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2019 Rankings Update: Additional Newcomers

November 17, 2016

By Greg Williams
Director of Scouting Pennsylvania / West Virginia

In preparation for our soon-to-be updated 2018 rankings today we take a look at newcomers to the list who have impressed at a PBR event in the past year. Remaining articles in the series will focus on a sneak preview of the first ten prospects on the list. Where these newcomers fall among the 30 prospects in the updated Class of 2019 rankings will be released on Saturday.

A total of seven newcomers to the list have made impressions at a PBR Pennsylvania event over the past year. Following is a look at where we saw them and what made them stand out.

Eastern PA Top Prospect Games - Jul 19 & 20, 2016

Drew MummauSS Drew Mummau, Manheim Central HS (Liberty commit)
5-foot-10, 160-pounder showcased advanced defensive skill set with the potential to remain on the left side of the infield at the next level. Right-handed hitter has simple, short swing mechanics and displayed the ability to handle elevated velocity in game action. Current foot speed (7.08) and arm strength (77 mph) should continue to improve through strength gains and physical maturity.

PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase - OCT 9, 2016

Chic DeGaetanoRHP/3B Chic DeGaetano, Hazleton Area HS
Physical 6-foot-2, 190-pounder impressed with a solid all-around skill set and two-way abilities. The primary pitcher sat 80-84 off the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot with late run on his fastball. His 76 mph changeup is still a work in progress but his 73 mph curveball is an advanced secondary offering that will get plenty of outs. The 12/6 breaker sat 72-73 with hard-biting down action and was continually thrown for strikes. The sophomore ran a 7.45 60-yard dash and showcased capable defensive actions at both corner infield positions with 86 mph arm strength across the diamond. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and uses a short leg-lift stride to initiate his swing. Some barrel wrap creates length in his swing, but the ball routinely jumps of his barrel with a bat exit velocity of 90 mph.

Elite Prospect Showcase - Oct 29, 2016

Austin BradburyOF/RHP Austin Bradbury, Cedar Cliff HS
Impressed with a projectable 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame and above average athletic actions in everything that he does. The two-way prospect ran a 6.89 60-yard dash, flashed 91 mph arm strength from the outfield, registered a 94 mph bat exit velocity and topped at 84 mph off the bump. Likely a position player at the next level, but arm strength and athleticism make him an interesting prospect on the mound for the time being also.

Aaron GrollerLHP Aaron Groller, Souderton Area HS
6-foot, 150-pounder continued to impress with a loose, easy, rhythmic delivery. The sophomore hides the baseball well with a high knee stack and a break of the hands at waist level. He sat 79-81 with his fastball that has some late fade. Groller's changeup/curveball off-speed combination are two advanced pitches that he routinely commands for strikes. The changeup is thrown with good sell at 75-76 with arm-side run and his slider has back knee breaking action to right-handed hitters at 70-72. His athletic frame has plenty of room to fill out with additional velocity likely in the coming years.

Jake PotheringRHP Jake Pothering, Schuylkill Haven HS
Projectable 6-foot-3, 210-pound primary pitcher sat 83-86 at a pair of fall events from a high 3/4 arm slot. Showed long arm motion in the back with the ability to get over his front leg with regularity. Commanded fastball down in the zone with some sink. His two-seam fastball sat 81-82 with cut action and his 66 mph curveball displayed 11/5 rotation. A tendency to get around the curveball leads to some sweeping action. The sophomore displayed an advanced feel for his changeup that sat 72-73 with late fade. A combination of his current size and a feel for four pitches makes Pothering a high follow among right-handed pitchers in this class.

Connor RakowOF Connor Rakow, Franklin Area HS
Athletic 6-foot, 170-pound frame and athletic actions across the board make Rakow the top outfield prospect at this event. The sophomore ran a 6.88 60-yard dash, flashed 85 mph arm strength from the outfield and displayed a fluid right-handed swing with an 88 mph bat exit velocity. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a short, leg-lift stride and solid hip turn to create considerable barrel whip. Rakow gets to extension routinely and shows present gap-to-gap power with an above average feel for the barrel.

Mason WalkerSS/3B Mason Walker, Red Land HS
Projectable 6-foot-2, 180-pound left-handed hitter. Starts from an open stance with good pre-swing rhythm and takes a long knee-to-knee stride to square. Front foot lands parallel to front of the plate; opening toe at landing could help him get his hips cleared easier. Nonetheless, swing is smooth with slightly uphill path that projects for solid power (currently 87 mph exit velocity). Solid defensive actions with ability to throw from multiple arm angles. Very intriguing prospect who received strong consideration to lead this article, with a 7.45 60-yard dash and potential to physically outgrow the middle of the diamond ultimately being the deciding factors.

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