 59-61 mph. Changeup, worked straight, 66-68 mph.

RELATED CONTENT