MSI Scout Day: Top 10 Breakout Performers
August 28, 2020
Ted Williams
Ground Forces
With the conclusion of the first MSI Scout Day on August 26th in Garnet Valley, PA, we were able to step away and look at some of the raw data and were blown away by the results. Among 75 prospects participating, the top bat-exit velocity present was 107 mph per Trackman Baseball, best outfield arm was 88 mph from his position, highest infield velocity was 93 mph, top 60 yard dash time was 6.69 seconds, best FB velocity was 91 mph, and top pop time of 1.94 seconds.
Disclaimer: With the amount of talent present, we left some very quality players off the list and highlighted what we felt were the "Top 10" Breakout Performers at the event...
TOP 10 BREAKOUT PERFORMERS: MSI Scout Day
|
Tywone malone jr.1b / 3B / Bergen catholic , nj / 2021
Rankings StateRank: 26 / POS: 2
The Spin: The 6-foot-4, 299-pound first baseman was extremely smooth in the movements at his size and controlled some of the better bat speed we’ve seen in some time at the high school level. The right-handed hitter recorded a 107 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball with an advanced lower half creating violent rotational power through a slightly uphill path; got plenty of lift through extension generating lift to the deep LCF gap. The batting practice round was the talk of the day, everyone in attendance could hear the ball coming off the bat differently. Not to mention, the star football recruit has recently narrowed down his list of schools of choice to a “Top 14.” With legitimate feel in the box and the combination of “out of this world” athleticism and natural strength in his frame, Malone should be considered a two sport recruit and could find himself in draft conversations down the line if he can continue showing consistency in-game.
|
|
rhp / 1b / pennsville , NJ / 2021
The Spin: The definition of “projectability” at 6-foot-5, 160-pounds, Aidan Starn impressed with high-level movement patterns getting the most out of his lean, athletic frame utilizing advanced hip-shoulder separation at release. An electric arm played athletically through a high ¾ slot working to full extension on the front side while bumping an 87 mph on the fastball with life above the belt. Mixed in quality feel for a 73-74 mph CB showing 11/5 shape and a 71-73 mph splitter with deception and late dive that has the potential to be an out pitch to LHH. The ‘21 right-handed pitcher should be expected to add velocity as he continues filling out his frame, and an already imposing mound presence and competitive fire on the bump only helps his chances to project as a conference arm down the line at the next level.
|
 |
Stephen Thomas C / RHP / Unionville, PA / 2021
The Spin: One of the more impressive overall days at MSI Scout Day in Garnet Valley, PA was ‘21 C/RHP Stephen Thomas (Unionville). Absolutely stood out during a flawless defensive evaluation where he was down to 1.94 on pop times in a showcase setting with an 81 mph laser from the crouch. The arm should be considered to be "next level ready" only further evidenced by an eye-popping bullpen session where he worked at a fast pace in the delivery, T91 mph on the fastball with heavy downhill play. The raw power in a 5-foot-10, 200-pound frame was easily noticeable in all facets and allowed for an advanced 92 mph bat-exit velocity with violent hip rotation and loud contact at the plate. Got through the ball well at extension creating natural lift and backspin to the LCF gap showcasing extra base-hit ability and possible middle of the order projection moving forward. Should be considered to be a solid two-way prospect with the ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways.
|
 |
RANDY CARLO IV 3B / OF / WILSON WEST LAWN, PA / 2021
The Spin: The Bryant commit continues adding strength, now up to 6-foot-1, 200-pounds with a perfect blend of power and athleticism in the movements which allows him to continue to be one of the best in the state in the "extra base hit" category. The lower half was extremely smooth and generated plenty of separation allowing for electric hand speed through a slightly uphill path into the zone with natural lift after contact. Repeatedly attacked the ball at the front of the plate with high-level confidence in his abilities; plugged both gaps with regularity and showcased occasional home run power to the middle of the field. Registered a 98 mph bat-exit velocity during a flawless batting practice round and then chucked it around at 84 mph from the hot corner. Keeps improving defensively with a quick first step and advanced range laterally which should keep him at third base moving forward; ran a 7.19 60-yard dash demonstrating the feel he possesses for his frame.
|
 |
Rueben Livingston 3B / RHP / Wilson West lawn, PA / 2022
The Spin: Fresh off of one of the better Future Games performances in recent memory for Team PA, ‘22 3B/RHP Reuben Livingston came as a position player only on this date but still made plenty of noise. If you needed a reminder of why he’s considered among the best uncommitted two-way prospects in the state, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder recorded a 93 mph arm-strength across the diamond with plus athleticism and fluidity in the footwork during a standout defensive evaluation. Just plays cool, calm, and collected in everything he does; the RHH had extreme fluidity in the box with easy 95 mph juice to the pull-side. The rhythm in the swing was truly next level, consistently getting the foot down on time and contacting the ball at the front of the plate against quality arms on the big stage at the Northeast Future Games. Topped at 90 mph on the bump at the Future Games as well, should be a high level follow entering what will be a monster Junior year on the diamond.
|
 |
Koll Peichel RHP / OF / Strath Haven, PA / 2021
The Spin: The 5-foot-11, 170-pound RHP/OF burst onto the scene at MSI scout day with an explosive defensive round which saw him consistently beat the ball to the spot with athletic actions. Showcased a well above average 88 mph arm strength from the OF with natural instincts on balls hit in the air. The RHP impressed the most on the mound where he T85 with advanced feel for three pitches in the zone at all times. Live arm worked through a fluid, high ¾ slot showing a tight, high spin 66 mph CB for swing and miss with 12/6 shape. Dropped in a 77 mph CH with fade as well to LHH and controls the strike zone early in counts in-game. Per MSI, his stats this summer on the bump: 16IP, 11H, 1ER, 0BB, 26Ks, 0 HBP, 0.436 ERA, 0.688 WHIP. Maxed out at an 87 mph bat exit velocity per Trackman Baseball with feel in the box, the ‘21 should be a legitimate two-way follow with a higher ceiling on the bump.
|
 |
Colton Roberts C / 3B / Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, PA / 2021
The Spin: The physical 5-foot-11, 187-pound backstop generated loud barrels and plenty of barrel speed through a slightly uphill path into the hitting zone during batting practice at MSI scout day. Topped out at a 93 mph bat exit velocity per Trackman Baseball with high intent swings in the box & did extreme damage at the front of the plate. Connected to the ground well in the box allowing for above-average torque in the lower half creating repetitive natural lift to the LCF gap. Showed feel while receiving, beating the ball to the spot with regularity featuring a soft glove hand. Demonstrated quality catch and throw skills popping consistent 2.01-2.08's on the bag with accurate mid-70’s arm strength behind the dish. Displayed the ability to move well laterally while blocking, creating soft walls on either side of the plate and showcasing the ability to recover as well. Projects the best offensively as a middle of the order run producer with the defense not too far behind.
|
 |
Danny Estrada OF / 2B / Wilson West lawn, PA / 2021
The Spin: The LHH produced one of the most efficient batting practice rounds at MSI scout day with a strong top hand and twitch in the movements allowing for a quick, slightly uphill barrel path through the hitting window. Gets over the plate in the setup and showcased impressive plate coverage hitting everything from black to black hard to all fields. Demonstrated some of, if not the best bat to ball skills among all prospects in attendance, consistently on time to contact point regardless of quadrant he’s pitched into. The lower half is strong and adjustable in a physical 5-9, 175-pound frame generating hard line drives to all fields with present extra base hit prowess; maxed out at 95 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball during BP. Was 83 mph from the outfield as well with advanced feel for routes in any direction and ability to go get the baseball in the air hinting at a possible day one starter depending on the level he chooses.
|
 |
Jackson Rutecki C / 1B / West Chester Henderson , PA / 2022
The Spin: A recent Campbell commit, the ‘22 LHH catcher featured a top-notch round of batting practice where he displayed a simple setup and "next level ready" fluidity in the swing. Can handle velocity in game with advanced feel for the barrel in the box while situationally hitting at a high level as well. Flows through the lower half while hitting into a stiff front side demonstrating present adjustability and athleticism in the barrel. Got up to a max of 90 mph bat-exit velocity during BP per Trackman Baseball and lived in the RCF gap with good extension and a slightly uphill path through contact. Displayed a solid defensive showing with 2.13-2.16 pop times and a mid 70’s arm strength from the crouch in an advanced 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame. Should be expected to continue improving defensively and we wouldn't be shocked to see the pops start to hover around 2.00 in showcase setting around this time next year.
|
|
The Spin: Last but not least, ‘22 C Andrew Lombardi (Middletown North, NJ), hit a couple no-doubters foul down the LF line during a loud batting practice round. Lots of rhythm in the load coupled with advanced physicality in a 5-foot-9, 190-pound frame created plenty of high level bat speed in the box. Topped out at a 97 mph bat exit per Trackman Baseball during BP and was consistently on time with intent at the front of the plate yielding big time juice to the pull-side. Defensively, we were big fans of Lombardi as he showed leadership behind the dish with feel for powerful straight line footwork and quick transfers. Got down to a 1.98 pop time in showcase setting on accurate throws of 79 mph from the crouch. Displayed solid blocking skills with quick movements, beating the ball to the spot with regularity allowing himself to save important free-90's with recovery ability. Should be a high-level follow among catchers in the class with maturity in all facets of the game.
|
Trackman Partnership
Blast Motion Partnership
Driveline Partnership
Vizual Edge Partnership
