By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Some of the top Class of 2016, 2017 and 2018 players in Pennsylvania had an opportunity to showcase their abilities on back to back days this past week. Today we will breakdown the top hitting prospects from the Western PA Future Prospects Showcase on December 27.

Braxton Giavedoni, OF/C, Class of 2016, Punxsutawney HS
Giavedoni was the runaway star of the Western PA Future Prospects Showcase. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound was easily the most impressive hitter of the day. He showed quick hands and the ability to drive the baseball with an 82 mph bat exit speed. A cousin of Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco, Giavedoni was named to the WWBA 14U Nationals All-Tournament Team in 2012. Giavedoni is definitely a player to watch in the Class of 2016.

Dominik Pruskowski, 3B/SS, Class of 2016, Meadville HS
Pruskowski had a solid showing in all facets of the game. The 5-foot-10, 135-pound prospect showed a sound hitting approach with good weight transfer and extension through the baseball. Pruskowski consistently squared the baseball and drove the baseball to all fields with a bat exit speed of 75 mph.

R.J. Harris, C/1B, Class of 2016, McKeesport HS
Harris is a 6-foot-1, 150-pound freshman who showcased promise as a hitter. He used a short swing plane to consistently square the baseball during his round of batting practice. His 71 mph bat exit speed and solid lower half allowed him to produce good barrel whip and some power to the pull side.

Ben Wilke, RHP/OF, Class of 2016, South Fayette HS
Wilke is a 6-foot, 215-pound prospect who showcased a 71 mph bat exit velocity and the potential to be a successful high school hitter. With a few minor adjustments to his swing Wilke could develop into a consistent middle of the order hitter with some power potential.

Maxx Harpalani, 3B/OF, Class of 2017, Pine Richland HS
Harpalani showed advanced offensive skills with a bat exit speed of 73 mph. The athletic 5-foot-8, 145-pound prospect showed good barrel whip and extension that produced consistent line drives. His short stroke was fluid and allowed him to repeatedly square the baseball.

Chasen Claus, C/2B, Class of 2017, West Allegheny HS
Claus is a 5-foot-8, 180-pound 8th grader with projectable size who showed well. He used a 72 mph bat exit speed and good extension to drive baseballs repeatedly during his round of batting practice. He shows power potential and the ability to hit for average.

Christian Milletary, RHP/3B, Class of 2017, West Allegheny HS
Milletary is a 5-foot-9, 135-pound prospect who showed well as a hitter and on the mound. Offensively he showcased a 64 mph bat exit speed and the ability to consistently square the baseball. Milletary showed good rhythm and extension to his swing.

Michael Beimel, C/3B, Class of 2017, St. Marys HS
Beimel is a 5-foot-4, 125-pound 8th grader who showed well offensively and behind the plate. The switch-hitter displayed a 57 mph bat exit speed with the ability to consistently square the baseball from both sides of the plate. Beimel showed good extension to his swing from both sides of the plate.

Ben Wilke, RHP/OF, Class of 2016, South Fayette HS
Wilke is a 6-foot, 215-pound prospect who showcased a 71 mph bat exit velocity and the potential to be a successful high school hitter. With a few minor adjustments to his swing Wilke could develop into a consistent middle of the order hitter with some power potential.

• PA - Jan 2, 2013
  Eastern PA Future Prospects Instructional Showcase: Catcher Analysis
• PA - Jan 2, 2013
  RHP Mike Owens Commits to Roanoke College
• PA - Jan 1, 2013
  Western PA Future Prospects Instructional Showcase: Catcher Analysis
• PA - Dec 31, 2012
  Eastern PA Future Prospects Instructional Showcase: Pitcher Analysis