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Underclass Invitational: Pitching Analysis

February 21, 2015

By Sean McCann and Shon Plack
Prep Baseball Report

The Prep Baseball Report Underclass Invitational took place on January 19, 2015 at 68’s Inside Sports Indoor Training Facility in Overland Park, Kansas. The event featured several of the top class of 2017 and 2018 prospects from Kansas and Missouri. 

Over the last several days the PBR scouting staff has been rolling out position-by-position analysis articles with scouting reports on each player. Today we wrap up our position-specific coverage taking a look at the pitchers, a group that includes the two-way players that participated.

RHP Bryce Sell of Maize South HS (KS) has a tall, athletic frame and fast arm, working 84-86 mph with his fastball and flashing a sharp 11/5 breaking ball. Another projectable right-hander that performed well was 6-foot-5 Derek Ripp (St. James Academy, KS) who has an athletic delivery, clean arm, worked 82-83 mph with his fastball and showed feel for both off-speed pitches. Physical 6-foot-4 Henry Miller of Shawnee Mission East HS (KS) showed a 79-81 mph fastball with movement and a delivery with body control.

Two left-handers put in strong performances in Blue Valley HS (KS) product Daniel Hegarty who pounded the strike zone with his fastball and Bishop Miege HS (KS) prospect Adam White who has an easy arm and athletic delivery with rhythm. Both lefty's showed command of a sharp breaking ball. 

Goddard Eisenhower HS (KS) has a projectable right-handed pitching prospect in RHP Kade Short who showed consistent fastball velocity (80-82 mph) and threw a high percentage of strikes. RHP/C Jackson Moore (Rockhurst HS, MO) showed an aggressive delivery and arm while filling up the strike zone with a  78-81 mph fastball, controllable breaking ball and change-up.

A pair of Blue Valley HS class of 2017 right-handers performed well showing repeatable deliveries and throwing a very high percentage of strikes in Michael Lane and Brody Allen. Shawnee Heights HS (KS) Alex Manderino, a 6-foot-2 right-hander, RHP Christopher Davidson of Gardner Edgerton HS (KS), RHP Adam Link of Kickapoo HS (MO) and LHP Ryan Miller of Blue Springs HS (MO) also showed solid command of their pitches.

Blue Valley Northwest HS (KS) class of 2018 RHP Max Abramovich showed an athletic delivery that works and clean arm action - both indicators of future velocity gains as he fills out his thin 6-foot frame.

Click here to view the article on the top statistical performers from the event.

Today we take a look at the outfield group.

Top Pitching Prospects 

1. Bryce Sell, RHP, Maize South HS, KS (2017)
Sell is a athletic-framed 6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed pitcher in the Kansas class of 2017. Attends Maize South HS. Deliberate pace early, tall balance point, aggressive move to plate, long high three-quarters arm action, fast arm, athletic finish. Fastball with late life, sink and occasional cutting action, 84-86 mph. Strikes. Breaking ball with 11/5 shape, at times sharp, potential swing/miss pitch, 70-73 mph. Change-up 75-76 mph. Projectable class of 2017 prospect with an ideal pitcher’s frame and live arm.

2. Derek Ripp, RHP/IF, St. James Academy HS, KS (2017)
Ripp is a class of 2017 right-handed pitcher and left-hand hitting corner infielder. Lean, athletic 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame, attends St. James Academy in Lenexa, KS. Athletic set-up at the plate, open stance, mini leg-kick, strides inline, hands work, generates leverage, bat speed, finishes with extension. Made consistent hard contact in the gaps. Exit velocity 87 mph, ran a 4.38 home to first. At third base showed athletic actions and footwork. Sure handed. Easy, high three-quarters arm action, throws had carry, 79 mph throwing velocity, all accurate throws. At first base moved well, fielded ball cleanly. Short, high three-quarters arm action, all accurate throws. During bullpen work showed an under control and simple delivery. Turns at balance, hides ball, throws from a tall balance point, arm works, high three-quarters slot, athletic finish. Repeats well. Fastball with arm side run, at times late, consistent velocity, all clocked in 82-83 mph range. Feel for breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 64-65 mph. Command of a 73-76 mph change-up, running action similar to fastball. Impressive, projectable class of 2017 two-way prospect. 

3. Henry Miller, RHP/1B, Shawnee Mission East HS, KS (2017)
Miller is a physical 6-foot-4, 190-pound left-hand hitting first baseman and right-handed pitcher in the Kansas class of 2017. Attends Shawnee Mission East HS in Prairie Village, KS. During batting practice showed a balanced set-up, leg kick, minimal hand load, aggressive swing, bat speed, extension through the baseball. Line drive, middle of the field approach. Squared the ball up repeatedly. Recorded an 88 mph exit velocity – top mark in camp. Ran a 4.56 home-to-first. At first base fielded the ball cleanly. Short, high three-quarters arm action, accurate throws. On the mound showed a deliberate pace, throws from a tall balance point, high three-quarters arm action, finishes square. Body control throughout. Fastball with arm-side run, occasional sink down in zone, some late life, all fastballs in the 79-81 mph range. Throws a 12/6 breaking ball, gradual action, also shortened one up in the strike zone, 65-69 mph. Change-up 69-70 mph. Physical class of 2017 two-way prospect that projects.

4. Daniel Hegarty, LHP/1B, Blue Valley HS, KS (2017)
Hegarty is a left-handed pitcher and first baseman that attends Blue Valley HS in Overland Park, KS. 6-foot, 175-pound frame, bats left.  Class of 2017. Tall set-up at the plate, leg kick, some length in load, loose hands, generates leverage, bat speed, finishes with extension. Swing with rhythm and flow, has some juice. Exit velocity 88 mph – top mark in camp. Ran a 4.50 home-to-first base. At first base showed athletic footwork, clean exchanges, loose three-quarters arm action, some accuracy. On the mound under control early, throws from tall balance point, picks up tempo during delivery, high three quarters slot. Fastball consistently 79-81 mph, high percentage of strikes. Command of breaking ball with 1/7 shape, tight spin, good pitch. Change-up 71-74 mph.

5. Adam White, LHP, Bishop Miege HS, KS (2017)
White is a left-handed pitcher from Bishop Miege HS in Roeland Park, KS. Slender 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame. Class of 2017. Up-tempo delivery with body control, rhythm and flow. Hides ball. High three-quarters slot, arm works. Fastball with arm-side run, also mixed in firm glove side strike, 77-79 mph, 80 tops. Commands sharp 1/7 breaking ball, chance to be a plus pitch, 72-73 mph. Showed a 67-68 mph change up with fastball arm speed, worked below the strike zone, 67-68 mph. Projectable class of 2017 left-hander with a very good breaking ball. Has picked up velocity since the fall.

6. Kade Short, RHP, Goddard Eisenhower, KS (2017)
Short is a right-handed pitcher in the Kansas class of 2017 that attends Goddard Eisenhower HS. 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame. Deliberate from rocker step to knee lift then aggressive move to the plate, high three-quarters slot, fast arm, three-quarters slot. All fastballs in the 80-82 range, consistent velocity, some with arm side run, also worked the glove side black. Change-up sinks and runs, 74-75 mph. Tall, projectable right-hander in the Kansas class of 2017 whose velocity is trending up since the fall.

7. Jackson Moore, RHP/C, Rockhurst HS, MO (2017)
Moore is a class of 2017 right-handed pitcher/right-hand hitting catcher with a physical 6-foot, 190-pound frame. Attends Rockhurst HS in Kansas City, MO. At the plate starts with a slight crouch, smooth hand load, short path to the ball, swings with aggression, bat speed, finishes with extension, has rhythm and flow. Made hard middle of the field contact, drove pitches up in zone with some lift.  Ran a 4.58 home-to-first. Behind the plate made clean exchanges, loose high three-quarters arm action, pop times 2.03-2.15, all throws on or near the bag, strong throws with carry, 78 throwing velocity – top mark among all catchers. On the mound showed an old school wind-up, hands over the head, works from a tall balance point, up-tempo delivery, natural three-quarters arm action. Fastball with arm side running action, high percentage of strikes, 78-81 mph. Controllable breaking ball with 12/6 to 11/7 shape, 61-68 mph. Feel for 66-68 mph change-up with arm-side fade, good pitch.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Max Abramovich, RHP, Blue Valley Northwest HS, KS (2018)
Abramovich is a right-handed pitcher in the Kansas class of 2018 that attends Blue Valley Northwest HS. Thin, 6-foot, 130-pound frame. Under control early, tall balance point, easy three-quarters arm action, athletic finish. Simple delivery, body control, repeats. Fastball with early arm-side run, 77-79 mph. Showed command of a breaking ball with gradual 12/6 action, 60-62 mph. Change-up with arm-side running action like fastball, 63-64 mph. Impressive class of 2018 pitching prospect with sound delivery, clean arm action and plenty more in the tank velo-wise as he physically develops.

Brody Allen, RHP, Blue Valley HS, KS (2017)
Allen is a 6-foot-3, 170-pound right-handed pitcher that attends Blue Valley HS in Stillwell, KS. Simple move to square, up-tempo knee lift, builds rhythm, high three-quarters arm action. Fastball runs and sinks, also threw two cutters on the glove side black, 74-76 mph, topped out at 78 mph. Very high percentage of strikes. Showed a 12/6 breaking ball with tight spin, 62-65 mph. Change-up with fastball arm speed, dies arm side as it approaches plate, 70-71 mph. Class of 2017 pitching prospect that attacks the strike zone and has projection.

Joe Benkovich, RHP/C, Raytown HS, MO (2017)
Benkovich is a right-handed pitcher/right-hand hitting catcher with a 5-foot-7, 185-pound frame. Class of 2017, attends Raytown HS in Raytown, MO. At the plate showed an open set-up, slight crouch, simple line drive swing, barreled the ball, maintains balance throughout, worked middle-oppo. Exit velocity clocked at 70 mph, ran a 5.07 home-to-first. Behind the plate showed quick, simple footwork, short high three-quarters snap throw, 2.03-2.08 pop times, 70 mph throwing velocity, accurate throws. On the mound methodical and balanced early, loads up on back leg, high three-quarters arm action. Fastball with natural cutting action, also showed arm-side running two-seamer, 76-77 mph. Breaking ball with 11/7 shape, gradual action, 64-65 mph. Change-up with early arm side run, 69-70 mph. 

Brandon Carvan, RHP/MIF/OF, Raymore-Peculiar HS, MO (2018)
Carvan is a class of 2017 right-handed pitcher and shortstop/outfielder. Attends Raymore-Peculiar HS in Missouri. Thin, athletic 5-foot-9, 140-pound frame. Right-hand hitter, balanced set-up, smooth load, short bat path, upper half dominant. Simple swing with some bat speed. Middle line drives in batting practice. Ran a 4.41 home-to-first. In the outfield fielded the ball cleanly. Short, quick high three-quarters arm action, 77 mph throwing velocity, all accurate throws. On the mound showed a simple delivery with rhythm and flow. Athletic finish. Repeats. Natural three-quarters arm action. Fastball with arm side run, occasional cutting action glove side of plate, high percentage of strikes, 75-76 mph, 77 tops. Breaking ball with 11/5 shape, 67-69 mph. Change-up runs arm-side 68-69.

Garrett Clark, RHP/SS, Blue Valley Southwest HS, KS (2017)
Clark is a right-hand hitting infielder and right-handed pitcher. Attends Blue Valley Southwest HS in a Southwest suburb of Kansas City, athletic 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame. Athletic set-up at the plate, strong presence in the box, leg kick, minimal hand load, short path, maintains balance, finishes with extension. Simple swing with bat speed. Consistent hard, flat contact in batting practice. 81 exit velocity, ran a 4.51 home-to-first. Showed athletic infield actions, soft hands, high three-quarters arm action, arm works, 77 mph throwing velocity, very accurate throws. On the mound works under control early, tall to fall delivery, medium length arm action, three-quarters slot, rhythm, athletic finish, repeats. Fastball with arm side running action, 77-79 mph. Controllable breaking ball with 11/5 shape, 64-65 mph. Change-up 68-70 mph. Overall has solid across the board skills and athleticism. Carries himself with confidence. 

Christopher Davidson, RHP, Gardner Edgerton HS, KS (2017)
Davidson is an athletic-framed 5-foot-10 right-handed pitcher from Gardner-Edgerton HS in Gardner, KS. Class of 2017. Balanced and under control early. Tall and fall delivery with high three-quarters arm action, out-in-front release point, athletic finish. Commands fastball down in the zone effectively, 76-78 mph. Breaking ball with gradual action, 12/6 to 11/5 shape, strikes, 65-67 mph. Change-up with fastball arm-speed, arm-side run, bottom of the strike zone, 70-75 mph. Repeats a simple delivery, throws high percentage of low strikes.

Cameron Gardner, RHP/OF, Blue Valley West HS, KS (2017)
Gardner is a class of 2017 right-handed pitcher and outfielder that attends Blue Valley West HS in Stillwell, KS. Thin, athletic 5-foot-10, 150-pound frame. On the mound works under control to a tall balance point, aggressive move to the plate, finishes square, repeats. Three-quarters slot, arm works. Athletic delivery with rhythm that grades out well. Fastball with arm side run, 75-76 mph. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 53-55 mph. 

Branden Harder, RHP/2B, Nevada HS, MO (2018)
Harder is an athletic 5-foot-8, 145-pound middle infielder and right-handed pitcher from Nevada HS in Missouri. Class of 2018. Switch hitter, from the left side has a balanced set up, level bat path, simple line drive swing with flow, repeats, exit velocity 74 mph, good runner (4.15 home-to-first). From the right side balanced set-up, gets foot down early, simple and aggressive swing, uses whole field, squared the ball up well, finishes with extension, exit velocity mark of 79 mph. Showed athletic actions in the infield, clean exchanges, short high three-quarters arm action, arm works, very accurate arm. Talented, young switch-hitting middle infield prospect that has some swagger about him. On the mound showed an athletic delivery with rhythm, simple, repeats, three-quarters slot. Fastball with early arm-side run, 72-75 mph. Feel for a 11/7 breaking ball, 64-66 mph. Threw 56-60 mph change up for strikes, arm side fading action.

Hayden Jeffryes, LHP/OF, Walnut Grove HS, MO (2017)
Jeffryes is a 5-foot-5, 150-pound left-handed pitcher and outfielder. Attends Walnut Grove HS in Missouri, class of 2017. Bats left, wide set-up. Shifts weight back with hand load, strides in place. Slight pull approach, line drives in batting practice. Ran a 4.38 home-to-first. In the outfield attacked the ball, clean exchanges, three-quarters slot. On the mound works under control early, picks up-tempo during knee lift, tall balance point. Drop and drive delivery. Three-quarters arm slot. Fastball 74-77 mph, spiked up to 81 once. Breaking ball with 1/7 shape, some sharpness, 68-68 mph. Change-up with arm-side fade 65-66 mph. 

Chandler Jones, LHP/1B, Kickapoo HS, KS (2017)
Jones is left-handed pitcher and left-hand hitting first baseman that attends Kickapoo HS in Southwest Missouri. Class of 2017, 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame.  At the plate showed a closed set-up, strides closed, smooth hand load, hands work. Simple compact swing, maintains balance, works gap-to-gap. Exit velocity 85 mph, ran a 4.62 home-to-first. At first base showed soft hands, clean exchanges, short high three-quarters arm action, very accurate throws. During bullpen work showed an under control and balanced delivery. Tucks at balance, maintains level shoulders, strides across body, high three-quarters arm action, athletic finish. Fastball with early arm side run and cut, 73-74 mph. Breaking ball with 1/7 shape, sharp break, 65-68 mph. Change-up 67-68.

Lucas Killman, RHP/3B, Blue Valley HS, KS (2017)
Killman is a 6-foot, 150-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman. Class of 2017, attends Blue Valley HS in Stillwell, KS. Open set-up at the plate, strides in place, short middle-oppo swing path, upper half dominant, line drive approach. Exit velocity 74, 4.68 home-to-first. During defensive drills in the infield fielded the ball cleanly, high three-quarters arm action, 70 mph throwing velocity. On the mound simple and under control early, picks up tempo at balance, long high three-quarters arm action, athletic finish. Fastball has early arm side run, 70-71 mph. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, gradual action, 60-62 mph. Change-up 63-66 mph.

Michael Lane, RHP/OF, Blue Valley HS, KS (2017)
Michael Lane is a 6-foot, 160-pound right-handed pitcher and outfielder. Attends Blue Valley HS. Class of 2017. Athletic set-up at the plate, smooth load, toe tap then short stride, level bat path out front, excellent balance. Middle-oppo line drives in batting practice. Recorded an 80 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.71 home-to-first. Fielded the ball cleanly in the outfield, clean over-the-top arm action, 75 mph throwing velocity. On the mound showed a simple delivery with balance, three-quarters slot, arm works. Fastball with some arm side run, sink down in zone, holds consistent velocity, all fastballs 78-79 mph. Fastball command, works down in zone. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, gradual action, strikes, 66-67 mph. Feel for 73-74 mph change-up. Threw strikes at a rate as high as anyone at the event, more in the tank velocity-wise.

Adam Link, RHP/OF, Kickapoo HS, MO (2017)
Link is an athletic 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher and outfielder that attends Kickapoo HS in Southwest Missouri. Class of 2017. Right-handed hitter, showed a balanced set-up, leg kick, keeps hands inside the ball well, finishes with extension. Compact swing, repeats, made hard middle-oppo contact in batting practice. Recorded a 79 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.53 home-to-first. Aggressive to the ball in the outfield, athletic footwork, clean exchanges, high three-quarters slot, 79 mph throwing velocity. On the mound showed simple rocker step to balance move, tall balance point, three-quarters slot. Most fastballs with arm side run, also squared up the catcher glove side for low strike, 77-79 mph. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 70-72 mph. Change-up with arm-side run, 71-72 mph.

Evan Madrid, RHP/2B, Staley HS, MO (2018)
Madrid is a 5-foot-4, 120-pound middle infielder and right-handed pitcher that attends Staley HS in Kansas City, MO. Right-handed hitter that showed a balanced set-up, smooth hand load, strides in place, keeps hands inside ball, middle-oppo approach, 65 exit velocity, ran a 4.77 home-to-first. Quick footwork in the infield. Quick, clean exchanges. Solid position player skill set. On the mound has a high three-quarters arm slot, 65 mph throwing velocity. On the mound deliberate and under control early. Turns at balance, hides ball, high three-quarters slot, natural delivery. Fastball consistently in the 62-63 mph. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, gradual action, 57-59 mph. Change-up 55-57. 

Alex Manderino, RHP, Shawnee Heights HS, KS (2017)
Manderino is a right-handed pitcher that attends Shawnee Heights HS in Tecumseh, KS. 6-foot-2, 170-pound frame. Class of 2017. Deliberate early, picks up tempo during knee lift, slight turn, hides ball, high three-quarters arm slot. Threw mostly glove side fastballs with cutting action, strikes, 74-75 mph, 76 tops. Last fastball had sinking action. Throws two types of breaking balls, a 12/6 curveball at 62-63 mph and a 64-65 mph slider with some sharpness, commands it. Threw 71-72 mph change-up for low strikes. Class of 2017 right-hander with athletic, projectable frame.

Caleb Marquez, RHP/C/IF, Blue Springs HS, MO (2018)
Marquez is a strong, athletic 6-foot-2, 220-pound right-handed pitcher and catcher that also plays in the infield. Class of 2018, attends Blue Springs HS in Missouri. Balanced set-up at the plate, short stride, level bat path, some bat speed, hand strength. Aggressive swing. Line drive, gap-to-gap approach. Exit velocity 82, ran a 4.56 home-to-first. In the infield showed athletic footwork, quick exchanges, high three-quarters slot, arm works, 74 mph throwing velocity, ran a 4.56 home-to-first. On the mound showed a deliberate delivery early with little wasted movement. Throws from a tall balance point, high three-quarters arm slot, easy arm. Fastball with arm-side life, 74-76 mph, 77 tops. Split-fingered grip on change-up, tumbling action, strikes, 65-66 mph. Physically-impressive class of 2018 prospect with easy, athletic actions and an aggressive swing at the plate. 

Ryan Miller, LHP, Blue Springs HS, MO (2017)
Miller is a class of 2017 left-handed pitcher from Blue Springs HS in Missouri. 5-foot-8, 185-pound  frame. Under control early, tucks knee at balance, high three-quarters slot, finishes square. Simple delivery with tempo and limited moving parts. Most fastballs had cutting action, strikes, 72-74 mph. Breaking ball with 12/6 shape, gradual, 60-62 mph. Change-up with cutting movement like fastball, strikes, 66-67 mph. Left-handed strike-pumper.

Dillon Plotner, RHP/1B, Blue Valley West HS (2017)
Plotner is a right-handed pitcher and first baseman. Physical 5-foot-11, 190-pound frame. Class of 2017, attends Blue Valley West HS in Stillwell, Kansas. During batting practice showed an open set-up, slight crouch, bat path with lift, some bat speed, upper half dominant, strong hands, compact finish, maintains balance. Recorded an 86 mph exit velocity, ran a 4.75 home-to-first. During defensive drills at first base showed athletic footwork, fielded ball cleanly, short high three-quarters arm action, all accurate throws. On the mound showed a simple and balanced delivery. Turns at balance, strides slighty across, three quarters arm action, athletic finish, repeats. Fastball with controllable arm-side run, strikes, 77-78 mph, 79 tops. Breaking ball with 11/5 shape, gradual action, 60-64 mph. Command of 66-67 mph change-up with arm-side run. Physical class of 2017 prospect with strength.

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