By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

Kentucky Wesleyan College Head Coach Todd Lillpop has announced the eleven prospects that comprise the Panthers early signing class for 2014.  With a 2013-14 roster that contains 16 seniors, Kentucky Wesleyan has gotten off to a good start and will be looking to add to their recruiting class for the late signing period.

“Having to replace 16 seniors is always an extremely tall task, but we feel like this group of guys we have put together will be able to come in and make an immediate impact on our program both on and off the field,” Lillpop said.

Lillpop says their recruiting efforts are aided by the imformation Prep Baseball Report provides. 

“At Kentucky Wesleyan, we use PBR faithfully,” Lillpop stated.  “My assistant and I attend the PBR events, and the website provides a lot of valuable information.  The videos allow us another avenue to check out potential athletes.  It’s been great for all aspects of recruiting.”

In addition to six players from the Bluegrass State, the Panthers early signing class also includes five players from Indiana in RHP Ben Sprinkle, LHP Zack Whitehead, utility player Branden Wilz, LHP Bryce Wilz (transfer from Southeastern Illinois CC), and OF Jimmy Yates.

Following is a look at the in-state players that make up Kentucky Wesleyan’s early signing class.

Sammy Holder, RHP/MIF, Lewis County HS

Ranked No.39 in the 2014 class, Holder showed solid two-way ability during the Fall Prospect Program .  His fastball sat 83-85 mph, topping at 87, and he pounds the strike zone with a very good curveball and changeup.  He showed an 85 mph arm across the infield, and a 90 mph exit velocity off the tee from the left-side. 

Coach Lillpop comments:  “Sammy is an athletic two-way player who racked up 97 strikeouts in 82 innings pitched last season for Lewis County while also hitting well out of the leadoff spot.  He has the ability to become a front-line arm for us and will compete from day one.”

Nathan Verst, RHP/MIF, Bishop Brossart HS

Ranked No.46 in the 2014 class, Verst showed solid two-way ability at the Kentucky Unsigned Senior Games in August.  His fastball topped at 85, and he showed good pitchability with a sharp curveball and solid changeup.  He showed good defensive abilities with 84 mph arm strength across the infield and an 86 mph exit velocity off the tee.

Coach Lillpop comments:  “Nate is another athletic two-way player who will join our program with high expectations in the fall of 2014.”

Josh Osborne, C, St. Xavier HS

Ranked No.62 in the 2014 class, Osborne shows good catch-and-throw skills behind the plate with good arm strength.  He will look to lead the Tigers to another 7^th region title this spring.

Coach Lillpop comments:  “Josh is a physically imposing catcher and will bring depth to the roster as we graduate 3 catchers after the 2014 season.  He comes from an exceptional St. Xavier program and has played a key role on some very successful teams.”

Keith Carter, LHP, Meade County HS

Ranked No.63 in the 2014 class, the 6-foot-2, 165-pound left-hander showed well at the Top Prospect Games in June.  His fastball topped at 81 mph with good arm-side run, and he showed a swing-and-miss type curveball with very good pitchability.  There is undoubtedly more velocity in the tank for Carter.

Coach Lillpop comments:  “As a 6-foot-2 LHP, Keith will add a very good arm to our pitching staff.  He knows how to pitch and has one of the best breaking balls in the state of Kentucky.”

Connor Underwood, RHP, St. Xavier HS

Ranked No.77 in the 2014 class, Underwood played a key role out of the Tigers bullpen last year serving as the closer while compiling 3 wins and 4 saves.

Coach Lillpop comments:  “Connor will join Osborne and former St. Xavier teammates Michael Hellmueller, Nate Stemle, and Matt Lasley on the roster.  He put together a stellar year as the closer for St. Xavier last year, and we are excited to have him a part of this recruiting class.”

Michael Sutton, RHP, Mason County HS

Due to an arm injury, Sutton has flown under the radar, but the 6-foot-6 right-hander is working his way back to being healthy and has big upside with his mid-80’s fastball.

Coach Lillpop comments:  “Michael is a physically imposing, 6-foot-6, 220-pound pitcher who will battle for innings from day one.  He possesses bi g potential and will simply need to recover from the minor arm injury he suffered to get back on track of realizing that potential.”