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Winter College Prospect Showcase (Session One) - Class of 2017 Analysis

December 16, 2015

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Session One of the Winter College Prospect Showcase took place on December 12 a Keystone State Baseball Academy in Manheim, PA. Session Two will follow the same format and will showcase a new round of prospects on January 16.

Today we complete our analysis of the prospects in attendance by reviewing the Class of 2017. CLICK HERE to view complete results for all prospects in attendance.

Jack DeSpain, OF/LHP, Ephrata HS
Jack DeSpain5-foot-8, 170-pound right-handed hitter displayed a simple approach at the plate with a solid feel for the barrel and a bat exit velocity of 77 mph. DeSpain starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a heel raise stride. A direct swing path and solid lower half allowed DeSpain to square the baseball repeatedly. The two-way prospect ran a 7.26 60-yard dash and flashed above average carry on throws of 84 mph from the outfield. The lefty sat 79-80 from a high 3/4 arm slot with a slight hip coil to his delivery. DeSpain also commanded a 72 mph curveball with 1/7 rotation and a 74 mph changeup thrown at near fastball arm speed.

Nate Hess, OF, Warwick HS
Nate Hess5-foot-9, 155-pound junior stood out as the top prospect in attendance. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a leg-lift stride to initiate his swing. Hess' hands work freely inside the baseball and the ball jumps off his barrel routinely with a bat exit velocity of 86 mph. Hess registered a 6.86 60-yard dash and displayed an accurate 81 mph arm from the outfield with straight line carry. He displayed athletic actions and the ability to play through the baseball.

Michael Worthington, 2B/OF, Solanco HS
Michael Worthington5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Worthington displayed a direct, flat barrel path and the ability to barrel the baseball repeatedly. The junior ran a 7.17 60-yard dash and displayed solid fundamentals defensively with an accurate 74 mph arm across the diamond. Worthington's all-around game will benefit from continued strength gains and physical maturity moving forward.

Jimmy Loftus, OF/1B, Devon Prep
Jimmy Loftus6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, crouched stance and initiates his swing with a leg-lift stride. A movement to a more upright position during the load phase of his swing leads to excess head movement. Loftus registered a 79 mph bat exit velocity and demonstrated the ability to barrel the baseball frequently in his round of batting practice. The junior showcased 76 mph arm strength from the outfield and capable glove work around the bag at 1B with an accurate arm across the diamond.

Jacob Rupp, RHP/3B, Central Cambria HS
Jacob Rupp6-foot, 185-pound two-way prospect impressed on the mound. Rupp sat 82-83 from a high 3/4 arm slot. His high knee delivery and quick arm action causes the ball to jump out of his hand. Rupp also displayed an above average curveball with 11/5 rotation at 71 mph and a 77 mph changeup thrown at fastball arm speed. Rupp's 86 mph arm strength across the diamond during defensive workouts indicate more velocity is in store from the mound. The junior ran a 7.46 60-yard dash and displayed a 78 mph bat exit velocity from a square stance during his round of batting practice. The right-handed hitter has a tendency to get to his front side early limiting some of the potential for barrel whip in his solid frame.

additional pa news:

Winter College Prospect Showcase - Session Two