High School Scout Blog: Week 5
May 13, 2019
Our team of Ground Force Scouts are out and about across the Empire State this spring. Each week we will release a comprehensive list of players that have caught our eye during our travels.
 |
Aidan Chamberlin SS / RHP / Corning , NY / 2022Well built projectable righty in the 2022 class. During the first two frames, Chamberlin worked 82-84 mph (topped 85 mph two times) flashing an 69-70 mph curveball with 11/5 shape. Cruised through his first two innings before running into some feisty Union Endicott hitters in the 3rd. The ceiling his lofty for the freshman arm, who already has plenty of D1 interest. Chamberlin will be on full display at the 2019 NYS Games this June.
|
 |
Adam Zingler OF / Corning, NY / 2019Average build, relaxed approach in the box with hands around his helmet, quiet setup. Showed above average barrel control from the left-side and juice. Hit one ball in the 4th inning deep in the left-center gap for a standup double.
|
 |
Dominic Guccia OF / RHP / Union-Endicott , NY / 2021Physical build for a ‘21, wide stance in the box, small stride for timing on the pitch, strong fluid hands, barrel is slightly uphill through contact, crushed a ball in the 4th inning deep to the left-center gap resulting in a 2RBI stand up double.
|
 |
Nicholas Castellana C / 1B / Lancaster , NY / 2020Large frame with lots of room to fill out. Moves well in the field. Played 1B today, is also an advanced catcher. Main attraction here is with the bat. Athletic setup and uses a medium leg kick to load. Very good bat speed through the zone with an uphill swing path, looking to drive the ball. Gets good extension through contact. High future offensive potential for the 15th ranked player in the 2020 class. Niagara commit.
|
 |
Vincent Stutz RHP / OF / Lancaster , NY / 2019Short and stocky build, thick through lower half. Compact and easily repeatable delivery. Elbow leads through delivery with good hand extension out front. Fastball sat in the 77-80 MPH range with good life through the zone. Also used a tight breaking ball at 66-67 MPH and a changeup with good arm speed at 70-71 MPH. Competed well against a tough team in rough pitching conditions. Niagara County CC commit.
|
 |
Nathan Wereski SS / OF / Orchard Park, NY / 2019Wiry, quick twitch athlete. Moved really easy in the field and made some very impressive plays, showing off range, hands, and arm. Was a spark for the offense, hitting the ball hard every at bat. Had a couple line drive singles before driving a ball into the left field corner, then showed off speed and instincts by turning what should have been a double into a triple. Very impressive player. Uncommitted.
|
 |
Thomas Evans 1B / OF / Orchard Park , NY / 2019Large framed, strong looking athlete. Comes in at 6’5” 200 pounds. Stands tall at the plate and uses a small leg kick to trigger. Has average bat speed bat used above average strength and leverage to drive the ball. Had very good at bats throughout the game against a tough future teammate. Will continue to be a big presence and threat in the middle of any lineup. Niagara County CC commit.
|
 |
Adam Riter 3B / RHP / Orchard Park , NY / 2019Thick, strong frame throughout. Showed good athleticism in both the OF and 3B. Was an on base machine offensively, collecting two hits to go along with two walks. Patient at the plate looking for his pitch and not chasing. Very good bat speed and strength through swing. Will be a very valuable college player with quality at bats and defensive versatility. St. John Fisher commit.
|
 |
Gage Ziehl RHP / 3B / Penfield, NY / 2021The number 137 ranked player in the overall 2021 class and University of Miami commit was in the field today. Strongly built athlete moved well in the field, and showed off a very strong arm across the diamond. Also showed ability at the plate, stinging the ball hard a couple times. Future is most likely on the mound but showed his ability as a well rounded player. The next day on the mound; top FB was 88 MPH, the range was 83-86 MPH. FB had major arm side run. SL ranged 72-75 MPH. Often mixed the two pitches for strikes. The Miami commit hit a wall in 5th.
|
 |
Tyler Holmes C / 3B / Fairport, NY / 2019Compactly built with strength throughout body at 5-foot-10 190 pounds. Moves well and athletically behind the hand and receives well. Quick glove to hand transfer and strong arm on throws. Ball tails from a lower arm slot, but plays it on throws by starting them on the west side of second base. Made one unbelievable play on a block, recovery and spin throw to hose a runner at second. Commanding presence at the plate. Really owns the at bat. Calm setup with explosive hands through the ball. Slight uphill path in swing will allow him to drive lot of balls. Also showed off good hands at the plate, showing he is more than just a free swinger. University of Hartford commit.
|
 |
Jake Conklin RHP / 2B / Fairport , NY / 2020Smaller framed but good, explosive athlete. Very good and repeatable mechanics to go along with a quick arm. Fastball sat 80-82 MPH but was fairly straight. Showed a good tight breaking ball at 66-68, but elbow dropped slightly on delivery causing more lateral movement than depth. Also showed a solid changeup at 70-72 MPH with fastball arm speed. Competed well and filled up the strike zone. Good arm to follow for the 2020 class.
|
 |
Sam Bello RHP / 1B / Iona Prep, NY / 2019Physically advanced 6-foot-2 210 pounder who pounded glove side fastballs down in the zone in the 89-91 MPH range. Velocity held through the middle innings; worked hard breaking ball that had more of a slider shape with late bite at 78-79 MPH. Throws a ton of strikes and repeats delivery. Only showed one change up and could benefit from attacking RHH on the inner half. Has been dominant in a tough NYC Catholic league. Maryland commit.
|
 |
Anthony DeFabbia OF / LHP / Iona Prep, NY / 2020Wiry, athletic frame who is having another exceptional year on the mound. In the outfield gets above average reads with directional first steps; plenty of arm with accuracy. Even, balanced setup at the plate with a simple, flat plane swing path. Stetson commit.
|
 |
Matthew Panker SS / 2B / Iona Prep, NY / 2019Scrappy, high motor leadoff hitter for Iona Prep. Average but athletic build for the RHH MIF; 2 BB and HBP along with a hard hit 6-3 ground out. Grinds out at-bats and controls the game defensively up the middle; ranges well laterally; short arm action with accurate arm. Colby College commit.
|
 |
Anthony Saputo 2B / 3B / Stepinac , NY / 2020Physical, athletic build for the cleanup hitter. Solid at-bats with one of the few with solid contact off Sam Bello. Flashed some bat speed with a double, flyout to deep center and reached on an OF error.
|
 |
Anthony Pressimone C / 2B / Stepinac , NY / 2020Smaller, compact build for the RHH catcher. Excels in the dirt, solid in-game reciever. Extremly quick transfer and release with accurate arm. Arm strength is average but does all the little things well. Handles the bat well; projects as table setter; defense first backstop.
|
 |
Max Luke 1B / RHP / Croton Harmon, NY / 2020The big righty (6-foot-3 205 pounds) continues to climb with the velo; sat 85-87 MPH with the heater topping at 88 MPH early on. The CB is also gaining needed velo and was 71-73 MPH today in yet another no decision (5th) where he went 5.2 IP 2Hs 1R 8Ks. Still more in the tank for Luke, who has only surrendered 2 ERs in 30.2 IP this season. He also went 2-4 at the plate.
|
 |
Joseph Murray RHP / RHP / Briarcliff , NY / 2020Size and projectable are the two words that come to mind regarding the big (6-foot-5 215 pound) uncommitted righty. This is a very raw kid on the mound who has not found his legs yet. He sat 74-77MPH with the straight heater topping at 78 MPH. The CB appears to be a pitch in development that is pretty decent when he commands it at 62-64 MPH. Murray has easy mechanics but uses very little bottom half.
|
 |
Sean Thompson RHP / 3B / Rye , NY / 2020Big bodied RHP at 6-foot-2 245 pounds working with a ¾ delivery that looks like it comes right out of his ear. He hides the ball well and the 80-84 MPH (top 85) FB gets on the hitter quickly with some natural late glove side cut. The CB works 62-66 MPH with sharp 10/4 break. Thompson touched 85 MPH with the FB a couple of times in the first two innings then dropped off and settled at 80-81 touching 83 MPH from the 3rd inning on. Complete game 3 hit shutout with 7 punch outs.
|
 |
Declan Lavelle RHP / SS / Rye , NY / 2020Rangy, athletic Fordham commit stands fairly narrow at the plate with quiet hands. The 6-foot-0 160 pound lefty stick gapped a double to left center to drive in a run. Nice runner and smooth fielder at shortstop, taking proper angles, he keeps his glove low and out front making a quick transfer and accurate throws to first. The frame has room for mass, and with an increase in size, he should find some added power to his stroke.
|
 |
Sean Foody RHP / 3B / Tappan Zee, NY / 2020Sturdy 6-foot-3 205 pound uncommitted junior with an easy ¾ delivery. Very consistent from start to finish sitting at 81-83 MPH with a running FB topping at 84 MPH. The curve ball needs refinement, but when it’s right it yields a sharp 10/4 break at 67-68 MPH. Plenty more in the tank for the big righty.
|
 |
Billy Sullivan C / OF / Nyack , NY / 2019The Southern Connecticut State commit is a seasoned presence behind the dish. He handles the staff very well and is a solid blocker and receiver. Not a huge target at 5’9 170, the athletic back stop has very smooth hands, which led to several stolen strike calls. With the bases loaded in a tie game, he blocked a couple tough pitches to save runs and keep his guys in the game. He also picked a runner off second and clocked a 1.84 POP on a dead ball throw down between innings. At the plate he drove a line drive RBI double to the pull side gap. Quick feet, quick hands, quick arm and quick mind.
|
 |
Kendall Haney SS / OF / Cooperstown , NY / 2021A lean 5-foot-11 frame. Started on the mound; 77-80 in the first couple innings, velocity dropped and sat 75-78. FB has a ton of arm side run. CB was featured early action, used it more as a get over pitch. Haney was aggressive at the plate, especially the first three pitches early in the count. Hardline drive up the middle; was one of the bright spots for Cooperstown.
|
 |
Ryan Lansing SS / RHP / Cooperstown, NY / 2020A lean 5-foot-7 athletic frame. At the plate, Ryan didn’t get much to hit. Showed a patient approach and made solid contact. Defensively, Ryan made the routine plays and showed his glove skills. Strong arm from the left side that projects as a college INF at the next level. Athletic actions.
|
 |
Santino Rosso SS / 2B / Victor , NY / 2019Athletic build at 5-foot-10. The switch hitter hit from the left side the whole game. Display hard contact opposite field on plus pitching. Had two hits in the game. Shows good plate discipline and pop with the bat. Defensively- Rosso showed his soft hands in the game. Smooth transition on the exchange. Strong arm on throws across the infield. Energy type player plays with a bounce in his step. Hofstra commit.
|
| |
Sam DiGiacomo OF / Victor, NY / 2019Athletic build. The right handed hitter showed some pop during the game. Tough out, hard contact off plus pitching with a short compact swing. Defensively- the OF uses his speed and a good first step to make plays.
|
 |
Drew Delaney RHP / 1B / Victor, NY / 2019A 6-foot-2, strong athletic frame. The RHP was impressive against Penfield. Threw a CG with 6 strikeouts. Delaney struggled in the early but got better every inning keeping Penfield off-balanced the rest of the game. FB command is what helped him get ahead on most hitters. FB peaked at 78 MPH and CB ranged from 60-62 MPH.
|
| |
Sean Lane 1B / St. Dominics, NY / 2021Raw potential, plus size and power. Huge frame standing over well over 6-foot and weighing over 200 lbs. Transitioning over to first base this season from third base, needs to improve around the bag defensively. 2 sport athlete which will help footwork and athleticism. Was overpowered on an upstairs fastball by Jason Diaz early in the game. Struck out twice in this game, however he did manage a hard single that drove in two runs to salvage the day.
|
2019 RHP Chris Roach (MacArthur)
Wiry strong athlete, long, lean build at 6-foot-4 185 pounds. Moves well with athleticism, for any position let alone a pitcher. Topped out at 86 for multiple pitches. Arm works quickly. Fastball sat 82-84 with life through the zone. Can improve fluidity and consistency with mechanics resulting in increased velocity and consistency. Despite this he showed command of all three pitches. Including a late breaking curve, 70-77 and a changeup which can improve 68-74. 2 sport athlete.
2020 C Dom Nota (MacArthur)
Fast twitch athlete, compact stature. Does a good job keeping the ball in front and blocking spiked breaking balls. Has an arm and controls the running game extremely well. Only 1 SB attempt which he gunned down. Showed confidence at the plate, a little too aggressive. Definitely has the ability to play the position at the college level but he will need to become more consistent with the stick, and add physical gains to handle the grind of the backstop position.
2020 1B Sean Tierney (MacArthur)
6-foot-2 250 pound first baseman; showed plus power potential hitting two moon shots. His first AB he turned on an inside fastball with the bases loaded down the line, the second to right center field on an off speed pitch for another extra base hit. If there was a fence good chance he could have had 2 homeruns definitely one. His footwork around the bag is impressive, in part to his All-State experience as a lineman in football. At the plate he has a wide stance and keeps his hands back well; hands start from the shoulder and the swing is short to the ball.
2020 OF/1B Kyle Sharkey (Kellenburg)
6-foot-2 180 pound build. The L/L Sharkey displayed his ability to play multiple positions. Has the ability to pick it at 1B, but more impressively was able to track down a ball smoked to the wall on a windy day which turned him around. Great footwork. Has a smooth left-handed swing that should lead to power in the future. Turned on a fastball in the gap for a stand up double and was 1-2 with a BB on the day, Against St. John commit Carlos Hidalgo.
2020 3B Kristian Rafso (Kellenberg)
Short compact swing, showed balance at the plate lining a single into left with 2 men on against a pitcher changing speeds well. Middle of the lineup guy. Needs to improve footwork approaching a groundball, did commit a fielding error on a routine play.
2019 SS/OF/RHP Carlos Hidalgo (Kellenberg)
Did not have his best stuff under tough pitching conditions, showed he is a bulldog and wants to compete. Velocity on the fastball 78-83 consistently on a colder, wet day. Topped at 85. His curveball breaks 11-5 with the velocity in the range of 68-76. Can improve his control, by tighten up his mechanics. Plus athleticism. Despite going hitless, he made solid contact twice and looked comfortable against Jason Diaz. His line for the day was 6IP, 4R, 2ER, while allowing 3 hits , and 5 Ks.St. John’s commit as position player.
Smooth quick hands, excellent footwork defensively. Showed the ability to round the ball on the infield as well as charge when needed. Controlled the infield. Went 1-3 at the plate with a HBP. St. Joseph’s Commit.
2019 Frank DeMartino (St. Dominic’s)
Hard contact off plus pitching with a short compact swing. Defensively uses his above average speed to track down anything in the air. Gap to Gap range complemented by strong arm.
2019 OF Jordan Kane (Frankfort-Schulyer)
A small athletic frame. The left-handed hitting OF is a spark plug type player. Made solid contact and made things happen all game. Had a well struck backside double. Defensively, Kane uses his speed to make the difficult plays.
2020 RHP Nick Skiera (Byram Hills)
Skiera is an uncommitted 2020 RHP with a FB that sits 79-80 MPH and topped at 82 MPH. In this game against Rye, he relied heavily on the off speed stuff, spinning 11/5 breaker after breaker at 65-68 MPH and a fading changeup at 70-72 MPH. Thick bodied with a ¾ arm slot he tossed a complete game in the 2-0 loss to Rye. Attacked the hitters’ hands with run and commanded his CB for strikes. A pitch to contact type who stays off the barrel for the most part.
2020 RHP Jared Kulman (Briarcliff)
Came in to finish out the final two frames, and got the W featuring a high ¾ easy delivery producing a FB sitting 75-77 MPH and topping at 78 MPH. The 6-foot-2 uncommitted righty also showed a sharp breaking ball at 62-64 MPH. He struggled with command, but he got himself out of two bases loaded jams to emerge unscathed as Croton failed to capitalize in clutch situations, including a huge backwards K with the bags juiced to end the game. Showed composure under duress, as he skated around a couple of high stress innings where he got himself into trouble but pitched his way out. Finished with 2IP 1H 4BB 1HBP and 1 Ks.
2020 C Mike Hardy (Briarcliff)
Big target at 6-foot-1 210 pounds the uncommitted 2020 backstop is a legit bat. A very athletic receiver and pitch framer with a nice arm and quick feet. At the plate, he has big power potential. He spreads out and has quick quiet hands that stay nicely through the zone. Today he drove a FB left out over the plate over the wall in LF to tie the game in a clutch top of the 6th inning at bat.
2020 Uncommitted C Mike Hardy (Briarcliff) With clutch big fly to tie game at 1 in top of 6th. Legit bat ? should be on. @PBRNewYork @PBR_NY_Carrier @Bcliff_6th_man pic.twitter.com/vlNpchJcwm
— PBR_NY_Scout_Luke (@NedLukePBRNY) May 2, 2019
Prior Scout Blogs
CREATE A FREE PROFILE
See your name mentioned above? Create a free profile and we'll take care of the rest.
UPCOMING EVENTS