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‘Incredible Experience’ For New England Trio At Super 60

MCCOOK, Ill. - “Super fun.” “Incredible experience.” “Great event.”

That is how Zach Johnston, Ben Brutti and Ryan Daniels assessed the Super 60 that each had the opportunity to attend.

The highly-regarded seniors from New England did their part in turning heads while trying to get attention from the approximately 100 pro scouts in attendance.

Shooter Hunt, vice president of scouting for PBR, certainly took notice.

“Zach Johnston was one of my favorite arms,” Hunt explained. “While the velocity was not as high as some of his peers, he demonstrated a clear starters' profile with a loose arm and feel for three pitches. “A re-class up a year, his value is likely higher than many others, and it was easy to dream on him making significant jumps in coming years.

“Brutti was an eye-opening act,” Hunt continued. “He pounded the zone with three pitches from a vicious low 3/4 slot. Up to 96 mile per hour late, he provided what is likely an uncomfortable at-bat, especially given the ability to land a sweeping slider and power changeup. The frame still shows signs of future development, and there is the chance he continues as a starter moving forward.”

Daniels also shined in the eyes of Hunt.

“Ryan Daniels is going to flat out hit,” Hunt noted. “He looked even more fluid from the left side than in my summer look, which was also outstanding. His 6.6 60-yard dash time was a surprise for me, and only helps boost the idea of his athleticism and future potential.”

The top-ranked 2022 shortstop in New England and a Connecticut commit, Daniels was pleased with how the day went.

“I thought the Super 60 was a great event, drawing a lot of attention due to the high-level players that attend” related the St. Paul Catholic (Ct) High School senior, who had an exit velo of 97 and infield velo of 86. “I really liked the set up and the rotation of things. There wasn’t much standing around at the event and it had great flow to it.

“The highlights for me were being able to show my skills on the 60, in BP, and fielding. Another highlight was getting to catch up with some buddies that I played with all summer at Area Code and East Coast Pro.”

Brutti, a South Florida commit, was honored to be part of the 20th annual event.

“The Super 60 was an incredible experience,” the South Kingstown (R.I.) High school senior said. “It was an amazing atmosphere being surrounded by the top players in the country and so many scouts. There was so much energy! It was great meeting new people and catching up with teammates from this past summer that live in other states.

“The event was great from the moment we checked in until the end, but the highlight for me was the opportunity to pitch in front of 100 scouts.”

Johnston, a Wake Forest commit and a senior at Greely High School in Maine, had high praise for the showcase.

“The Super 60 event was great and a super fun and good experience,” the 42nd-rated 2022 left-handed pitcher in the nation said. “The highlight for me was meeting people from all around the country and getting the opportunity to meet people that could have an impact on my future.”

It was also a learning experience for each.

“I think my nerves really got to me, so one thing I will take from this is making sure my nerves don’t get the best of me and sticking to who I am,” pointed out Johnston, a 6-5 185-pounder. “Performing in front of scouts was great and nerve-racking, which I think is good for trying to get out of your comfort zone. It was just a great experience.”

Brutti, a 6-3 200-pounder with a repertoire of sinker, slider and changeup, loved every part of it.

“Pitching in that environment I learned to enjoy the moment, focus on my catcher and execute each pitch to the best of my ability,” the fifth-ranked 2022 RHP in New England said. “I worked really hard this offseason in the gym and with improving my pitching mechanics, and was so excited to have the opportunity to put that all together and pitch in front of so many scouts. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Thank you PBR for such a great experience!”

Daniels, the 70th-rated senior shortstop in the nation, enjoyed showing his all-around game.

“From my performance I tried to show my speed and my hitting and what it can be in the future,” the 6-0 190-pounder explained. “I was aggressive and smooth in the field and I look forward to translating my ‘tools’ to the field this spring.

“It was awesome playing in front of all of the scouts,” Daniels added. “It was great to see them come out to watch all of us. It’s a bit nerve-racking at first, but you settle down. I’ve done it before on the big stages like Area Code, and it’s really an honor to get the chance to play in front of MLB scouts.”

It is also enjoyable to have the chance to touch base with them, even if for just a short time.

“I caught up with some of the scouts from my area and that I have known for a good amount of time now,” Daniels said. “It is always great to hear what they’ve been up to and their plans to watch you and follow up in the future.”

Brutti was happy to have scouts take notice.

“Since the event I’ve had a good amount of teams reach out,” Brutti related. “It has been very exciting.”

Johnston feels the same way.

“Getting the chance to talk to some scouts was great because they gave some great advice on what to work on and what they look for in players,” Johnston said. “Overall, I thought the event was great and a super fun way to start my senior season.”

As Daniels said, “Great players, great atmosphere, great experience.”

Who Attended?

Name	Position	Class	High School	Commitment
Ben Brutti	RHP	2022	South Kingstown	South Florida
Ryan Daniels	SS	2022	St. Paul Catholic	Connecticut
Zachary Johnston	LHP	2022	Greely	Wake Forest

A Closer Look At The Prospect

Ben Brutti

 

Ryan Daniels

Zachary Johnston

 

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