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By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The summer rush of PBR events in Pennsylvania continued last week with the 2017 Western PA Top Prospect Games on July 18 and 19. 55 prospects from across the state gathered for two days of nine inning games and showcase activities at the Iron Horse Sports Complex in Windber, PA. Today we conclude our analysis of the prospects in attendance by taking a look at those that participated as position players as a member of Team PBR.

** NOTE: measurables were not collected for members of Team PBR with the exception of pitchers in game action and catchers pop times during a defensive workout on day two of the event.

team pbr (position players)

TOP PROSPECT

Austin Clauser, 2019, C/OF, Schuylkill Haven HS
6-foot-2, 180-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride.  Swing dominated by his upper half creates a bat exit velocity of 85 mph.  Displayed solid fee for barrel in batting practice and went 5-for-11 with two doubles a triple and a walk during game action over two days.  Ran a 7.15 60-yard dash and showcased pop times of 2.08-2.14 during defensive evaluations. Commands the game well from behind the plate and showed a high energy approach to the game.  Consistently was the first player on and off the field.  Also flashed the ability to play both corner outfield positions with enough athleticism to project at first base as well.

Trevor Leamer, 2018, 1B/OF, Berks Catholic HS
Physical 6-foot-2, 205-pound left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his hands from a high hands load.  Displayed some power potential and the ability to create backspin in a solid round of batting practice. Showcased athletic actions around the bag at first base and moved well on the bases as evidenced by his 4.66 turn on a triple.  Went 5-for-12 with a double and a triple in game action over the course of two days.  Leamer announced a verbal commitment to Mount St. Mary's withing days after the completion of the event.

Remainder of Roster: (in alphabetical order)

Sterling Conner, 2018, C/OF, Clarion Area HS
5-foot-11, 165-pounder showcased an 81 mph bat exit velocity a ran a 7.25 60-yard dash at a previous PBR event this summer.  The right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and displayed a short, line drive swing during his round of batting practice. Conner went 3-for-12 in game action while showcasing pop times of 2.13-2.19.

Travis Kraft 2018, 1B/OF, Manheim Township HS
5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his hands from a high hands load.  Swing is dominated by upper half action and displays a flat barrel path that allows Kraft to stay in the hitting zone for an extended period of time.  Displayed improved actions around the bag at first base and had a solid showing at the plate over the course of two days going 5-for-12 in game action, including a pair of triples.

Jake Rathway 2018, 2B/OF, Belle Vernon Area HS
5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed hitter displayed significant strides in his all-around game since we last saw him a year ago. He starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a leg-lift stride. Displayed the ability to stay inside the baseball during a solid round of batting practice and went 4-for-12 at the plate in game action over two games.

Kyle Rhoads, 2019, SS/OF, Cocalico HS
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter went 4-for-10 with two walks during game action over the course of the event. Rhoads has showcased an 84 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.47 60-yard dash at previous PBR events.  Moved well around the diamond during defensive evaluations and displayed the ability to make plays on the move during game action.

Josh Rich, 2018, C/OF, Northeastern HS
5-foot-9, 170-pound primary catcher played outfield during the course of two games showcasing solid routes to the baseball and above average arm strength in cutting down a runner at the plate from right field.  During defensive evaluations, displayed quick feet and a clean transition in registering pop time of 2.02-2.09 behind the plate. The right-handed hitter went 2-for-11 with a walk in game action while making several loud outs on barreled baseballs.

Joseph Richardson, 2019, OF, Corry HS
5-foot-7, 160-pound outfielder showcased athletic defensive actions with an ability to handle the chores at all three outfield positions. The right-handed hitter displayed some pull-side pop during his round of batting practice from an open stance.  Went 2-for-11 with a walk in game action over the course of two games while also stealing a pair of bases.

Ethan Tirado, 2018, OF/1B, Hempfield HS
5-foot-10, 185-pound left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with limited lower half action. Showcased a solid feel for the barrel in batting practice and a line drive approach in game action.  Additional work to more fully incorporate the lower half is needed to take advantage of an athletic, above average build.  Displayed capable actions defensively with average arm strength from his outfield position.  Also showcased the ability to handle duties at first base with additional work on his footwork needed to play the position at the next level.

ANALYSIS SCHEDULE

7/20 Complete Results & Top Performers
7/21 Red Team (Pitcher Onlys)
7/22 Red Team (Two-way Prospects)
7/23 Red Team (Position Players)
7/24 Navy Team (Pitcher Onlys)
7/25 Navy Team (Two-way Prospects)
7/26 Navy Team (Position Players)
7/27 Team PBR (Pitcher Onlys)
7/28 Team PBR (Two-way Prospects)
7/29 Team PBR (Position Players)