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The summer rush of PBR events in Pennsylvania began this week with the 2018 Western PA Top Prospect Games on June 12th and 13th. Sixty prospects gathered for two days of nine inning games and showcase activities at the Seton Hill baseball complex on the campus of Seton Hill University. Today we continue our analysis of the prospects in attendance by taking a look at those that participated as a member of the Black Team.

+ CLICK HERE to view complete results for all prospect in attendance.

Black TEAM

TOP PROSPECTs

Sammy Contacos, 2021, C/3B, Penn-Trafford HS (PA)
6-foot-1, 185-pound backstop showcased the top arm among catchers at the event with pop times of 1.94-2.05 on throws of 76 mph out of the crouch. The underclassman displayed above average carry on throws with solid footwork and a clean release. In game action he showed a soft glove hand, a soft wall when blocking and a willingness to back pick when appropriate. The right-handed hitter sets up in a square stance with a high back elbow load. He initiates his lower half with a leg-hang stride and creates backspin with an uphill path through the hitting zone. Displayed present pull side power in BP with a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. With continued strength gains in the coming years could develop into a power right-hand bat in this class. 

Bobby Lane, 2020, OF/1B, Penn-Trafford HS (PA)
6-foot, 180-pound left-handed hitter took arguably the top round of BP at the event. He sets up in a square stance and initiates his swing with a short, controlled stride to square. Clears his lower half well and allows his hands to work through contact. Displayed an advanced feel for the barrel with present gap-to-gap power that will likely develop as his athletic frame continues to fill out. Went 2-for-3 in game action while barreling the baseball in all three at bats on day one. Did not participate on day two due to a prior commitment. Ran a 6.82 60-yard dash and showcased similar athletic actions in the outfield with 82 mph arm strength. Likely a corner outfielder at the next level, but also plays first base and could develop into a middle-of-the order bat at that position given time and continued physical development.

Remainder of Roster: (in alphabetical order)

Tanner Conklin, 2019, OF, Plum HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short, lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a short line drive approach in BP with a solid feel for the barrel. Registered an 84 mph bat exit velocity and showcased his 6.62 foot speed on a triple in game action on day one of the event. Showed developing defensive skills as an outfielder with accurate 78 mph arm strength.

Landon DiBeradin, 2021, C/3B, Norwin HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Showcased a short swing path with a line drive approach during BP with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. Quiet receiver displayed quick feet, a short arm swing and clean transition with pop times of 2.18-2.26 on throws of 70 mph from the crouch. Solid all-around skill set should continue to develop through strength gains and physical maturity. 

Troy Emert, 2019, RHP/SS, Rockwood Area HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 180-pound primary pitcher sat 82-83 from a high 3/4 arm slot during three scoreless innings of work in game action. Faced just one batter over the minimum yielding one base runner via an error. Registered six strikeouts and allowed just one ball to leave the infield. Effectively mixed 4-seam and 2-seam fastball with 11/5 curveball at 66-67, and changeup at 70-71. Right-handed hitter registered an 84 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.13 60-yard dash. Displayed the ability to play multiple infield positions with accurate 73 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Alex Kitko, 2019, RHP, Moshannon Valley HS (PA)
6-foot, 145-pound right-hander sat 77-79, down from the 81-84 that we saw him work at during the Preseason All-State Showcase in January. Working out of a high 3/4 arm slot, Kitko also commanded a curveball with 11/5 rotation at 64-66 and a changeup at 70-71. Worked three innings striking out three while not issuing a walk.

Aidan Knupsky, 2019, 2B/OF, North Hills HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 180-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short, leg-hang stride. Displayed balance throughout and above average feel for the barrel during a solid round of batting practice. Registered an 81 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.50 60-yard dash. Showcased capable actions at second base with accurate 70 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Mark Lehman, 2020, RHP/OF, Peters Township HS (PA)
6-foot-5, 190-pound primary pitcher stood out not just because of his physical size, but because of a very athletic all-around skill set. On the mound the primary pitcher sat 80-83 out of a high 3/4 arm slot that borders on being over the top. While the pitch is relatively flat, Lehman's height and release point creates interesting angles to the plate. Lehman also displayed a curveball with 12/6 rotation at 65-66. Over two innings he struck out one and retired four batters on ground balls. The right-handed hitter ran a 6.82 60-yard dash and showcased his foot speed on a triple in game action on day two of the event. Showcased 86 mph arm strength defensively and made one of the top defensive plays of the event with an over the shoulder catch going away to the right field wall.

Evan Lewis, 2021, C/OF, Elizabeth Forward HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed an aggressive lower half and routinely barreled the baseball during a solid round of batting practice. Registered a 78 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.07 60-yard dash. Showcased pop times of 2.25-2.32 on thorws of 68 mph from the crouch defensively.

Jake Orr, 2021, 2B/SS, McGuffey HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Displayed a line drive approach and solid barrel awareness during his round of BP with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. Ran a 7.44 60-yard dash and showcased sound defensive fundamentals with accurate 70 mph arm strength across the diamond. Showed ability to make the slow roller play look routine.

Harrison Pontoli, 2019, SS/2B, Beaver Area HS (PA)
6-foot, 160-pound left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Displayed solid rhythm throughout and above average feel for the barrel during a solid round of BP. Registered a 75 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.91 60-yard dash. Displayed fluid actions defensively with an ability to make plays on the move. Likely a second baseman at the next level could potentially stay on the left-side with additional strength gains and physical maturation.

John Sorisio, 2019, 1B/RHP, Leechburg HS (PA)
6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a flat barrel path through the zone with a bat exit velocity of 78 mph. Ran a 7.81 60-yard dash and sat 70-71 from a 3/4 arm slot during two innings of work on the mound. Also showcased a curveball with 11/5 rotation at 60-62.

Nick Vari, 2019, LHP/OF, Seton La-Salle Catholic HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 180-pound primary pitcher sat 74-76 with some arm-side run to his fastball out of a 3/4 arm slot. Also commanded a curveball with 2/8 shape at 64-65. Worked three scoreless innings allowing no hits and a walk. Right-handed hitter starts from an upright, square stance and initiates his swing with a short, leg-lift stride. Registered a 75 mph bat exit velocity and showcased 78 mph arm strength from the outfield.

Andino Vecchiolla, 2020, LHP, Laurel Highlands HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 130-pound lefty sat 75-76 with natural cut from a high 3/4 arm slot with command of both sides of the plate. Repeats delivery well and commands three pitches. Also displayed a curveball with 1/7 rotation at 66-67 and a changeup at 68-70. Worked three scoreless innings allowing one hit while striking out three. Continued strength gains through physical maturity will likely lead to incremental velocity gains in the coming years.

Marshall Weinberg, 2020, RHP/OF, Pine-Richland HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 165-pound primary pitcher sat 77-80 from a high 3/4 arm slot with some arm-side run to his fastball. Also displayed a curveball with 11/5 rotation at 63-65 and a changeup at 70-71 during his two innings of work. Right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. Displayed the ability to create backspin during a very solid round of batting practice with an 81 mph bat exit velocity. Ran a 6.87 60-yard dash and showcased 78 mph arm strength from the outfield.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
2018 Eastern PA Top Prospect Games (INVITE ONLY)	PA	06/19	Millersville University
Clash of the Titans Tournament Scout Day	PA	06/24	War Memorial Field - Ephrata, PA
Northeastern Pennsylvania Summer Review	PA	06/26	Misericordia University
Southern West Virginia College Prospect Showcase - 6.27.18	PA	06/27	University of Charleston - Triana Field
2018 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase	PA	07/10	Millersville University
Eastern Panhandle College Prospect Showcase - 7.11.18	PA	07/11	Potomac State College
2018 PBR Future Games (Pennsylvania Invite Only)	PA	08/01	Grand Park - Westfield, IN
PBR Junior Future Games (Invite Only)	NATIONAL	08/02	Grand Park - Westfield, IN
2018 Fall Kickoff Showcase	PA	08/16	Millersville University
Play for Team PBR (Fall Kickoff Tournament)	PA	08/17	Millersville University
Northern West Virginia College Prospect Showcase - 8.26.18	PA	08/26	Wheeling Jesuit University

 

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