9 To Know: NJ Future Game Trials (2022s)
February 21, 2020
It had been well over a year since my last trip to New Jersey to check out the players that call the Garden State home, and I was not disappointed by the talent that was in attendance at the Future Games Trials on February 16 when I finally returned. Over 100 players from the 2022 & 2023 classes (along with one 2024) went through a pro-style workout including bullpens, showcasing their advancements made over the long off-season. The preseason indoor events are a valuable tool for college coaches all across the country as they begin to gather intel for trips to see uncommitted players in the spring, and even more so, to cross paths with in the summer. This group featured plenty of depth with some talented ballplayers at all positions (pitching, catching, infield, and outfield). Below are nine uncommitted standouts from the 2022 class.
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Zach Stichweh RHP / 1B / Seton Hall Prep, NJ / 2022Rankings StateRank: 26 / POS: 5
At 6-foot, 190-pounds with some noticeable strength in both the upper and lower-half, Stichweh’s presence was made known immediately upon stepping on the mound. Add to that the fact that he sat 88-90 throughout a quick preseason bullpen, and there is good reason to believe that college coaches will be making their way to see him as early as this spring. The arm stroke is more of a single-piece look, and works continuously to a ¾ slot where he stays behind the ball, and is able to drive it through the zone. The high-spin fastball had some riding life through the zone, and at times surprised the catcher as it jumped. He possesses excellent understanding of his movement patterns, comfortably completing an efficient delivery that utilizes no wasted movement, and gets the most out of a stronger lower-half when working down the mound. The slider was thrown at 75-77, and he got around it at times with some sweeping shape, though there is a chance that he is able to shorten it, or even develop a cutter in the future considering the arm strength and fluidity. Stichweh’s changeup was the more intriguing secondary offering. Thrown with fastball intent at 83-86, the pitch featured splitty-like action, and dove to the arm side when thrown at its best. Overall, Stichweh has a chance to develop into a power-arm down the line, and should he find a more consistent breaking pitch (it is still VERY early in the preseason in NJ) could blossom into a starter at the next level.
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