Tools of the Trade: Class of 2024 Arm Strength
October 5, 2023
Often times considered the "Florida of the north," Pennsylvania has surfaced as a known hot-bed for upper-echelon talent, and the class of 2024 is no different. The amount of college-ready, frontline arms may steal the spotlight at times, but a long list of position players have been just as special heading into their senior year. When undergoing the evaluation process, our staff uses the five tools (hit, power, glove, arm, and run) as a barometer for comparing players against one another. Obviously, each will need to be refined properly and accompanied by in-game success in order for them to have full effect. Today we break down one of the top tools within an exciting class of prospects.
arm strength
The name of the game is limiting runs on defense, and teams equipped with arm-strength around the field have a chance to take extra bases away from the opposition - which shows up on the scoreboard. One of the more underrated tools nowadays, the presence of it alone can be the difference between starting and sitting on the bench. Think positional flexibility; the shortstop would fit just fine at 2B or 3B, as well an outfielder being able to play at least two of the spots required. Getting more playing time starts with the arm.
TOP arm strength
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David Shields LHP / OF / Mt. Lebanon, PA / 2024Our #1 ranked player in the state owns a high-upside two-way profile, listed at 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, and the arm continues to be extremely live. An 88-91MPH FB sets the tone, while the overall arm-strength has improved greatly through the years. Our last look had him up to 87MPH positionally, though it was during the winter with minimal effort.
Miami commit |
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Thomas Matuszewski 3B / SS / Oxford Area, PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 112 / POS: 7
No stranger to us at PBR PA, Matuszewski enjoyed a big JR campaign and summer, since announcing his commitment to play Division 1 baseball at Mount St. Mary's. One of the more efficient pound-for-pound prospects at 6-foot, 190-pounds, he grabbed an 89MPH across the INF and has reportedly been 90MPH off of the mound.
Mount St. Mary's commit |
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Kross Howarth 3B / RHP / Perkiomen School, PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 15 / POS: 3
Another highly projectable two-way athlete, the 6-foot-4, 190-pounder reached a 90MPH throwing arm at our #NEProcase event and produces natural carry across the diamond from a 3/4 slot. This translates to simple downhill velocity on the mound with ability to spin the breaking ball.
Tulane commit |
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Dom Tozzi C / RHP / Camp Hill, PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 46 / POS: 7
A shutdown defender with 1.90-1.98 pop times and an 81MPH arm, Tozzi recently made noise at Lakepoint in front of PBR Maryland's Jamie Naill. He nearly parallels movements on the bump allowing for easy power through the finish, up into the 90MPH range from H 3/4. It's a short, compact, and violent arm-action.
Uncommitted |
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Rory Finn SS / 3B / Springside Chestnut Hill, PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 44 / POS: 3
Following the footsteps of his brother Sean, Rory continues to become more twitchy at 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, leading the way for an eye-opening 90MPH infield arm at 2022's PBR Future Games. An attacking approach gives him plenty of opportunities to utilize positive angles created with max intent at release.
Delaware commit |
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Ryan Price OF / West Chester East, PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 80 / POS: 14
The definition of tooled-up with a next level frame and plus run, Price is a two-sport star at an equally muscular 6-foot-3, 200-pounds. We've seen the arm-strength push into the 91MPH territory at the PA State Games, though it would be hard to move him from a CF ballhawking role. Finishes behind a pronounced crow-hop and longer delivery.
Saint Joseph's commit |
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Jake Robinson SS / RHP / Montour, PA / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 59 / POS: 7
A middle infielder by nature, Robinson flashed both tempo and feel in space at this year's #PAStateGames, running the arm into the low-90's with a game-like exchange. All throws were on the money with a multitude of routes attached to his near 7.00 footspeed at 6-foot, 185-pounds. It's not hard to project more coming with the way he generates power.
Kent State commit |
Previous tools covered:
Class of 2024 Defenders >>> 9.11.23
Class of 2024 Runners >>> 9.18.23
Class of 2024 Power >>> 9.26.23
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 2023 York-Adams League Scout Day | PA | 10/17 | South Hanover YMCA - Hanover, PA |
| 2023 Philadelphia Catholic League Scout Day | PA | 10/18 | MSI Sports Complex |
| 2023 Northeast JUCO Sophomore/Transfer Showcase | PA | 10/22 | Heritage Financial Park - Wappingers Falls, NY |
| 2023 PA Fall Top Prospect Games | PA | 10/22 | Fairchild Field / Shippensburg University |
| 2023 PA Last Chance: Central | PA | 10/29 | Liberty Arena - Williamsport, PA |