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Western PA College Prospect Showcase Analysis: Class of 2017

January 14, 2014

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

The first PA Class of 2017 rankings will be released following the high school season in June and it is likely that several of the prospects in attendance at the Western PA College Prospect Showcase will be included. Following is a look at the five freshmen that showcased their skills at Penn State Greater Allegheny.

class of 2017

Ellis Cannon2B/OF Ellis Cannon (Woodland Hills HS)

Cannon is a 5-foot-9, 130-pound left-handed hitter that displayed a square stance and a toe-tap stride in his swing. He showcased a flat bat path through the hitting zone and a bat exit velocity of 71 mph. His swing has fluidity throughout, but Cannon has a tendency to lose balance due to his head position at times. Cannon ran a 4.47 home-to-1B time and showcased a 64 mph arm across the diamond. The freshman shows athleticism in all his actions and should see steady improvements in his game as he develops physically.

Brian FarabaughOF Brian Farabaugh (North Hills HS)

Farabaugh is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitter with an 86 mph bat exit velocity. He showcased a leg-lift stride foot, very quick hands, and good balance throughout his swing. Farabaugh barreled the baseball consistently and showed the ability to drive the baseball in a very solid round of batting practice. He showed athletic actions in the outfield and a quick release with accurate throws of 70 mph to home plate. Farabaugh will see improved arm strength as his body matures and if he works to lengthen his throwing motion. The freshman turned in a 4.44 home-to-1B time.

Anton Rearick2B/3B Anton Rearick (Elizabeth Forward HS)

Rearick is a right-handed hitter that starts from a square stance. He utilized a short swing path to stay inside the baseball and squared the baseball frequently during his round of batting practice. Rearick showcased a line drive approach with a bat exit velocity of 74 mph. The 5-foot-8, 140-pound freshman displayed a 64 mph arm across the diamond and the ability to make the routine play with regularity. He will need to continue to work on playing through the baseball and becoming more fluid in his actions defensively. Rearick turned in a 4.84 home-to-1B time.

Charlie Varriano3B/RHP Charlie Varriano (Hempfield Area)

Varriano displayed an advanced approach at the plate and an 86 mph bat exit velocity. The right-handed hitter displayed good balance throughout his swing and an explosive lower half. He barreled baseballs routinely and made consistent hard contact with signs of some power potential during his round of batting practice. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound freshman turned in a 4.63 home-to-1B time and showcased a 68 mph arm across the diamond. He will need to develop additional arm strength, but showed athletic actions and a soft glove hand defensively.

Anthony RuggieriSS/2B Anthony Ruggieri (North Hills HS)

Ruggieri showed very quick hands and a fluid swing from the left side of the plate with a 75 mph bat exit velocity. The 5-foot-10, 145-pound freshman barreled the baseball routinely and showed good balance throughout his swing. The lefty showcased a 4.50 home-to-1B time and a 67 mph arm across the diamond. Ruggieri showed sound mechanics defensively and should continue to develop arm strength as his body develops.

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