Diamonds in the Rough: Week 1
December 16, 2020
Over the next few months, the Prep Baseball Report (PA/NY) crew will be highlighting players in several different article formats, including Ted Williams’ "Diamonds in the Rough" feature series.
The recruiting process can be tough sledding at times and for whatever reason, talented players can remain uncommitted for extended periods of time. Included below are some players who have stood out at events throughout the showcase year and deserve more love for their abilities. Featured in this article; a physical '21 with athleticism throughout, a '21 C who could be a day one starter, a '22 pitcher with a plus pitch or TWO, a '22 that puts up measurables and has in game success, and an advanced '23 that will find his way moving up the rankings.
diamonds in the rough: week 1
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Peyton Mosher OF / SS / Sidney , NY / 2021Rankings StateRank: 236 / POS: 30
The Spin: A natural athlete in a solid 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame with advanced strength throughout the build, Mosher stood out in all phases of the game during the NY Summer Prospect Games back in July. The primary outfielder started off hot with an impressive 6.89 60-yard dash in that frame and displayed fluid actions during defensive evaluations. While the arm strength (77 mph) will limit him to two of the three outfield positions, there is still a lot to like defensively with a lightning quick first step and continuous downhill, attacking play. The right-handed hitter stood out the most offensively with a calm, yet explosive approach repeatedly jolting the bat head through impact with authority evidenced by a 60% hard hit rate during batting practice. Also demonstrated no issues getting through extension generating a maximum batted ball distance of 371 feet per Trackman Baseball. If that’s not enough to like, consider a 50% line drive rate coupled with a 77% peak on plane efficiency according to Blast Motion and you’re talking about a legitimate collegiate hitter with repeatability at the plate: 97 mph peak bat-exit velocity and 88 mph average.
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Andrew Shlomm C / OF / Riverdale Country School, NY / 2021Rankings StateRank: 123 / POS: 21
The Spin: Looking for a catcher with solid defensive abilities and a blend of length in the frame (6-foot, 180-pounds) and power throughout? Andrew Shlomm profiles as a well-rounded catcher in the ‘21 class and the swing works admirably in game.. The right-handed hitter holds stretch well throughout the forward move and launches with high level barrel accuracy towards impact. Notched two standout measurables during batting practice at the NY State Games in July: a 64% hard hit rate and a 74 mph peak barrel speed per Blast Motion, which compared extremely well to his peers. Further legitimizing himself as a higher-tiered hitter in the class, Shlomm recorded a max of 97 mph bat-exit velocity with an 89 mph average according to Trackman Baseball while consistently getting long levers inside the baseball and working deep through extension. There’s legitimate power projection down the line with a frame that is well proportioned and a minuscule 18.2% groundball rate that plays well into his preferred attack angle. Defensively, the receiving ability is there to pair with above average arm strength from the crouch (74 mph) allowing for containment in the run game. Pop times have been down as low as 2.03 with accuracy on the bag, and the good news is the transfer can still quicken up. A solid blocker, the ‘21 backstop gives you maturity and potential to be a day one starter depending on the level.
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Billy Morris SS / RHP / Lancaster, NY / 2022Rankings StateRank: 100 / POS: 17
The Spin: The intriguing SS/RHP continued to impress throughout the summer over a multitude of PBR NY events. Although the footspeed isn’t quite there relegating him to a third base spot at the next level (7.71 runner), the athleticism stands out in a strong 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame. Demonstrated in-game successes with a short time to contact and a mature approach at the plate while showing off a more than respectable 91 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball. Showcased fluidity in the movements from the left side of the diamond with a low center of gravity allowing for ability to play downhill through the baseball. We absolutely loved him on the mound where the RHP projects to be a power arm down the line when the velocity creeps up. The righty was up to 82 mph in September getting up to 2484 spin from a quick, high ¾ arm-slot creating plenty of issues for hitters at the plate. A hammer 69-71 mph curveball flashed wicked two-plane shape while peaking at 3108 spin per Trackman Baseball (good enough for the most spin on a pitch that we’ve tracked at a PA/NY event all year). Add in a sharp 67-69 mph SL that held an average of 28.5 inches of induced horizontal movement and you’re talking about two plus-pitches at the moment in the repertoire. With command of a 70-72 mph CH as well (50% zone rate), Morris can throw any of the four pitches for strikes. The ‘22 grad could easily jump into the top 50 of the rankings with a ceiling that compares admirably.
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Nicholas Plue 3B / C / Guilderland, NY / 2022Rankings StateRank: 101 / POS: 4
The Spin: This is one you just need to look at the raw data for: a 5-foot-8, 160-pound catcher in the ‘22 class has an arm strength well above average (78 mph), a top pop time as low as 1.96 on the bag, a max rotational acceleration of 30.6 G’s of force per Blast Motion, and an average bat-exit velocity of 88 mph according to Trackman Baseball. You’re looking at a high level athlete in every phase of the game that offers the ability to play third base at an above average rate as well. There isn’t much that Plue doesn’t do better than his peers, the right-handed hitter repeatedly matches the plane of the pitch early (72% max on-plane efficiency) and creates natural backspin off the bat (300 foot average batted ball distance during batting practice). If there were any questions about in-game success, there shouldn’t be, Plue lit up opposing pitching during our NY Futures event in September to the tune of multiple extra-base hits. A solid middle of the order bat who can hit for average and situationally, the ‘22 C needs more attention and could easily jump into the top 75 following another standout year. |
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Logan Kapusinsky SS / 2B / North Rockland, NY / 2023Rankings StateRank: 84 / POS: 21
The Spin: Impressing with some of the better footwork we’ve seen over the summer, the ‘23 SS makes up for arm strength (78 mph) with advanced movements and quick pace across the diamond. Played with tons of energy in-game both defensively and offensively and was consistently bouncing around the field making plays. Had one of the better performances at the NY Prospect Games where he went 3-3 including a triple to the gap in his second at-bat while registering a peak bat-exit velocity of 84 mph at the plate. Although the frame isn’t there yet, (5-foot-9, 135-pounds) additional strength should be expected and the measurables will head north accordingly. You can just tell Kapusinksy is going to be a player in the way he handles himself on the field, the SS has high confidence and is fearless in all phases of the game. A 7.44 runner, he took some chances on the bases and could easily progress into a top of the order spark plug down the line. Just know that the defense is 100% legitimate and profiles as the standout trait at the moment. |
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