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Preseason College Prospect Showcase: Class of 2015 Evaluations

February 9, 2015

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By Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting

We would like to thank all who participated in PBR Ontario’s Preseason College Prospect Showcase at the new PlayBall Academy in Kitchener. This was a great opportunity for 2015, '16, and '17 prospects to be put on college radars. Many of the more than 50 prospects that participated impressed during their individual workouts at the showcase.

In addition to recapping the top categories and the complete statistical results, we offer our sneak peek at some of the top performers of the day as you will find below.

In the coming weeks, we will be adding and updating profiles for each of the players in attendance, including complete analysis and video.

Interested in attending a PBR Ontario event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

For now, please take a look at the statistical results from the event by clicking here.

Preseason College Prospect Showcase: Class of 2015 Evaluations


Top Pitcher: Adam Coll, LHP, Alexander Mackenzie HS, 2015

Top Position Player: Jacob Sims, C, Bishop Mac HS, 2015

Adam Coll, 1B/LHP, Alexander MacKenzie High School, 2015
Scouting Report: Big 6-foot-3, 190-pound lefty with a well proportioned build and some strength. Ran a 4.34 from home to first. Moved well around the bag, made some nice picks on throws in the dirt. Infield velocity was 74 mph. Fits the profile as a first baseman. At the plate, showed balance with a good bath path to the ball. Average power with loose hands, showed some bat speed through the hitting zone while staying online. On the mound, Coll worked from a high ¾-arm slot and strictly worked out the stretch. His fastball topped out at 80 mph, and was able to work downhill when he was able to stay online. At times would land soft on front foot, causing him to fall off to third base side and lose leverage. Arm worked well with average arm speed and some length in the back. Curveball sat between 66-68 mph with better bite when down in the zone. Changeup worked between 73-75 mph, was up at times but had better run when he was able to get out-front and stay on the ball. Overall, good looking 2015 prospect who can play a clean first base and be a strong hitter at the next level. Profiles as a first baseman who can add some innings off the mound at the right college program.

Adam Cook, SS/2B, Glenview Park Secondary, 2015
Scouting Report: 6-foot-1, 185-pound infielder on the left side of the infield. Frame is lean with some strength, chance to add 10-15 pounds and fill out. Ran a 4.39 home to first. Defensively, approached ball with proper actions, hands worked and made the plays. Arm action was clean with some length, profiles more as a third baseman, velocity across the diamond was clocked at 78 mph. Offensively, hit from a crouched position. Small stride to load, created good torque through the ball. Hands were loose and showed good bat speed, some lift to swing which could lead to more power in the future. Stayed balanced and barreled up some balls during batting practice. Exit velocity was 81 mph. Intriguing left-handed bat that will play at next level. A player that should be on college coaches radar.

Gregory Carrington, OF, West Hill Collegiate Institute, 2015
Scouting Report: 5-foot-11, 165-pound athletic outfielder with nice actions. Has only been playing elite ball for two years now, seems advanced for the way he approaches game. Ran top home to first time of the day at 4.00. Defensively, approached ball well, transfer was clean and arm action was easy with some quickness and extension.  Velocity from the outfield was best of the day at 84 mph, release point was out-front with extension. Offensively,very short and compact, starts with hands in good position with a small stride to load. A balanced swing with strong hand eye coordination. Showed ability to stay inside of ball and not get too big. Swing and body was quiet with little movement. Exit velocity was 86 mph showing bat speed and strength. Will be a very good college player, and is receiving interest from D1 schools. Only going to continue getting better. Top student with high academics.

Jacob Sims, C, Bishop Mac HS, 2015
Scouting Report: 6-foot-1, 195-pound catcher, has worked hard on his frame, much stronger and in better shape than last seen in September. Defensively, actions are a lot better. Arm is strong with carry, top catcher velocity at 81 mph. Footwork and hands have improved, still need to become quicker in lower half and with transfer. Definitely on the right path, looked more confident receiving in bullpen. Offensively, lots of power from the left side. Starts from a slightly open stance with small toe tap/leg kick to stride. Hands get back with slight arm bar, still able to do good job of getting extended and creating backspin. Stays balanced and generates well through the hitting zone. Projects as power hitting catcher with lots of bat speed. Exit velocity was 95 mph off the tee. Committed to Roane CC, will be a potential draft prospect this June.  

Jacob Thornback, 3B, Norwell D.S.S., 2015
Scouting Report: 5-foot-8, 189-pound infielder with room for added strength gains and development. Thornback ran a 5.09 from home to first, while he was 62 mph across the diamond from a ¾-arm slot. At times would field the ball a little deep. Offensively, hits from upright position with narrow stance. Starts slightly open and finished online. Rocks back to load and gets up on toe. Exit velocity was 77 mph. Needs to generate more power from backside and lower half. Bat plane works down and was able to make contact out-front.

Lee Kucera, OF, Chatham-Kent Secondary School, 2015
Scouting Report: 5-foot-10, 145-pound outfielder with some athleticism and room for added strength gains. Ran a 4.40 from home to first. Defensively, moved well in the outfield, could go side to side and showed some life and in the lower half. Arm worked well with his velocity registering at 79 mph. Can see that improving over the season and with some added strength. Worked on top and out front from a natural ¾-arm slot. Offensively, starts in a slightly crouched position with his front side open. Rocks weight back with slight bat wrap. Finishes controlled with a wide stance. Creates bat speed with quick hands and wrists, exit velocity was 84 mph. Projects to be line drive hitter who uses speed and athleticism.

Michael Cecchetto, C/1B, Monsignor Percy Johnson, 2015
Scouting Report: 5-foot-11, 230-pound catcher with a strong build and frame. Ran home to first in 4.93. Defensively, nice set-up, arm was from a ¾ slot with some dice shaking action. Should improve with reps. Throws had some tailing action. Velocity from behind the plate was 69 mph. Offensively, took some absolute death hacks during batting practice. Aggressive hitter who doesn’t get cheated. Big leg kick and created good leverage off front leg. Lots of lift and loft to swing, short two-handed uphill finish. Exit velocity was 89 mph showing strength and power.

Ryan Bothwell, 3B/1B, Napanee District Secondary School, 2015
Scouting Report: Big and physical at 6-foot-2, 220-pounds. Lots of strength in frame. Defensively, actions improved since October event. Fielded ball in middle of body, exchange and transferred ball well. Hands have become softer, a little stiff in lower half. Arm was clean with some length, footwork was fluid  and was clocked at 82 mph across the infield. Throws were online and had carry from position. Offensively, Bothwell had the highest exit velocity of the day at 96 mph. Hands were loose with strength and quickness. Load was quiet and in good position to hit. Started in a slight crouch position that was slightly open. Finished online with a small stride to load. Created good leverage on front side with a slight uppercut to his swing. Raw type power guy who looks to have a breakout summer. Receiving interest from a handful of junior colleges.

Ryley Davenport, C, R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I., 2015
Scouting Report: 6-foot-2, 175-pound catcher with great frame to add size and strength. Defensively, showed nice footwork to go along with an agile lower half. At times can get too long with arm, causing to yank balls to the left. Arm quickness is there, velocity from the plate was 76 mph. Did a good job of receiving and blocking balls, moves well side to side. Offensively, starts in narrow position with an upright bat. Small leg kick to stride with hands back and up in good position to hit. Hands get through the zone nicely showing some quickness to contact. Stays inside ball, tendency to wrap top hand early every now and then. Exit velocity was 83 mph, was 89 mph last event in October. Has tools to be successful college player. Fast twitch muscles are evident. Receiving interest from D2 and junior colleges at the moment.

Sharif Sahebzada, 1B/LHP, Streetsville Secondary School, 2015
Scouting Report: 5-foot-11, 225-pound thick, compact, first baseman. Moved well for size, ran a 5.00 flat from home to first. Defensively, footwork was clean, fielded ball properly and made the plays at first. Offensively, starts from wide stance with toe turn to stride. Hands drop slightly from starting position, creates good momentum to contact creating energy and power from back side. Exit velocity was 90 mph. Bat path has some lift to it along with an uphill finish. Explosive through the zone creating hard contact.

Stephen Whalen, 3B/RHP, Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, 2015
Scouting Report: 5-foot-11, 175-pound infielder with room to add strength. Ran a 4.43 from home to first. Defensively, arm action showed some length as he worked from a ¾-arm slot. Infield velocity was 78 mph, and could be improved with proper footwork. Hands were average as he needs to increase his speed and tempo through his ground ball work. Moved well side to side. Offensively, starts in crouched position with bat resting on back shoulder and high elbow. Small stride landing slightly across his body. Hands are quiet with minimal load to trigger. Hits off of back leg, needs to generate more momentum to contact. Exit velocity was 81 mph. More in the tank.  

Tyler Hawkins, RHP, Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, 2015
Scouting Report: 6-foot-2, 160-pound lean righty that has room to add strength and size to his average frame. Worked from the full and stretch with a relatively high leg kick out the full windup. Rhythm and timing was clean with good body direction to the plate. Arm worked from a ¾-slot with clean actions in the back. Fastball sat between 77-78 mph. Filled the zone with strikes and had some sinking action when he worked down. Curveball was clocked at 67-68 mph with 11/5 shape. Arm speed was average and had tendency to miss out. Rotation on ball was proper and snapped off some good ones when arm speed was kept. Changeup was 72-73 mph while doing a good job of keeping arm speed. Had some arm side run when he was out front. Committed to Macomb CC for 2015 season. Will play final summer for Team Ontario 18u.

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