2018 Holiday Showcase: Position Player Analysis
January 2, 2019
The 2018 Holiday Showcase took place December 29th at Keystone State Baseball Academy. Today we begin a series of articles analyzing the prospects in attendance beginning with a look at those players that participated as pitcher onlys.
+ CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.
Top Prospects
Ethan O'Donnell, Phoenixville Area HS (PA), Class of 2020, OF
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitter starts from a crouched, square stance and initiates his swing with a toe tap stride. Displayed a strong lower half and an above average feel for the barrel during a solid round of batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 81 mph. Ran a 7.40 60-yard dash and flashed athletic actions defensively with straight line carry on throws of 80 mph from the outfield.
Marcus Hill, West York HS (PA), Class of 2020, C
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short, leg-hang stride. Showcased balance throughout with above average barrel awareness with an ability to use all fields. Registered a bat ext velocity of 83 mph and ran a 7.39 60-yard dash. Sound receiver displayed solid footwork and a clean transition on throws of 73 mph from the crouch with pop times of 2.20-2.26. Solid frame and sound fundamentals in all phases of the game make Hill an interesting follow over the coming year.
Additional Position Players (in alphabetical order)
Jake Allison, Hempfield Area HS (PA), Class of 2019, 1B
6-foot-2, 255-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a short lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Demonstrated good balance with a feel for the barrel and a bat exit velocity of 85 mph. Showcased capable footwork and confidence in his glove hand around the bag at first base with accurate 70 mph arm strength across the diamond.
Spencer Butz, York Suburban HS (PA), Class of 2021, SS
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride. Showcased above average balance with a solid lower half and a bat exit velocity of 88 mph. Ran an event best 6.77 60-yard dash and displayed above average 84 mph arm strength across the diamond. Foot speed and arm strength could be best suited for an eventual move to center field.
Jakob Corropolese, Spring-Ford HS (PA), Class of 2021, C
5-foot-9, 170-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate a swing that is dominated by his upper half. Registered an 82 mph bat exit velocity, a number that will increase with work to better incorporate his lower half. Ran a 7.95 60-yard dash and showcased efficient actions behind the plate with pop times of 2.23-2.30 on throws of 71 mph from the crouch.
Julian Hatt, Muhlenberg HS (PA), Class of 2023, C/SS
5-foot-6, 125-pound right-handed hitter begins from a slightly open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Showcased a line drive approach with average barrel awareness. Registered a 72 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.80 60-yard dash. Displayed a clean transition and solid footwork on throws of 66 mph from the crouch with pop times of 2.36-2.45. Also showed capable actions as a middle infielder with accurate 71 mph arm strength. Fundamentally sound young athlete will benefit from strength gains through physical maturity.
Joseph Penzone, Robbinsville HS (NJ), Class of 2020, 2B/SS
5-foot-9, 150-pound switch hitter showcased similar swings from both sides of the plate with a bat exit velocity of 81 mph. Utilizes a leg-hang stride from a square stance as a right-handed hitter with a middle of the field approach. Left-handed swing is a bit longer and the stride is shorter leading to a line drive, all fields approach. Ran a 7.70 60-yard dash and showcased accurate 76 mph arm strength with fundamentally sound defensive skills best suited for second base.
Justin Penzone, Robbinsville HS (NJ), Class of 2020, OF
5-foot-7, 155-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a strong hip turn and the ability to create backspin while making consistent hard contact during a solid round of batting practice. Registered an 86 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.83 60-yard dash. Showcased athletic actions defensively while routinely playing through the baseball with accurate 77 mph arm strength.
Ethan Roldan, Washburn School (Puerto Rico), Class of 2020, 1B/3B
6-foot-4, 280-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a heel raise stride. Showcased strong lower half and a middle of the field approach with a solid feel for the barrel. Registered an 85 mph bat exit velocity and some present gap power. Displayed a soft glove hand and capable footwork around the bag at first base with 68 mph arm strength across the diamond. Also worked out at third base.
Mason Yerger, Muhlenberg HS (PA), Class of 2021, 1B
6-foot-1, 230-pound right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Showcased balance throughout with a feel for the barrel and a bat exit velocity of 87 mph during a solid round of batting practice. Displayed confidence in his glove hand and active feet with accurate 72 mph arm strength across the diamond defensively.
