By Greg Williams and Shaun Vernesoni

The Prep Baseball Report Eastern PA Top Prospect Showcase on June 14 featured an impressive group of senior, junior, and freshman prospects from the east side of the state. The first event to be held for players from Eastern Pennsylvania took place at In the Net Sports Complex in Palmyra, PA.

There were many players who saw their stock climb at the event. Deon Stafford Jr, a catcher from Lower Dauphin HS, definitely impressed with his all around ability, while Eric Ligda, a pitcher from Avon Grove HS, was very impressive on the mound.

A look at the top prospects by position at the event:

Catchers:

1. Deon Stafford Jr, C, Lower Dauphin HS
Stafford, a Class of 2014 catcher, proved to be the premier prospect of the day. His 5-foot-11, 200-pound fame projects well at the next level. Stafford displayed the strongest throwing arm from behind the plate with a top pop time of 2.06 and a velocity of 79 mph. Stafford also showed his athleticism by running a 7.30 60 yard dash.  He demonstrated great pop in his bat and was among the top prospects in bat exit speed velocities at 83 mph.

2. Garett Blank, C,  St. James School (MD)
Blank, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound catcher, had one of the strongest throwing arms of the day throwing 75 mph from his position. The Class of 2014 prospect's 2.09 pop time was among the best, and he displayed soft hands along with the ability to move laterally while blocking the ball. During his round of batting practice, Blank showed gap power, along with the ability to hit the ball out of the ball park.  Blank also had the best bat exit speed of the day at 84 mph.

Pitchers:

1. Eric Ligda, RHP, Avon Grove HS
Ligda, Class of 2014, showed the top fast ball of the day topping out at 84 mph. His 6-foot-5, 185-pound frame was put to good use as he effortlessly sat at 82-83 mph with a 71 mph curve ball. He demonstrated excellent control of his secondary pitches and good sink to his split finger fast ball.

2. Joe Thompson, LHP, Avon Grove HS
Thompson, a 5-foot-9, 130-pound pitcher showed his ability to throw all three pitches for strikes on both sides of the plate. The Class of 2014 left hander topped out at 71 mph with good run. Thompson threw his change up with exceptional arm speed and good sinking action.

Position Players:

1. Shane Connahan, OF, Midd-West HS
Connahan proved to be the most polished hitter of the day showing power to all fields while hitting from the left side. The 6-foot-0, 165-pound outfielder had a bat exit speed of 79 mph which was the best among all position players. The class of 2014 prospect utilized a short stroke to consistently square up the baseball. 

2. Tanner Cook, OF, Huntingdon Area HS
Cook, a 5-foot-8, 140-pound outfielder had the second strongest throwing arm of the day at 79 mph from the outfield.  Along with a strong accurate throwing arm, Cook displayed good hands and footwork. At the plate, Cook showed the ability to hit the ball to all fields with good pop.

Other Notables

1. Nate Fassnacht, INF, Ephrata HS
The Class of 2016 prospect showed good mechanics at the plate along with solid defensive skills and the ability to switch hit. With further development and physical growth Fassnacht could be a player to watch in the future.

2. Trustin Riley, OF, Mercersburg Academy
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound outfielder ran the best 60 yard dash time of the day. The Class of 2014 prospect showed one of the best bat exit speed velocities of the day along with the ability to handle the bat from the left side.

COMPLETE STATS