Fall Kickoff Showcase: Class of 2019 Position Player Analysis
August 24, 2017
By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting
The Fall Kickoff Showcase began four consecutive days of activity at Cooper Park on the campus of Millersville University last week. 35 prospects from four states showcased their abilities in advance of the beginning of the Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament.
+ CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.
CLASS OF 2019 position players
Jacob Conover, C, Appoquinimink HS (DE)
5-foot-10, 185-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride. Displayed a solid fee for the barrel with present power to the pull side. Registered a bat exit velocity of 89 mph and ran a 7.45 60-yard dash. Showcased advanced 78 mph arm strength out of the crouch with pop times of 2.07-2.15. Flashed quick feet and a short transition with a tendency to allow his lower half to leak to the 3rd base line. Presents a soft wall when blocking and impressed with his receiving skills during the bullpen phase of his workout.
Ben DeMarco, SS/2B, Manheim Township HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 150-pounder has made significant gains in strength and physical maturity over past two years. Ran a 6.88 60-yard dash and displayed above average range and bounce to his step during his defensive workout. Attacked the baseball setting up good hops and showcased the ability to play through the ball with 83 mph arm strength across the diamond. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates a short swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Barreled the baseball routinely during batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. Two-way prospect also sat 77-80 off the mound in game action while also flashing a 68 mph curveball with 11/5 rotation.
Mason Fisher, SS/2B, Christopher Dock HS (PA)
5-foot-8, 145-pound right-handed hitter took one of the top rounds of batting practice of the day. Starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a short, leg-hang stride. Showed above average balance throughout his swing with an advanced feel for the baseball and registered a bat exit velocity of 81 mph. Displayed a soft glove hand and good feet defensively with accurate 78 mph arm strength across the diamond. Ran a 7.20 60-yard dash. With continued strength gains and physical maturity Fisher will be a middle infield prospect to follow in this class.
Ryan Miller, C/OF, Allentown HS (NJ)
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Displayed a solid feel for the barrel and the ability to drive both gaps with a bat exit velocity of 83 mph. Swing path is short to the hitting zone and long through it giving Miller a chance to hit pitches to all fields with authority. Ran a 7.01 60-yard dash and flashed 74 mph arm strength out of the crouch with pop times of 2.13-2.19. Projectable frame has plenty of room to fill out giving Miller a chance to play multiple defensive positions at the next level.
Jared Moore, 2B/OF, Owen J. Roberts HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and sits on his back side utilizing an aggressive lower half turn to initiate his swing. Produces backspin with an uphill path to the baseball and registered a bat exit velocity of 81 mph. Displayed an ability to get on base consistently during tournament action going 1-for-5 with a double, two walks and three runs scored. Ran a 7.56 60-yard dash and displayed 69 mph arm strength across the diamond during defensive evaluations. Projects as a 2B/3B at the next level, but has also displayed solid routes and the ability to play left field as well.
James Pello, OF/3B, Central Bucks East HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing from a deep load position with a high back elbow. Stays behind the baseball well and demonstrated a sound feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. Ran a 7.34 60-yard dash and displayed athletic actions defensively while playing through the baseball. Flashed accurate 83 mph arm strength with straight line carry during defensive evaluations. Took solid routes to the baseball and displayed athletic defensive actions during tournament game action.
Jack Popolizio, SS/2B, Germantown Academy (PA)
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter impressed during his round of batting practice starting from a square stance with a leg-hang stride. Stays inside baseball well and displayed advanced feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 85 mph. Ran a 7.13 60-yard dash and showcased more than enough arm strength to remain on the left side of the diamond (84 mph). Currently projects as a 3B/2B at the next level with a chance to be a run producing right-hand bat.
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