By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey

The Preseason All-State Showcase was an unequivocal success this year, bringing out some of the top talent in the state, many of which had not been seen prior to the event. This year, several prospects put their names on our big board and over the next week we will break down the top prospects at each position.

Up next is the outfielders. The outfield talent at the event was especially strong all around - led by Arbert Cipion, who stood out as a high riser in the 2018 rankings, and certainly made a name for himself both on the state and national levels as a top athlete to watch. Alabama recruit Tyler Ras showed off his versatility from both sides of the plate, and Charleston Southern recruit Matthew Stil continued to state a name for himself as a legitimate two-way threat at the next level.

Top Outfield Prospects

1. Arbert Cipion, OF, Passaic County Tech HS, NJ, 2018
Cipion has a chiseled, muscular build at 6-foot-1 175-pounds. One of the top all around prospects at the event, one of the top athletes in the state. High riser in the 2018 rankings. Ran a 6.64 60 yard dash, exit velocity topped at 93 mph. Offensively- starts in a balanced stance with front foot slightly opened and hands above back shoulder. Uses a small foot stride to start swing. Hands load back slightly. Short, quick, aggressive swing with explosive hips and hands to the baseball. Level bat path. Defensively- athleticism present in movements in OF. Fields ball out in front of body and continues momentum through the throw. Throws topped at 89 mph. High-3/4 slot, short quick arm action. 

2. Tyler Ras, OF, Middletown North HS, NJ, 2018 (Alabama recruit)
Ras has a strong, lanky build at 6-foot-3 195-pounds. Alabama recruit, ranked No. 5 in NJ 2018 class, 154 Overall. One of the top performers of the entire event. Pitching- recorded the top fastball velocity at 91 mph. Sat 88-90 mostly. Curveball had smallish break at 70-74 - cutter-like 11/5 tilt. Had better feel for changeup, which looks more like a tumbling splitter at 63-67. Long arm action, locks out arm. High-3/4 slot. Lands heavy on landing leg. Can get added velocity if he can keep upper body and weight over the rubber for longer as he goes down the mound. Up-tempo delivery, drop and drive type pitcher. Gets good shoulder tilt going down the mound despite opening hips prematurely with the heavy landing foot. Offensively- Switch hitter. Right handed: starts in a slight crouch with hands just above shoulder and weight visibly on back leg. Uses a toe tap and stride to start swing. Gets some extension in arms and wrists on contact. Partially clears hips. Exit velocity of 87. Left handed: Starts in a wider stance with a slight crouch and hands just above the back shoulder and the bat wrapped around his head. Mixes between a toe tap and stride & a leg lift and stride to start swing. Long levers create extension and some juice from the left side on contact and follow through. Exit Velocity topped at 91. Defensively- throws topped at 92 mph, good for second at the entire event. Long, stiff arm action. Throws had some arm side run. Tall finish with momentum carrying toward target.   

3. Matthew Stil, OF, Cherokee HS, NJ, 2018 (Charleston Southern recruit)
Stil has a lean, athletic build at 6-foot-2 185-pounds. Charleston Southern commit. Pitching- topped at 88 mph with his fastball, sat mostly 84-87 from a high-3/4 arm slot. Arm and build show elasticity and flexibility, indicating that there is more in the tank once he fills out. Breaking ball had 11/5 shape with near fastball arm action at 69-71 mph. Changeup had some arm side run at 75-76 mph with fastball arm action. Needs to polish mechanics up slightly, especially in balance point. Tends to drift to home plate with body and arm has to catch up. If he can get arm and body in rhythm going down the mound, he can add a couple notches to his fastball. Offensively- Stil starts in a slight crouch  with feet slightly further than shoulder width apart.  Utilizes a leg kick to start swing.  Hands are high above his shoulder with the bat parallel with the ground. In his hand load, bat and hands load downward with bat more vertical. Smooth swing through the zone, back-legged finish. Exit Velocity topped at  96 mph. Defensively- attacked ground balls on the outside of front foot. Gained ground toward target on finish. Loose, whippy arm action. Throws topped at 93 mph, the highest outfield velocity of the event.

4. Conner MacNeill, OF, Haddonfield HS, NJ, 2018
MacNeill has a tall, physical build at 6-foot-5 200-pounds. One of the top performers from the event. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.31. Offensively- MacNeill has a tall set up with hands above back shoulder. Uses a foot stride to start swing. Hands stay stagnant in load. Explosive hips and hands in swing. Finishes with some lift in a tall position. Recorded the top Exit Velocity recording at 101 mph. Defensively- fields ground balls on the outside of foot with continuous momentum going to target. Throws topped at 86 from a high 3/4 slot. Pitching- Fastball topped at 82 mph, sat mostly 79-81. Flashed a breaking ball at 58 mph and a changeup with armside fade. Narrow when he comes set. Balance point is tall, drives down the mound using back side to get directional toward homeplate. Creates good shoulder leverage as he lands down the mound. Big stride length and finish helps him create extension on release to get down in the zone. Long arm action from a high-3/4 slot. Look for MacNeill to make a jump in velocity as he continues to fill out his big frame.

5. David Glancy, OF, Red Bank Catholic HS, NJ, 2019
Glancy has a lean, athletic build at 5-foot-10 170-pounds. One of the top performers from the event. Ran a 7.01 60 yard dash. Recorded exit velocity that topped at 90 mph. OF velocity of 87 mph. Offensively- starts with a tall slightly opened stance with hands just above shoulder. As pitch comes in, uses a leg kick and hands load back and up. Violent movements in hips and hands with swing. Creates gap to gap power. One of the best batting practices of the event. Defensively- Free and easy arm action, quick twitch athlete. Plays through throws on release. High-3/4 arm slot with carry and life to arm. High follow prospect.

6. Devin Hack, OF, Somerville HS, NJ, 2019
Hack has an athletic build at 5-foot-11 165-pounds. One of the top performers from the event. Ran a 6.80 60 yard dash, good for top three of the whole event. Offensively- Starts in a wide stance and in a crouch. Hands are just below back shoulder. Uses a small leg lift and foot stride to start swing. Hands load up and back. Explosive swing and balanced finish - hands and hips work fluidly through the zone. Creates some lift on finish as well. Exit Velocity topped at 84 mph. Defensively- Showed great instincts and athletic movements in the outfield. Fields ball on outside of foot and continues momentum toward target. Finishes through throws that topped at 86 mph. Look for Hack to make a jump this spring and summer as he continues to get stronger to fill out his lanky athletic frame.

7. Chris Baker, OF, Moorestown HS, NJ, 2018
Baker has an athletic build at 5-foot-11 165-pounds. Ran a 6.90 60 yard dash, exit velocity topped at 90 mph. Offensively- LHH with a lot to like. Little effort in swing, ball jumps off bat. Starts with a balanced stance and in a slight crouch with hands above back shoulder. As pitch comes in, uses a toe tap and weight transfer to start load. Hands load straight back. Shows some quickness in swing and strength already. Still has room to fill out body. Creates lift with a balanced finish. Defensively- throws topped at 81 mph from a 3/4 slot.  Level shoulders leading into throw, long arm action. Fields ball in front of body allowing him to carry momentum toward target.

8. Nick Houghton, OF, Nottingham HS, NJ, 2018
Houghton has a lean, athletic build at 6-foot-1 158-pounds. OF that ran the 60 in 6.96. Possible two-way prospect at the next level. Offensively- starts with a tall, balanced stance with hands level with back shoulder. As pitch comes in, uses a small foot stride to start swing, hands load back. Shows some explosiveness in swing. Balanced finish, creates some lift. Exit Velocity topped at 87 mph. Defensively- fields ball in front of body on the outside of foot to keep him directional going twoard target. Throws topped at 87 mph with some life from a high-3/4 slot. Whippy arm action. Pitching- Fastball topped at 83, sat mostly 81-83. Flashed a changeup at 78-79. Shows some effort in delivery. Creates leverage going down the mound with a high front side. Drop and drive type pitcher, uses back side to power him to homeplate. Creates downhill angle on finish. High-3/4 slot with some life in arm action. Quick arm with room to still fill out frame. High follow prospect.

9. Ryan McKenna, OF, Montgomery HS, NJ, 2019
McKenna has a sturdy, athletic build at 5-foot-9 175-pounds. Top performer at the event. OF ran a 7.23 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts in a balanced stance with feet slightly wider than shoulder width and hands above back shoulder. As pitch comes in,  uses a big leg kick to start swing. Hands load up, knob of bat is raised above top of bat, as the bat is tilted down his back. As he gets foot down, bat and hands come back down to level with back shoulder. Explosive hips and violent yet controlled swing and finish. Creates some lift on finish. Gap to gap type hitter. Does not get cheated on swings. Exit velocity recorded at 90 mph. Defensively- recorded throws that topped at 83 mph. Gains ground on ground balls continuing momentum forward upon release. High-3/4 slot. Recoil on finish.

10. Jack Erbeck, OF, The Hun School, NJ, 2019
Erbeck has a tall, athletic frame at 6-foot-2 195-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.59. Offensively- Exit Velocity topped at 91 mph. Starts in a tall, balanced stance with hands high above his back shoulder with bat wrapped around head slightly. Gets swing started with a big leg lift and stride. Hand load is minimal. Aggressive hips and arms produce some power to swing. Creates lift on finish. Defensively- plays through throws that topped at 83 mph from the OF. High front side leads to a high-3/4 arm slot. Shorter arm action. 

10. Alex Iadisernia, OF, Jackson Memorial HS, NJ, 2019
Iadisernia has a strong, athletic build at 5-foot-11 165-pounds. One of the top performers of the entire event. Solid looking prospect with a lot to like. Offensively- left handed hitter with bat speed and barrel awareness. Took one of the best batting practices of the day. Starts with a taller stance with feet slightly farther than shoulder width apart. Hands are level with back shoulder. Uses a small leg lift and foot stride as pitch comes in. Hands load down and back to start swing. Violent swing and finish through the zone. Hips and hands work explosively. Exit velocity topped at 90 mph. Defensively- Registered throws that topped at 82 mph from an over-the-top slot. Fields ball out in front of body and continues to gain ground upon finish. High follow prospect to watch for throughout the spring and summer.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Derek Almanzor, OF, Bergen Catholic HS, NJ, 2020
Almanzor has a skinny frame at 5-foot-7 135-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.43 seconds, exit velocity topped at 70 mph. Offensively- LHH starts in a wide stance with hands above shoulder. Uses a leg lift and stride to start load process, hands load slightly back. Balanced finish on back side. Defensively- Throws topped at 72 mph from the OF. Over-the-top arm slot. Fields ball in front of body. Pitching- Fastball topped at 71 mph. Sat mostly 70-71. Curveball had small break at 61-64. Flashed a straight changeup at 65 mph. Tall balance point, over-the-top arm slot.

Matthew Bettio, OF, Montville HS, NJ, 2019
Bettio has a strong, athletic build at 6-foot-2 195-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.32 seconds, recorded a 91 mph exit velocity. Offensively- starts in a tall, balanced stance with hands above shoulder. Load is started by a foot stride. Hands load back slightly. Shows some strength in torso and hips in swing, creating torque and lift on finish. Finishes in a tall, balanced position. Defensively- recorded throws from the OF that topped at 84 mph. Fields ball on outside of foot, carries momentum through throws from a high-3/4 slot with some armside run. Pitching- Fastball topped at 81 mph, sat mostly 79-80. Curveball showed 10/4 shape at 68-70 mph. Changeup had some armside fade at 77 mph. Slow, methodical delivery, tall balance point - then sinks into back knee as he drives down the mound. Lands square and tall, needs to get more extension over lead leg on finish.

Travis Byrne, OF, NV Demarest HS, NJ, 2018
Byrne has a strong, physical build at 6-feet 185-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.51 seconds. Exit velocity topped at 83 mph. Offensively- starts with a balanced stance and in a crouch with hands level with back shoulder. Starts load with a foot stride, hands load back and up, wraps bat around head. Shows some elasticity in swing with a flat bat path. Finishes tall with a stiff front leg. Defensively- throws topped at 86 from the OF. Fields ball out in front of body and simultaneously positions feet to get ready to throw the ball. Quick release because of footwork, does not loose velocity in doing so. Long, loose arm action from a high-3/4 slot. Throws had backspin. Pitching- Fastball topped at 85 mph and sat mostly 82-84. Curveball had some slider-like 10-4 movement at 67-70 mph. Flashed a straight changeup at 75. Drop and drive type pitcher. Starts with tall balance point then sinks into back knee to drive down the mound. High-3/4 arm slot with a long arm action. Arm locks out in arm swing. Lands square and athletic. Produces some uphill leverage in shoulders as he goes down the mound.
 
David Byrnes, OF, Ramapo HS, NJ, 2019
Byrnes has a strong, athletic build at 5-foot-9 160-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 6.83, good for top five of the entire event. Exit velocity topped at 76 mph. Offensively- LHH, starts with a balanced stances and hands high above back shoulder. Load is started by a toe-tap and stride. Minimal hand movement as hands and arms are loaded prepitch. Shows some fluidity and athleticism in swing, with hips and kids working in well together. Finishes on back leg, creates some lift. Defensively- Throws topped at 80 mph with some armside run. Shows good instincts and movements toward the ball. Fields ball on the outside of foot and continues momentum through his throws. Short quick arm action.  

Sean Flynn, OF, Westfield HS, NJ, 2019
Flynn has a strong, athletic build at 5-foot-10 180-pounds. Ran a 7.38 60 yard dash. Offensively- Exit velocity topped at 87 mph. Starts in a tall, balanced position with hands above back shoulder and bat parallel to the ground. As pitch comes in, uses a toe-tap and stride to start swing. Hands load down below his shoulder and then back up before swing starts.  Balanced finish with a flat bat path. Defensively- throws from the OF topped at 72 mph. Short, stabby arm action. Brings ball/hand straight back to ear. Over the top slot. Tall finish. Shows some choppiness in approach to ground balls, but plays through throws, keeping momentum going forward.

Mike Guzzardo, OF, Bishop Eustace HS, NJ, 2019
Guzzardo has a strong, big bodied build at 6-foot 190-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.42. Offensively- starts in a tall, wide stance with hands just above shoulder. As pitch comes in, shifts weight on to back side and loads hands straight back and up. No stride, turns front foot inward then hips turn to start swing. Flat bat path, some power and gap to gap potential. Exit Velocity topped at 90 mph. Defensively- Fields ball on outside of foot and continues momentum to play through throws. High-3/4 slot with backspin on throws - throws topped at 78 mph.

Elliott Hayward, OF, St. Anthony's HS, NJ, 2019
Hayward has a long, lanky stature at 6-feet 165-pounds. Ran the 60 in 6.93. Offensively- starts in a wide, balanced stance with hands level with back shoulder. Quiet approach at the plate, minimal movements in load. Small foot stride and small load. Line drive type hitter, balanced finish and level bat head through the zone. Exit Velocity topped at 83 mph. Defensively- Shows some athleticism in attacking ground balls in the outfield. Fields the ball out in front of body, finishes throws going toward the glove side. Throws topped at 71.

Trey Henry, OF, Egg Harbor Township HS, NJ, 2019
 Henry has an athletic frame at 5-foot-10 160-pounds. One of the top performers from the event - ran one of the fastest 60 yard dashes at the event at 6.68. Offensively- starts in a wide stance with bat just above back shoulder. Uses a small foot stride to start swing. Hands load back and then explode forward. Bat speed and power are present. Level bat path, balance finish. Exit Velocity topped at 91 mph. Defensively- Recorded throws that topped at 82 mph. Sling shot type arm action. Athleticism present, fields ball in front of body, replaces feet before making throw. Throws had some armside run.

Charlie Kelly, OF, Monmouth Regional HS, NJ, 2018
Kelly has an athletic build at 5-foo-8 165-pounds OF ran the 60 yard dash in 7.80. Offensively- starts in a wider stance with bat rested on back shoulder. Uses a small toe tap to start swing. Hands load up and back. Level bat head in swing and finish. Completes swing in a balanced position. Exit Velocity topped at 84 mph. Defensively- Throws topped at 80 mph. Fields ground balls out in front of body to continue movement into a crow hop and throw. Throws from a high-3/4 slot with some backspin. Pitching- sidearmer, fastball topped at 75 mph with armside run and sink. Sat primarily 74-75. Still developing feel for breaking ball at 64-65 mph. Only recently dropped down to sidearm, so still developing feel for arm slot and repetition. Able to locate fastball, tough to hit especially on right handers.

Jake Lawrie, OF, Christian Brothers Academy HS, NJ, 2018
Lawrie has an athletic build at 5-foo-11 185-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 8.10. Offensively- starts in a balanced stance with hands below back shoulder with the bat vertical.Uses a foot stride and hand load to start swing. Hands load straight back. Finishes tall with a stiff front leg. Creates some lift in swing. Exit Velocity topped at 78 mph. Defensively- shows some hesitation in attacking ground balls. Fields on outside of foot to provide him some momentum going toward target. Throws topped at 77 from the OF. Pitching- Fastball topped at 77 mph. Sat mostly 76-77. Breaking ball showed sharp 1/7 depth at 65 mph. Also flashed a 74 mph changeup. Drop and drive type pitcher, uses back side to stay directional down the mound and to provide power. High-3/4 slot with a long loose arm action. Lands square and continues momentum toward homeplate.

Jose Mercado, OF, St. Joseph's Montvale HS, NJ, 2018
Mercado has a physical build at 5-foot-11 185-pounds. Ran the 60 yard dash in 7.26. Offensively- LHH starts with a tall and narrow setup and a slightly opened stance. Hands are just above shoulder and close to head. As pitch comes in, he uses a weight transfer and small foot stride to start swing. Hand load is small as they move up and back. Balanced, quiet approach. Hips clear the zone with some elasticity. Creates some lift to swing, extension in arms helps him create some power. Exit Velocity topped at 71 mph. Defensively- short, stabby arm action - throws topped at 82 mph. Fields ground balls on outside of foot to provide him some momentum going forward into a crow hop.

Liam Meyer, OF, Keansburg HS, NJ, 2019
Meyer has a strong, athletic build at 5-foot-10 180-pounds. Ran a 7.46 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts with a wide stance with hands above shoulder and close to his head with weight pre set on back leg. As pitch comes in, Meyer sinks even more on that back leg, hands load back. Uses a small stride to start swing. Hands drift down slightly before they start the swing. Balance is sound on finish. Creates some extension on contact to produce some pop. Exit velocity topped at 86 mph. Defensively- Meyer shows good movements toward the ball. Attacks ground balls on the outside of foot and plays through throws. Throws had some backspin at 78 mph.

Brandyn Pokrass, OF, Ocean City HS, NJ, 2019
Pokrass has a lanky build at 5-foot-11 161-pounds. Ran a 7.64 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts in a tall stance with hands in the middle of his body and back elbow up. As pitch comes in, he uses a leg lift. Hands do not load back from the midway point - drop down then out to the ball. Needs to develop some more rhythm and fluidity in swing. Exit Velocity topped at 78 mph. Defensively- throws topped at 75 mph from the outfield with some armside run. Fields ball on outside of foot and uses a crow hop to start throwing process.

Alec Sachais, OF, Holy Spirit HS, NJ, 2019
Sachais has a lanky build at 6-feet 165-pounds. Ran a 7.41 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts with feet wider than shoulder width in a slight crouch with hands above shoulder. Weight is stacked on back side prepitch with front shoulder tilted up. As pitch comes in, shifts more weight to the back side before a small leg kick and stride being the hands through in a slight scooping action. Hands work down while loading before coming through on an upward angle. Swings down then rises to finish. Defensively-  charges ground balls well from the outfield to gain ground on throws. Fields ball on the outside of his foot to continue momentum going toward target. Loose, quick arm action, throws topped at 82 mph. Pitching- up tempo delivery, fastball topped at 81 mph and sat mostly 79-80 for the majority of his outing. showcased a 12/6 breaking ball at 60-65 mph, and a changeup at 62-63. Slows arm on offspeed. High-3/4 arm slot. Tall balance point, creates great drive off back leg going down the mound. Shoulders are even with the ground. Can create more leverage by getting front side higher going down the mound, creating more velocity. Elastic looking body and arm, good frame to fill out.

Devin Sharkey, OF, Mainland Regional HS, NJ, 2019
Sharkey has a strong, athletic build at 6-feet 180-pounds. Offensively- starts in a tall stance with hands just above his shoulder. Load is started by a big leg kick. Hands load down and back. Arm bar in load. Some stiffness in wrists and  hands in swing. Creates some extension in his bat path. Exit Velocity recorded at 81 mph. Defensively- recorded throws from the OF that topped at 82 mph. Gained ground on throws and finished with momentum continuing to target. Throws had some backspin and carry. Pitching- topped at 80 mph with fastball, sat mostly 78-79 with a breaking ball with smallish 1/7 break at 68-69 and a changeup with arm side run at 72-73. Tall balance point, creates good hip lead going down the mound. Shows some stiffness in legs and hips - tall balance to a tall/stiff-legged finish. Upper body and shoulders are even with ground. Stride length is small. Short, quick arm action. High-3/4 slot. 

Gregory Verano, OF, Bridgewater-Raritan HS, NJ, 2019
Verano has a strong, athletic frame at 5-foot-11 175-pounds. Ran a 7.47 60 yard dash. Offensively- starts in a wide stance with hands above shoulder. Swing is started by a large leg lift, kick, and stride. Hands load back as foot lowers to the ground, creating some elasticity in the swing. Creates lift in finish. Exit Velocity of 88 mph. Defensively- throws from the outfield were topped at 84 mph. Shows some arm quickness and looseness with throws. Pitching- topped at 81 mph with fastball and sat primarily 79-80. High-3/4 slot with a quick arm stroke. Fastball has some arm side run. Curveball clocked in at 69-71 mph, with some 11/5 shape. Backed up on him a few times. Flashed a changeup for strikes at 72-73 with fastball arm action and arm side run and sink. a plus pitch for him. Physical looking body already for a 2019. Will be interesting to see how he continues to develop.


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