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2.16 KC Preseason All-State: Pitching Analysis

March 17, 2015

By Sean McCann
Prep Baseball Report Kansas

The 2015 Prep Baseball Report Preseason All-State Showcase took place Monday, February 16th at 68’s Inside Sports in Overland Park, KS. Several of the top class of 2016 prospects from Kansas an Missouri gathered to display the fruits of their hard winter labor in front of the PBR scouting staff and area college coaches.

Click here to view the Instant Analysis article reviewing the top performers from the event in the various stat areas. 

Today we wrap up our post-event position-by-position analysis features by taking a look at the pitchers. Two-way players have already appeared in a position article as well. We will also be updating the Kansas and Missouri class of 2016 player rankings over the next few weeks.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Ryan Zeferjahn, RHP, Topeka Seaman HS, KS (2016)
Zeferjahn is a right-handed pitcher that attends Seaman HS in Topeka, KS. Class of 2016. Projectable 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame. Long arms and legs. Delivery under control working to tall balance point. Slight turn during knee lift. Aggressive move to plate, low three-quarters slot, fast arm, finishes square. Repeats well. Fastball with late life, 89-91 mph, topped out at 92. Short, controllable slider, 83-85 mph, strikes. Change-up dies arm side and down at plate, fastball arm speed, plus pitch, 80-81 mph. Top prospect at the event. 

2. Trevor Munsch, LHP, Lawrence Free State HS, KS (2016)
Munsch is a left-handed pitcher that attends Lawrence Free State HS in Lawrence, Kansas. Class of 2016. Thin 6-foot-3,145-pound frame. Simple, balanced delivery with rhythm and flow. Shows body control and repeats, athletic finish. Loose low three-quarters arm action. Fastball 82-84 mph, 85 tops, arm side run and sink mainly, strikes. Slurve/slider type breaking ball that matches his arm slot, late action, 72-76 mph, works down. Feel for change-up with arm side sink, fastball arm speed, good pitch, 77-78 mph. Works knees and lower with all three pitches. Projectable lefty with plenty of room to fill out physically. Velocity gain since the fall.

3. Alec Whaley, RHP/3B, CBC HS, MO (2016)
Whaley is a physical 6-foot-2, 205-pound right-hand pitcher and right-hand hitting third baseman. Attends CBC high school in St. Louis, MO. Class of 2016. During batting practice round showed a balanced set-up, uses leg kick to create rhythm, minimal hand load, very aggressive swing, fast bat, drove ball middle to slight pull in round of batting practice. Recorded an 89 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.53 home-to-first. During infield work moved well for physical player, soft hands, clean exchanges, high three-quarters slot, arm works, 78 mph throwing velocity. Strong, accurate throws. On the mound showed a simple delivery. Aggressive tempo but has body control and repeats. Over-the-top slot. Quick, clean arm action, athletic finish. Fastball with some late life, mostly arm side run, occasional cutting action glove side, 82-84 mph, 85 tops. Slurve type breaking ball, late action, 74-75 mph. Feel for change-up, works knees, 73-74 mph. 

4. AJ Johnson, RHP, Blue Valley HS, KS (2016)
Johnson is a right-handed pitcher that attends Blue Valley HS in Stilwell, KS. 6-foot-1,160-pound frame. Class of 2016. High knee lift from wind-up, tucks, three-quarters slot, arm works, athletic finish. Simple delivery with rhythm and flow. Gets out front with ease and pounds bottom of the strike zone with fastball, 83-85 mph, tops out at 86. Command of breaking ball with 11/5 to 12/6 shape, 69-70 mph. Change-up 75-76 mph. Easy-armed righty with an athletic frame and delivery, more in the tank velocity-wise.

5. Alex Moore, Mountain Grove HS, MO (2016)
Moore is a projectable 6-foot-7, 220-pound right-handed pitcher with long arms and legs. Class of 2016. Attends Mountain Grove HS in Mountain Grove, MO. Delivery under control early. Turns and tucks at balance. Three-quarters arm slot. Fastball 84-86 mph, topped out at 87, worked down in zone well, some late sink, very high percentage of strikes. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 72-77 mph. Change-up with arm side run, 72-74 mph. Velocity trending up, topped out at 83 mph this past summer. 

6. Hunter Swift, LHP/OF, Staley HS, MO (2016)
Swift is a 5-foot-7, 180-pound class of 2016 left-handed pitcher and outfielder. Attends Staley HS, in Kansas City, MO. Bats left, tall set-up, high hands, mini leg kick, fast hands, some lift, finishes with extension. Very aggressive swing, takes an absolute hack. Hard pull side contact. Exit velocity clocked at 86 mph, ran a 4.22 home-to-first from the left side. In the outfield aggressive to the ball, quick  high three-quarters arm action, 89 mph throwing velocity Fielded the ball cleanly at first base, short snap throws, accurate arm. On the mound has a deliberate pace from pivot to high knee lift, up-tempo move to plate, low three quarters slot, finishes square. Repeats delivery well. Fastball cuts and sinks, works down, 81-84 mph. Breaking ball with tight 1/7 spin, controls it, 70-71 mph. Change up with downer sinking action, 75-76 mph, fastball arm speed, good pitch. Attacks the strike zone with all three pitches. Solid across the board tools and skills. Aggressive player.

7. Avery Jennings, RHP/SS, Rock Bridge HS, MO (2016)
Jennings is a strong, athletic 5-foot-11, 180-pound right-hand hitting shortstop and right-handed pitcher that attends Rock Bridge HS in Columbia, Missouri. Class of 2016. Open set-up at the plate, minimal load, short path to the ball, loose hands, fast bat, extension through the baseball, balanced. Middle to slight pull hard contact in batting practice. Advanced approach. Exit velocity 92 mph, ran a 4.38 home-to-first. During defensive drills showed athletic actions. Quick exchanges and release. High three-quarters slot. Strong throws with carry, 86 mph throwing velocity. On the mound showed a simple, up-tempo delivery, repeats. Three-quarters slot, quick arm. Fastball with arm side run, pounded the strike zone, 85-86 mph, touched an 89. Breaking ball with 11/5 shape, late break, 75-79 mph. Sinking change-up, 79-82 mph. Talented class of 2016 two-way player. 

8. Jared Marolf, RHP, Shawnee Mission Northwest HS, KS (2016)
Marolf is a thin, athletic-framed 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Attends Shawnee Mission Northwest HS in Shawnee, KS. Class of 2016. Very simple delivery with limited moving parts. Three-quarters arm slot, clean arm action, athletic finish. Body control throughout and repeats. Fastball with cutting action mostly, also works arm side running fastball, 84-86 mph, topped out at 87, high percentage of strikes. Short breaking ball, commands it well, 74-75 mph. Change-up knees and lower, 78-80 mph. Projectable, easy-armed righty in the Kansas class of 2016.

9. Tyler Grauer, LHP, Mill Valley HS, KS (2016)
Grauer is a physical, projectable 6-foot-5, 220-pound left-handed pitcher. Attends Mill Valley HS, class of 2016. Simple, balanced and easy delivery. Repeats. Short, quick high three-quarters arm action. Creates deception with arm action behind body. Fastball with arm side run, occasional cutting action on glove side, 82-83 mph, topped out at 84. Feel for both off-speed pitches: 12/6 breaking ball at 67-68 mph and change-up 74-76 mph. 

10. Caleb Rogge, RHP, Rock Creek HS, KS (2016)
Rogge is a right-handed pitcher that attends Rock Creek HS in St. George, KS outside of Manhattan. 6-foot-2, 170-pound frame. Class of 2016. Simple pivot to tall balance point, three-quarters slot, finishes square and under control. Most fastballs with arm side run, 83-84 mph, 86 max. Feel for breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 69-70 mph. Change-up sinks, throws at bottom of zone, fastball arm speed, 75-76 mph. Tall, projectable and athletic frame, velocity trending up.

11. Cooper Marks, RHP/1B, Blue Valley North HS, KS (2016)
Marks is a 6-foot, 185-pound right-handed pitcher and first baseman that attends Blue Valley North HS in Kansas. Class of 2016. Bats right, balanced set-up. Short stride and load. Level path, upper half dominant swing, hands work, bat speed. Hard slight pull contact during batting practice. Exit velocity clocked at 90 mph, ran a 4.84 home-to-first. At first base moved well, quick transfers, arm works, 79 mph throwing velocity. On the mound showed a simple, athletic delivery, repeats. Tucks at balance, hides ball. Long high three-quarters arm action. Pounds zone with fastball, 82-84 mph, 85 tops. Throws controllable 12-6 breaker at 71-72 mph. Short strikeout type slider at 74-75 mph. Change-up at knees and lower with arm side run, 72-73 mph. 

12. Tanner Padgett, RHP/1B, Valley Center HS, KS (2016)
Padgett is a physical 6-foot-5, 210-pound class of 2016 right-hand hitting first baseman and right-handed pitcher. Attends Valley Center HS in Valley Center, KS. Balanced set-up at the plate, smooth hand load, simple stride, delivers the barrel with authority, fast bat, leverage, line drive approach. Batting practice round with one hard hit ball in the gaps after another. Exit velocity of 95 mph – top mark in camp, ran a 4.35 home-to-first. At first base moves well for such a physical player, fielded the ball cleanly, high three-quarters throwing motion, mostly accurate throws, 82 throwing velocity. On the mound pitches from the stretch exclusively, very simple and repeatable delivery with three-quarters slot. Fastball with late life, 82-84 mph, topped out at 85. Short breaking ball with 11/5 to 12/6 shape, 72-74 mph. Command of 75-76 mph sinking change-up. Projectable class of 2016 prospect that is trending up.

13. Nathan Croner, LHP, Truman HS, MO (2016)
Tall, angular 6-foot-6, 175-pound left-handed pitcher. Class of 2016. Attends Truman HS in Independence, MO. Up-tempo delivery, tucks knee at balance, hides ball, three-quarters slot, arm works, athletic finish. Fastball cuts glove side, runs arm side, 80-82 mph, 83 tops. Feel for breaking ball with 1/7 to 12/6 shape, 65-68 mph. Change-up sinks below the zone, 71-72 mph. Projectable class of 2016 lefty. 

14. Hunter McMahon, 2B/RHP, Staley HS, MO (2016)
McMahon is a thin, athletic 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-hand hitting second baseman and right-handed pitcher. Attends Staley HS in Staley, MO. Class of 2016. Hits from a slight crouch, some rhythm in load, strides in place, level path, line drive approach. Exit velocity of 86 mph, ran a 4.57 home-to-first. Light feet in the infield, soft hands, loose high three-quarters throwing motion, accurate arm, top throwing velocity clocked at 76 mph. On the mound slow and simple early in delivery, picks up-tempo during knee lift, tall balance point, aggressive move to the plate, three-quarters slot, quick arm, tall finish. Worked both sides with fastball, some arm side run, 82-84 mph, 85 tops. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, gradual action, 63-64 mph. Change-up runs arm side 72-74 mph. Solid 2016 prospect that has a frame with plenty of room to fill out.

15. Austin Weiler, RHP/1B, Olathe East HS, KS (2016)
Weiler is a right-handed pitcher and first baseman that attends Olathe East HS in Olathe, KS. Physical 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame. Class of 2016. Bats right, balanced set-up, mini leg kick, aggressive line drive swing, back side fires through with hands, strong hands, bat speed. Recorded a 90 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.48 home-to-first. Athletic delivery on the mound with rhythm and flow. Quick high three-quarters arm action. Fastball with arm side run, at times late, 81-83 mph, 85 tops. Showed a breaking ball with 11/5 shape, 67-72 mph. Change-up with arm side fade and sinking action, dies late, knees and lower, 73-74 mph.

Best of the rest (listed alphabetically)

Joe Baker, RHP/SS, Wichita Trinity HS, KS (2016)
Baker is a class of 2016 shortstop and right-handed pitcher that attends Wichita Trinity HS in Kansas. 6-foot-2,185-pound frame. Bats right, balanced set-up, strides slightly closed, some length in load, keeps hands inside ball, works gap-to-gap, line drives, finishes with extension. Recorded an 86 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.59 home-to-first. Fielded the ball cleanly at short, throws from high three-quarters slot. Quick, clean arm action, all accurate throws, 77 mph throwing velocity. On the mound works under control early, tucks knee at balance, hides ball, picks up tempo. Loose, natural three-quarters arm action. Arm works. Simple delivery. Fastball runs arm side, finished pen with two glove side fastballs with cutting action, 78-79 mph, 80 tops. Breaking ball with early action, 12/6 spin, 62-64 mph. Change-up 70-71. Athletic frame with projection, more in the tank velocity-wise.

Jake Bohlken, RHP, Smithville HS, MO (2016)
Bohlken is a physical 6-foot-3, 225-pound right-handed pitcher. Attends Smithville HS in Smithville, MO. Class of 2016. Ideal pitchers frame. Up-tempo vertical hands and knee lift to create rhythm. Hides ball during arm stroke. High three-quarters arm slot. Fastball with arm side running action, 79-81 mph, topped out at 82. Controllable 11/5 to 12/6 breaking ball, 69-71 mph. Change-up with sinking action, down in zone, 72-73 mph. 

Dylan Carnahan, RHP, Olathe North HS, KS (2016)
Carnahan is a right-handed pitcher that attends Olathe North HS in Olathe, KS. Class of 2016. Thin 5-foot-10, 130-pound frame. Simple pivot to knee lift, tall balance point, picks up-tempo during delivery, three-quarters slot, arm works, quick arm. Aggressive delivery. Most fastballs with fastball run, occasional sink below the knees, strikes, 79-81 mph. Short, controllable 11/5 breaking ball, strikes, 67-71 mph. Command of sinking change-up at the bottom of the zone, 69-72 mph. Solid pitching prospect with feel for three pitches, strike-machine, more velocity in the tank as he fills out physically.

Jack Castrop, RHP, Rockhurst HS, MO (2016)
Castrop is a 5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed pitcher in the class of 2016. Attends Rockhurst HS in Kansas City, MO. Under control throughout delivery, tucks knee at balance, leads with hip, three-quarters slot, athletic finish. Simple delivery, repeats. Body control. Fastball with arm side run and sink, strikes, 77-82 mph. Breaking ball with gradual 12/6 action, 63-67 mph. Commands sinking change-up at the knees, 68-69 mph, good pitch. Velocity jump since the fall. 

Nicholas Chiapel, RHP/3B, DeSmet HS, MO (2016)
Chiapel is a right-handed pitcher and third baseman that attends DeSmet HS in St. Louis, MO. 6-foot, 185-pound frame, class of 2016. Right-hand hitter, balanced set up. Early stride and load. Compact line drive swing. Upper half dominant. Worked middle of the field during batting practice round. Exit velocity clocked at 80 mph, ran a 4.64 home-to-first. During defensive work in the infield showed soft hands, clean exchanges, easy high three quarters arm action, 76 mph throwing velocity, very accurate arm. On the mound, from the wind-up, slight crouch to start. Turns and tucks at balance, easy rhythm. Three-quarters slot, arm works. Straight fastball with occasional glove cutting action, can square up catcher on glove side black, high percentage of strikes, 78-79 mph. Command of breaking ball with gradual 12-6 break, 68-71 mph. Change-up runs arm side, keeps it down, 74-75 mph.

Seth Davis, LHP/OF, Maize South HS, KS (2016)
Davis is a class of 2016 left-handed pitcher and outfielder that attends Maize South HS in Maize, KS. 5-foot-9, 145-pound frame. Bats right, athletic set-up, strides closed, no load, keeps hands inside ball, loose hands, worked middle-oppo in batting practice round. Simple swing. 82 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.38 home-to-first. Quick, athletic footwork in the outfield, fielded ball cleanly, high three-quarters arm action, 78 mph throwing velocity. On the mound showed simple rocker step to knee lift, under control, tucks knee at balance, hides ball, high three-quarters slot, finishes square. Body control and repeats. Fastball runs and cuts, nothing straight, 76-77 mph. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 65-67 mph. Change-up with sinking action, 69-70 mph. Solid across the board skill set. 

Cole Dunham, OF/RHP, Lee’s Summit West HS, MO (2016)
Dunham is an outfielder and right-handed pitcher in the class of 2016. Athletic 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame. Attends Lee’s Summit West HS in Lee’s Summit, MO. Right-hand hitter, open set-up, wide base, leg kick, short bat path, some bat speed, finishes with extension. In the outfield aggressive to the ball. Quick hands and feet. Three-quarters arm slot, arm works, top throw clocked at 83. Ran a 4.29 home-to-first. Simple delivery with up-tempo pace on the mound, three-quarters slot, athletic finish. Works fast. Showed cutting fastball and one with arm side run, 80-82 mph, 83 tops. Two breaking balls, slider and 12/6 breaker. Both controllable pitches, 68-72.

Dillon Engelland, RHP/OF, Buhler HS, KS (2016)
Engelland is a strong, athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed pitcher and outfielder. Attends Buhler HS in Buhler, KS. Class of 2017. Switch-hitter. Right-handed showed a balanced set-up, reverse toe tap stride, raises hands in load. Short, compact swing, 81 mph exit velocity. Left-handed has a wider stance, reverse toe tap, controlled stride, level path, line drive approach, 80 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.00 home-to-first, strong runner. In the outfield showed easy, athletic actions, over-the-top throwing motion, 80 mph velocity, mostly accurate. On the mound, deliberate pace early, little wasted movement, turns at balance, high three-quarters slot, finishes square. Simple delivery. Fastball command both sides of plate, glove side squared up catcher on black, arm side fastball runs, 79-80 mph, 81 tops. Breaking ball with gradual 12/6 break, 66-69 mph, threw it for strikes. Change-up sinks arm side, 68-71 mph. 

Andrew Halverson, LHP/OF, Gardner Edgerton HS, KS (2016)
Halverson is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound outfielder and left-handed pitcher. Class of 2016, attends Gardner-Edgerton HS in Gardner, KS. Bats left, tall set-up. Shifts weight back with load and mini leg kick, loose hands, level path out front, bat speed, extension through the baseball, maintains balance. Worked middle to slight pull during batting practice. Has some strength. Recorded a 90 mph exit velocity and ran a 4.33 home-to-first. In the outfield attacked the ball, clean exchanges, high three-quarters arm action, plays through, 81 mph throwing velocity, accurate arm. On the mound under control from pivot to tall balance point, tucks at balance, three-quarters arm action. Showed running fastball and a glove side fastball with cut, 80-81 mph, topped out at 82. Slider at 72-74 mph. Fastball arm speed on 78-79 mph change-up.

Dylan Hamilton, RHP/OF, Berean Academy, KS (2016)            
Hamilton is a right-hand hitting outfielder and right-hander pitcher in the class of 2016. Attends Remington HS in Remington, KS. Class of 2016. Open set-up at the plate, knee turn then strides closed, smooth load, keep head on ball, works gap-to-gap. 84 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.50 home-to-first. In the outfield fielded the ball cleanly, high three-quarters arm action, 80 mph throwing velocity. On the mound deliberate pace, from pivot to balance point. Lifts hands and vertical knee lift for rhythm. Strides inline, high three-quarters slot, finishes square. Easy, under control delivery with body control. Most fastballs with cutting action glove side, 80-82 mph, high percentage of strikes. Controllable 12/6 curveball, 66-68 mph. Change-up, 71-73. 

PJ Henning, RHP, Bishop Carroll HS, KS (2016)
Henning is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed pitcher that attends Bishop Carroll HS in Wichita, KS. Class of 2016. Very deliberate and under control delivery, repeats, three-quarters arm action, arm works, athletic finish. Fastball mostly down in the zone, 77-81 mph. Breaking ball, some sharpness, 11/5 shape, 66-67 mph. Change-up knees and lower, 68-70 mph. Ideal pitchers frame. Solid follow in the Kansas class of 2016.

Sam Huesgen, RHP/OF, Timberland HS, MO (2016)
Huesgen is a 6-foot-, 165-pound right-hand hitting outfielder and right-handed pitcher. Attends Timberland HS in Missouri. Class of 2016. Balanced set-up at the plate, slightly closed stance, reverse toe tap stride, slight coil in load, compact line drive swing. Middle to slight pull contact during hitting evaluations. Exit velocity clocked at 89 mph, ran a 4.46 home-to-first. Athletic footwork in the outfield, soft hands, short high three-quarters arm action, 84 mph throwing velocity, mostly accurate throws. In the infield fielded the ball cleanly, quick exchanges, short high three-quarters arm action, 77 mph throwing velocity, all accurate throws. On the mound showed a simple pivot, vertical knee lift, high three quarters slot, finishes square and under control. Delivery has easy rhythm and flow. Fastball clocked at 80-82 mph. Controllable breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 66-67 mph. Change-up with dying sinking movement below the knees, 68-69 mph, good pitch. 

Gavin Huke, RHP/OF, Carthage HS, MO (2016)
Huke is a 6-foot-2, 145-pound right-handed pitcher and outfielder that attends Carthage HS in Carthage, MO. Class of 2016. Right-hand hitter, balanced set-up, knee-to-knee then short stride, line drive approach, 74 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.48 home-to-first. In the outfield fielded the ball cleanly, high three-quarters to over-the-top throwing motion, 82 mph throwing velocity, some accuracy. On the mound works under control to a tall balance point. Tall and fall delivery with three-quarters arm slot. Consistent arm side run on fastball, 80-81 mph.. Controllable 11/5 breaking ball, 66-67 mph. Command of change-up at 68-69 mph. 

Conner Gibson, LHP/1B, Lee’s Summit HS, MO (2016)
Gibson is a left-handed pitcher and first baseman that attends Lee’s Summit HS in Lee’s Summit, MO. Class of 2016. 6-foot, 175-pound frame. Left-hand hitter, open set-up, mini-leg kick, aggressive swing, level path, gets barrel out front. Line drives in batting practice round. Recorded an 83 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.51 home-to-first. At first showed soft hands, clean transfers, short snap throwing motion, 69 mph throwing velocity, accurate throws. On the mound starts deliberate and under control, tall balance point, long three-quarters arm action, athletic finish. Simple delivery with rhythm and flow. Fastball with early running and cutting action, 72-74 mph, 75 tops. Knuckle curveball with 12/6 shape, gradual action, below the zone, 56-60 mph. Change-up 66-67 mph. 

Grant Klene, RHP, Lee’s Summit HS, MO (2016)
Klene is a thin 6-foot-3, 162-pound right-handed pitcher. Attends Lee’s Summit HS in Lee’s Summit, MO. Class of 2016. Simple and deliberate pivot to knee lift from the wind up, tucks at balance, tall balance point, picks up-tempo. Long, slinging type arm action, athletic finish. Fastball runs arm side, 77-82 mph, topped out at 84. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 65-66 mph. Change-up runs similar to fastball, 72-73. Plenty of room to fill out physically.

Daonte Lowery, LHP/OF, Lawrence HS, KS (2016)
Lowery is a class of 2016 outfielder and left-handed pitcher. Attends Lawrence HS in Lawrence, KS. Athletic 5-foot-11,165-pound frame. Bats left, balanced set-up, minimal hand load, strides in place, short path, lower half in sync with hands, compact line-drive swing. Worked middle of the field in batting practice round. Recorded an 81 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.38 home-to-first. Athletic actions in the outfield, soft hands, uses crow hop, over-the-top throwing motion, arm works, 76 mph throwing velocity, mostly accurate throws. On the mound showed a balanced delivery with rhythm and flow, high three-quarters arm action, athletic finish. Fastball runs and cuts, works bottom of zone, 77-78 mph, 80 tops. Breaking ball with 1/7 shape, 71-72 mph. Feel for 71-74 change-up, strikes, good pitch. Solid all around player, has picked up velocity on the mound. 

Micah McCulley, RHP/SS, McPherson HS, KS (2016)
McCulley is a strong 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher and shortstop in the class of 2016. Attends McPherson HS in McPherson, KS. Bats right, tall set-up, strides in place, minimal hand load, level path, bat speed, balanced finish. Simple swing with some pull side juice. Recorded a 94 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.30 home-to-first. Moved well in the infield for his size, fielded the ball cleanly, short high three-quarters arm action, 81 mph throwing velocity, accurate arm. Starts with a deliberate pace on the mound, little wasted movement. Vertical hands and knee lift for rhythm, three-quarters arm slot. Simple delivery. Fastball mostly with arm side run, also worked glove side and down, 80-81 mph, 82 tops. Showed a 12/6 breaking ball, also shortened one up with 11/5 shape as well, both late breaking pitches, 70-72 mph. Change-up with fastball arm speed 72-73 mph.

Nick Mehlin, RHP/3B, Blue Valley Northwest HS, KS (2016)
Mehlin is an athletic-framed 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-hand hitting third baseman and right-handed pitcher. Class of 2016 prospect that attends Blue Valley Northwest HS in Kansas. Athletic set-up at the plate, light stride, no load, short path to the ball, hand strength, bat speed, aggressive swing, repeats. Impressive round of batting practice with a series of hard hit line drives in the middle of the field. Swing built to hit for high average. Exit velocity 86 mph, ran a 4.38 home-to-first. During infield work showed athletic actions, soft hands, quick exchanges, quick high three-quarters arm action, accurate throws. Simple delivery on the mound, tall balance point, high three-quarters arm action, arm works, athletic finish, repeats. Fastball with arm side run, also squared up catcher with glove side black fastball, 78-80 mph, topped out at 82, high percentage of strikes. Controllable breaking ball, nearly automatic strike, 12/6 action, 66-70 mph. Change-up at knees, 70-72 mph. 

Grant Parks, LHP, Blue Valley Northwest HS, KS (2016)
Parks is a thin, 6-foot, 143-pound left-handed pitcher. Attends Blue Valley Northwest HS in Overland Park, KS. Class of 2016. Simple and under control early from pivot to a tall balance point, tucks knee, leads with high glove side, high three-quarters slot, arm works, backside flies through with arm, athletic finish, repeats delivery. Fastball with arm side run and sink when at bottom of zone, 79-80 mph, 81 tops. Controllable breaking ball with 1/5 to 12/6 shape, 65-66 mph. Feel for change-up fades away from right-hand hitters bat, fastball arm speed, works knees and lower, 69-71 mph. Left-hander with deception and feel for three pitches. Frame with plenty of room to fill out.

Justin Reiss, RHP/2B, Rock Creek HS, KS (2016)
Reiss is a 5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed pitcher and second baseman. Class of 2016, attends Rock Creek HS in KS. Right-hand hitter, slight crouch to start, strides closed, spray hitter. Exit velocity 75 mph, ran a 4.37 home-to-first. Fielded the ball cleanly in the infield, high three-quarters to over-the-top throwing motion, top throw clocked at 65 mph, accurate throws. On the mound works to a tall balance point, tall knee lift, slight turn. Over-the-top slot, tall finish. Fastball with early arm side run, 68-70 mph. 12/6 curveball, 61-63 mph. Also showed a 64-67 mph change-up.

Treston Rook, LHP, Olathe Northwest HS, KS (2016)
Rook is a 6-foot, 165-pound left-handed pitcher. Attends Olathe Northwest HS in Olathe, KS. Class of 2016. Simple pivot, to up-tempo high knee lift, tall balance point, three-quarters arm slot, finishes square, repeats delivery. Most fastballs with arm side run and sink, showed a glove side cutter, 81-82 mph. Breaking ball with 12/6 to 1/5 shape, 72-74 mph. Change-up sinks and fades away from right-hand hitters bat, 72-74 mph. Another class of 2016 pitcher that has shown velocity and command improvement over the last year, was topping out at 73 last winter.

Cole Schumacher, 2B/RHP, Hays HS, KS (2016)
Schumacher is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound second baseman and right-handed pitcher. Attends Hays HS in Hays, KS. Class of 2016. Bats right, tall set-up gets foot down early, smooth load, short path, some lift to swing, worked middle of the field. 83 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.35 home-to-first. In the infield showed soft hands, quick exchanges, high three-quarters arm action, and 73 mph throwing velocity, accurate throws. On the mound simple and under control delivery, tall balance point, short arm action, high three-quarters slot, athletic finish. Fastball 76-78 mph touched 80. Controllable 12/6 breaking ball, 67-69 mph, strikes. Change-up sinks and dies at plate, 71-73 mph. Solid all around player. 

Kyle Spriggs, RHP/OF, Blue Valley HS, KS (2016)
Spriggs is 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder and right-handed pitcher. Attends Blue Valley HS in Stilwell, KS. Class of 2016. Right-hand hitter, balanced set-up, short stride. Creates rhythm in load. Somewhat circular swing, slight pull approach. Hard pull side contact in batting practice. 81 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.54 home-to-first. In the outfield showed clean exchanges, over-the-top throwing motion, 79 mph throwing velocity. Simple and compact delivery on the mound, pitches from the stretch exclusively, three-quarters arm action, athletic finish, repeats well. Sound delivery. Fastball with arm side run, works knees and lower, 77-79 mph, touched 80. Breaking ball with 11/5 shape, gradual action, 63-64 mph. Change up sinks and dies, bottom of the strikes zone, 71-73 mph, good pitch.

Bryce Unruh, RHP/3B, Dodge City HS, KS (2016)
Unruh is a switch-hitting class of 2016 right-handed pitcher and third baseman that attends Dodge City HS in Dodge City, KS. 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame. At the plate right-handed has a balanced set-up. Short stride and load. Line drive approach with bat speed, recorded an 85 mph exit velocity. Left-handed showed a smooth load, strides in place, short path to the ball, lower half in sync with hands, simple swing with some lift. 80 exit velocity, ran a 4.47 home-to-first. At third base showed soft hands, clean exchanges, short over-the-top throwing motion, 74 mph throwing velocity, accurate throws.  On the mound works under control early, tall balance point, works slightly uphill during stride, three-quarters slot. Fastball with arm side run, 75-78 mph. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 64-67 mph. Change up dies with arm side sink as it approaches plate, 66-70 mph, good pitch. 

Grant Warford, RHP/3B, Mill Valley HS, KS (2016)
Warford is a physical 6-foot-1, 200-pound right-hand hitting third baseman and right-handed pitcher. Class of 2016, attends Mill Valley HS in Shawnee, KS. At the plate has a balanced set-up, double toe tap stride, sets load early. Compact, aggressive, line drive swing with some lift, bat speed. Lets it fly. Hard middle-oppo contact in batting practice round. Recorded an 87 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.36 home-to-first. Fielded the ball cleanly during infield work, short high three-quarters arm action, 79 mph throwing velocity. Strong, accurate throws. Drop and drive delivery on the mound. Three-quarters slot. Short, quick arm action. Fastball with arm side run and sink, 81-82 mph, very high percentage of strikes. Breaking ball with 11/5 shape, 71-73 mph. Change-up with arm side running action, 70-77 mph.

Cole Young, LHP, Salisbury HS, MO (2016)
Young is a tall, thin 6-foot-2, 155-pound left-handed pitcher from Salisbury HS in Central Missouri. Class of 2016. Long arms and legs. Short pivot, works to tall balance point, low three-quarters slot, loose arm, athletic finish. Easy delivery with rhythm and flow. Simple and repeats. Fastball runs arm side, sinks when below knees, also flashed cutting fastball glove side, 77-78 mph, 79 tops. Short, controllable breaking ball with slurve shape, 71-72 mph. Change-up with arm side running action, 73-74 mph. Projectable class of 2016 lefty with feel for his delivery and three pitches, plenty of room to fill out physically.

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