Fall Kickoff Showcase: Class of 2018 Pitchers / Two-Way Prospect Analysis
August 25, 2017
By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting
The Fall Kickoff Showcase began four consecutive days of activity at Cooper Park on the campus of Millersville University last week. 35 prospects from four states showcased their abilities in advance of the beginning of the Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament.
+ CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.
CLASS OF 2018 pitchers / two-way players
Brandon Combs, 3B/RHP, Charleston Catholic HS (WV)
6-foot, 220-pound left-handed hitter who can really swing it. Starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short lift-and-replace stride. Swing path is short to the zone and long through it producing an event best 97 mph bat exit velocity. Displayed the ability to back spin the baseball in batting practice with multiple home runs. Went 2-for-6 at the plate in game action while barreling the baseball in several other at bats. Moves well for size as evidenced by his 7.66 60-yard dash. Likely makes the move to 1B/DH at the next level to take advantage of his run producing abilities at the plate. Also worked effectively on the mound in game action sitting 76-77 while topping at 78 mph out of a 3/4 arm slot.
Bryan Janetka, RHP, Souderton Area HS (PA)
6-foot-3, 205-pound righty with a projectable frame sat 80-81 from a 3/4 arm slot with some hip coil to his deliver. Deliberate, balanced delivery leads to solid fastball command with some arm side run. Spiked curveball at 67-70 displayed 11/5 rotation with some late tumbling action. A knuckleball at 60-61 is used as a changeup. Held velocity well out of the stretch. Physical size, ease of delivery with the potential for more velocity to come, and command of three pitches makes Janetka one of the more interesting uncommitted senior right-handed pitchers we have seen this summer.
Steven Leopold, RHP/SS, Father Judge HS (PA)
6-foot-2, 175-pound primary pitcher sat 70-72 from a 3/4 arm slot with a bit of arm side fade to his fastball. Also displayed a curveball at 61-64 with 10/4 rotation, a slider with shorter break at 63-66 and a 68 mph changeup. The right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and initiates his swing with a short leg-hang stride. Long, flat swing path leads to a bat exit velocity of 83 mph. Ran a 7.95 60-yard dash and displayed 67 mph arm strength across the diamond defensively with a quick release from a low 3/4 arm slot. With projectable frame it would be easy to envision Leopold making the transition to a sidearm or submarine pitcher at the next level.
Brayden O'Connell, OF/LHP, Horseheads HS (NY)
5-foot-9, 150-pound primary outfielder impressed with a balanced left-hand swing from a square set up. Stays short to the baseball and hits off of a stiff front side creating a bat exit velocity of 90 mph. Barreled the baseball consistently while demonstrating the ability to drive both gaps. Ran a 6.77 60-yard dash and displayed athletic defensive actions with straight line carry on throws of 84 mph. Sat 77-79 on the mound with a compact delivery out of a high 3/4 arm slot. Pounded zone with easy arm action. Curveball showed 1/7 rotation at 61-62 and changeup was thrown at near fastball arm speed at 66-68. Uncommitted senior will likely be off the board in the near future.
Ryan Dandy, RHP, Kennard Dale HS (PA)
6-foot-2, 230-pounder sat 69-72 from a high 3/4 arm slot. Begins delivery with a side-rocker step and gathers himself well over the rubber. Stays balanced throughout delivery with less than complete usage of lower half. Curveball displayed changeup action at 55 mph while 62 changeup was thrown at near fastball arm speed with some sinking action. Uncommitted senior was battling some arm issues and has reportedly been in the low 80s earlier in the summer.