Western PA Top Prospect Games Analysis: Black Team
June 14, 2019
The schedule of PBR events in Pennsylvania began this week with the 2019 Western PA Top Prospect Games on June 11th and 12th. Prospects gathered for two days of games and showcase activities at the Seton Hill baseball complex on the campus of Seton Hill University. Today we begin our analysis of the prospects in attendance by taking a look at those that participated as a member of the Black Team.
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Black TEAM
Top Prospects
Casey Caufield, 2020, SS/2B, West Chester Henderson HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 155-pounder was one of the most impressive athletes in uniform over the course of two days. The left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Caufield displayed above average bat-to-ball skills with and ability to use all fields. He registered a bat exit velocity of 89 mph and ran a 6.75 60-yard dash. Caufield moves around the infield with efficient, fluid actions and displayed a soft glove hand. Routinely made plays on the move with solid carry on throws of 81 mph across the diamond. A primary shortstop, Caufield displayed the ability to play multiple infield positions and has the foot speed to also play in the outfield at the next level if there is a need.
Gavin McGowan, 2020, SS/3B, Hazleton Area HS (PA)
6-foot, 195-pound infielder was easily one of the top prospects in attendance. The right-handed hitter took the top round of batting practice consistently driving baseballs to the the fence while using a strong lower half and quick hands. Registered an event best 92 mph bat exit velocity and went 2-for-6 with a walk and several loud outs during game action. Ran a 7.25 60-yard dash and showed athletic actions defensively with and ability to make throws from multiple arm angles. Projects best at third base where his soft glove hand and solid carry on throws of 83 mph across the diamond will translate well.
Nicholas Plank, 2021, C/3B, Bellwood-Antis HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 192-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and uses a quiet load with a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Made consistent loud contact in a very solid round of batting practice while registering an 89 mph bat exit velocity. Barreled just about everything in game action over two days going 4-for-7 with a triple. Ran a 7.12 60-yard dash and flashed pop times of 2.15-2.21 on throws of 70 mph from the crouch.
* Remainder of the Roster in Alphabetical Order
Eric Chorba, 2021, C/OF, Norwin HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 180-pound left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. Showed balance throughout with a feel for the barrel. Registered an 88 mph bat exit velocity and went 2-for-7 with a double in game action over two days. Ran a 7.28 60-yard dash and showcased pop times of 2.14-2.22 on throws of 70 mph from the crouch. Sound receiver with a chance to be a run producing middle of the order bat in the future.
Garrett Clark, 2020, LHP, McDowell HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 155-pound lefty sat 73-75 with some cut to his fastball out of a 3/4 arm slot. Displayed a balanced repeatable delivery with above average command. Also displayed a sweeping curveball at 62-65 with 1/7 rotation. Worked three innings in game action allowing two hits and one earned run while walking one and striking out four batters.
David Hammond, 2020, LHP/OF, Science Leadership Academy (PA)
6-foot-1, 145-pound primary pitcher sat 70-71 from a high 3/4 arm slot with slight arm-side run to his fastball. Displayed solid balance and the ability to repeat his delivery. Also showcased a curveball at 60-63 with gradual 1/7 break and a changeup at 61-64 at near fastball arm speed. Worked three innings in game action allowing one run while striking out one batter. The right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a line drive approach with a 73 mph bat exit velocity. Went 3-for-8 in game action over two days while also running a 7.28 60-yard dash. Showcased capable defensive actions with accurate 72 mph arm strength.
Jake Kramer, 2022, RHP, Hempfield Area HS (PA)
6-foot-2, 190-pound underclassman with a projectable frame. Primary pitcher sat 74-76 from a high 3/4 arm slot. Displayed a balanced, repeatable delivery that begins with a side rocker step. Showed above average command and a feel for three pitches. Curveball at 63-67 shows promise with 11/5 rotation. Currently utilizes a knuckle ball at 63-65 as his changeup. Worked three innings in game actions allowing four hits and one run while striking out three batters.
Jack Malec, 2021, 1B/RHP, Cathedral Prep (PA)
Projectable 6-foot-4, 190-pound two-way prospect. The right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a feel for the barrel while consistently staying behind the baseball. Registered an 88 mph bat exit velocity and went 3-for-7 in game action over two days. Ran a 7.88 60-yard dash and showcased capable defensive actions around the bag at first base with accurate 75 mph arm strength across the diamond. The righty sat 78-81 on the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot. Also displayed a developing curveball at 61-64 with 11/5 rotation. Worked three innings allowing one run on three hits while striking out four.
Camron Marciniak, 2022, OF, Johnsonburg Area HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed balance throughout with an above average feel for the barrel. Registered a 79 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.97 60-yard dash. Impressed in game action on day one going 4-for-4 with a double. Also showcased a developing defensive skill set with accurate 79 mph arm strength from the outfield.
Jake Meeker, 2020, C/SS, St. Marys Area HS (PA)
5-foot-8, 158-pound left-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a short leg-hang stride. Displayed a solid feel for the barrel with a line drive approach. Registered an 80 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.32 60-yard dash. Went 2-for-7 in game action over two days. Showcased pop times of 2.28 to 2.35 on throws of 71 mph defensively.
Brycen Rearick, 2020, C/3B, Forest Hills HS (PA)
5-foot-8, 170-pounder showcased a solid all-around skill set and above average strength in his frame. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to begin. Displayed a compact swing with a strong lower half while making consistent hard contact. Registered a 76 mph bat exit velocity and went 3-for-7 with a double and triple in game action over two days. Ran a 7.40 60-yard dash and showed pop times of 2.15-2.24 on throws of 70 mph from the crouch.
Carter Rieben, 2020, SS/RHP, Downingtown West HS (PA)
6-foot, 155-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a short leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. Displayed a line drive approach with a bat exit velocity of 76 mph. Ran a solid 6.96 60-yard dash and displayed accurate 79 mph arm strength across the diamond with the athleticism to play multiple infield positions. Went 3-for-7 in game action over two days. Also sat 77-79 off the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot while commanding a much improved curveball at 68-69 with sharp 11/5 rotation. Worked two scoreless innings while striking out four.
William Uberti, 2020, LHP/OF, Elk County Catholic HS (PA)
5-foot-7, 155-pound two-way prospect sat 72-75 from a high 3/4 arm slot while also effectively commanding a curveball at 65-67 with 11/7 break during one scoreless inning of work. The left-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a line drive approach with a flat barrel path and a solid feel for the barrel. Went 2-for-7 in game action over the course of two games while registering an 81 mph bat exit velocity. Also ran a 7.44 60-yard dash.
Kolby VanWhy, 2020, 1B/RHP, Coudersport Area HS (PA)
6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed an above average feel for the barrel while consistently staying behind the baseball. Registered an 82 mph bat exit velocity and went 2-for-7 in game action over two days. Ran a 7.46 60-yard dash and displayed solid actions around the bag at first base with 79 mph arm strength across the diamond. The righty sat 76-77 out of a high 3/4 arm slot on the mound. Also showcased a curveball at 65-66 with 11/5 rotation and a changeup thrown at near fastball arm speed at 70-72. Did not allow a run in three innings of work while allowing two hits and striking out three.
Marshall Weinberg, 2020, RHP/OF, North Catholic HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 180-pound primary pitcher sat 80-84 from a high 3/4 arm slot and a deliberate delivery. Displayed solid arm strength, but struggled with command on this day. Also showed a curveball a 67-72 with 11/5 rotation that has a tendency to back up. Changeup at 69-70 is thrown with a slower arm speed. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a toe-tap stride. Showcased a feel for the barrel with an 89 mph bat exit velocity. Went 2-for-7 with a double in game action while barreling the ball in a number of at bats. Ran an event best 6.69 60-yard dash and flashed above average 91 mph arm strength from the outfield.
Christian Zilli, 2021, RHP/3B, Hempfield Area HS (PA)
6-foot-2, 185-pound two-way prospect sat 76-78 on the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot with a long take away. Curveball at 66-69 showed 11/5 rotation and changeup was thrown with good sell at 68-70. Worked three scoreless innings allowing three hits while striking out three batters. The right-handed batter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride. Displayed balance throughout with a feel for the barrel while registering an 84 mph bat exit velocity. Ran a 7.27 60-yard dash and displayed accurate 76 mph arm strength across the diamond defensively with a similar long arm throwing motion.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
2019 Eastern PA Top Prospect Games | PA | 06/18 | Millersville University |
GoWags Teams Scout Day | PA | 06/20 | Millersville University |
2019 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase | PA | 07/09 | Millersville University |
2019 Western PA College Prospect Showcase | PA | 07/23 | Historic Pullman Park (Butler, PA) |
Junior Future Games | NATIONAL | 07/30 | LakePoint |
2019 PBR Future Games (Pennsylvania Invite Only) | PA | 07/31 | LakePoint |
2019 Fall Kickoff Showcase | PA | 08/15 | Millersville University |
Play for Team PBR 17U (Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament) | PA | 08/17 | Millersville University |
2019 Fall Scout Day (Various Travel Organizations) | PA | 09/07 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Future Prospects Showcase | PA | 10/19 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Elite Prospect Showcase | PA | 10/26 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Fall Measurables & Evaluation Showcase | PA | 11/02 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Holiday Showcase | PA | 12/28 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |