Bringing together some of the top prospects in the midwest spread across four age groups, the Midwest Prospect League promised immense talent, and has delivered thus far. Grand Park, the site of the PBR Future Games, hosts the outstanding talent, and is at its best when every field is buzzing with energy. With college coaches littered throughout the complex, and the occasional group of professional scouts around, the players at “MPL” are sure to be competing on one of the summer’s biggest stages. But enough about the stellar setting, let’s take a look at some of the players that caught my eye on the first two days:

The marquee matchup of the day pitted two impressive 2019 left-handed pitchers against each other. LHP Avery Short (Southport HS, IN), an Indiana recruit, fresh off being named a player to watch for the 2019 draft was brilliant for the majority of his start. He dotted his fastball to both sides of the plate with hardly any effort at 88-90 touching 92 mph. His polished, repeatable delivery allows him to repeat his high ¾ slot after a quick, short arm stroke with ease. His slider was a weapon throughout at 77-79 with tight spin and shorter break while he also flipped in a bigger, 1/7 curveball at 73-74 that also showed the same tight spin. Short’s changeup was thrown at 80-81 with fastball hand speed and exhibited some natural arm side life while being thrown for strikes. Toss in his durable, 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame, and Short looked every bit the part of a future starter, and given his ability to pound the zone, innings eater as well. Before getting somewhat tired (meaning he gave up a couple hits) later in the outing, Short was downright dominant. He showed poise throughout while facing perhaps the best lineup assembled at the event (nearly every player was committed). Opposing Short for the Hitters out of Wisconsin was uncommitted LHP Connor Prielipp (Tomah HS, WI) whose upside was evident. Looking taller on the mound than his 6-foot, 155-pound listed size, Prielipp’s fastball varied in velocity throughout. To give a range: he was as low as 84 mph and as high as 92 mph, the majority, however, were thrown at 86-87. The fastball showed some sinking action at times and arm side life at others, and the ball remains hidden as he hunches over at the balance point before striding out somewhat short with a quick arm swing that delivers out of a high ¾ slot. Though he didn’t go to the changeup much until later in the game, it exhibited fade at 79-80, and has the makings of a good pitch for him in the future. His slider flashes the potential of being a swing and miss pitch at 77-79, and although it was inconsistent at times, it was effective at others. His long limbs and projectable frame will likely pack on weight/muscle in the near future which may allow him to throw even harder. Overall, it was fun to watch the two left-handers go to work, and will be just as fun tracking their progress the next 12 months.

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