Prep Baseball Report

Headed North: 2021 C/OF Nick Plank (Bellwood-Antis)


Ted Williams
Ground Forces

It's that time of the year again as we look at who's poised to scale the rankings in 2020. Let's pack up and head out as we look at:


Headed north

Base Camp

Currently ranked 137th in the PBR Pennsylvania Class of 2021 and 20th positionally, Plank displays a physical 5-foot-11, 192-pound frame with pop to all fields. The right-handed hitter continues to showcase the ability to consistently square the baseball with present gap power. Stays behind the baseball well with advanced extension through the zone evidenced by driving a ball to the wall in right-center field in his first game for a stand up triple. Solid defender behind the dish has shown consistent pop times in the 2.10-2.20 range. 7.00 runner has the athleticism and arm strength to also play the outfield at the next level.

The Ascent

Following a standout performance at the 2019 Western PA Top Prospect Games on 6/11, Plank put himself on the map as a solid bat to follow in the 2021 class. With an advanced approach at the plate he notched multiple extra-base hits in game action. Situationally he shined with understanding of what pitches he was looking for and executing his plan consistently with runners on base. Mix in an 89 mph bat-exit velocity with some barrel whip through the zone and you can start to see the potential to be a middle of the order bat at the next level. He has shown repeatable athleticism behind the dish with likeable qualities. In game action on the weekend, we saw consistently quick feet on blocks and solid straight line footwork towards second base on pop times.  An increase of arm-strength (currently 72 mph) can be expected in the future which will dwindle down a 2.10-2.21 pop time. 

REACHING THE SUMMIT

   

In order to continue rising up the rankings, Plank will have to continue to show his consistent approach at the plate throughout the high school season. We know what he is capable of doing, and it should be a fun year to follow his success offensively. To take the next step, he will need to improve pop times that should see improvement with a stronger throwing arm. By rounding out his game defensively, Plank will be a well-rounded catcher that can control a pitching staff at the next level. With solid athleticism and a physical frame, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see him add 5 pounds of muscle to mold into a middle of the order hitter. Regardless, some small tweaks defensively could round Plank out into an all-around prospect that could jump up the rankings in a hurry.

PLAYER COMPARISON

   

*Note: Many times coaches will ask our staff "Who does he remind you of?" Player "comps" are a popular tool in the scouting/recruiting world and we have decided to add that niche to our feature articles. Sometimes it's within the physical build, the numbers, the actions or a combination of all three.

2018 C Niko Amory (Southern Lehigh/ Marist Commit)



UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Super 60 Pro Showcase NATIONAL 02/02 The MAX - McCook, IL
2020 Preseason All-State - Southeast Session 1 (98% full) PA 02/15 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2020 Preseason All-State - Southeast Session 2 (54% full) PA 02/16 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2020 Preseason All-State - SW/Central (25% full) PA 02/22 Iron Horse Sports Complex
2020 Tri-State Open (State Game Trials) PA 02/22 Sports Factory of NEPA
2020 NJ/NY/PA Committed Player ProCase PA 02/23 Keystone Baseball Academy
2020 Preseason All-State - Western (90% full) PA 02/23 Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena
2020 Preseason All-State - NE/Central (29% full) PA 02/29 Liberty Sports Arena
2020 Preseason All-State - Northwest (33% full) PA 02/29 Erie Premier Sports
2020 Preseason Jr PA State Games Trials PA 03/08 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2020 Northeast JUCO Day PA 06/03 Dutchess Stadium

 

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