Milwaukee Preseason ID: Pitching Analysis
February 28, 2014
By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois
As we finish up this week with our coverage of the Milwaukee Preseason ID, we take a look at the pitchers. Regardless of class our positional analysis will rank the top high school prospects at each position from this event. Later we will break down the event according to class and see how players stacked up against their respective class.
The pitching group was loaded with young arms. Having such a deep pool of arms made it tough to find a point to cut off the top players but we went with the top 20 pitchers. Cyrillo Watson came away as the most impressive arm of the day. As a 2016 graduate Watson showcased one of the strongest arms in attendance. More impressive than his fastball was the confidence and conviction he threw his off speed stuff with, his three pitch arsenal was the most dynamic of the day. Dustin Landers (Kaukauna, 2015), Mitchel Makarewicz (Oak Creek, 2015), Matthew Hamilton (Oak Creek, 2016) and Logan McShane (Wisconsin Lutheran, 2015) rounded out the top five. All five RHP’s touched 87 mph or better and are high follow prospects in their respective class.
Here’s a look at our list of top 20 pitchers at the event.
Top Pitching Prospects
1. Cyrillo Watson, OF/RHP, South Milwaukee, 2016
Illinois commit. 6-foot, 175-pound two-way prospect, lanky frame, wide shoulder, solid base to add more strength. Offensively hits from an open stance, smooth loading action, leg kick stride. Showed improved rhythm with new leg kick trigger. Hands work well, highly athletic, advanced bat speed. Short bat path, shows power potential, gap to gap type hitter, flashes pull side power. 90 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed plus arm strength from the outfield, topped out at 95 mph from the outfield, long loose arm action, over the top slot with accuracy. Natural outfield actions, quick footwork, plays through the baseball well, highly athletic. 4.40 runner down the line. On the mound shows excellent arm action on all pitches, aggressive with conviction, high ¾ slot, quick athletic arm. Fastball has erratic life in the zone, hard late action, showed control, 85-86 mph, topped out at 87 mph. Curveball has sharp action, 11/5 shape, highly aggressive, fastball arm speed, 74-76 mph. Changeup has plus potential, excellent conviction, fastball arm speed, fading action, showed advanced feel, 78-80 mph. Watson is a high follow prospect with a huge ceiling. Highly ranked 2016 prospect in the region.
2. Dustin Landers, RHP, Kaukauna, 2015
6-foot-2, 175-pound right handed pitcher, standard build, athletic frame with some projection. One of the best available arms in the Class of 2015, Landers is highly athletic with a big upside. Delivery is athletic and works online with good tempo, repeats well finishing on his glove side. Shows the ability to maintain his delivery from the stretch, athletic and quick to the plate. Arm action is quick and athletic, loose arm with little effort, high ¾ slot. Fastball has run and shows the ability to command it, sits 86-87 mph, touching 88 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional sweeping action, thrown aggressively with fastball arm action, had tendency to get on the side, 69-72 mph. Changeup has action to his arm side with sink, showed advanced feel of the pitch, 71-73 mph.
3. Mitchel Makarewicz, RHP, Oak Creek, 2015
Long limbed frame, slender build, 6-foot-3, 182 pound right handed pitcher. Delivery has some deception. Quick arm, improved arm speed, high ¾ slot, long arm action. Fastball sat at 85-87 mph, late arm side action, controlled the zone well. Throws splitter aggressively, fastball arm action, sinking action with occasional depth, 74-77 mph, swing and miss potential. Curveball has 11/5 shape, ranged from 63-68 mph, big velocity split from fastball, can improve with added aggressiveness. Makarewicz is a high level recruit whose improved arm speed could see more velocity with added strength.
4. Matthew Hamilton, RHP, Oak Creek, 2016
Athletic frame, lean build with strength, 6-foot-2, 180-pound right handed pitcher. Athletic delivery, works online, regular effort with rhythm. Arm action is loose and clean, quick arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 88 mph, 85-86 mph, sinking action with heavy feel, showed feel for the bottom of the zone. Curveball has 11/5 shape, shorter action, has tendency to get underneath, occasional slurve action, 69-71 mph, showed control for the zone. Changeup is thrown with aggressive fastball arm speed, sinking action, 79-82 mph, high level potential. Hamilton is another high level prospect in a deep 2016 class in Wisconsin, his arm strength on the mound is highly advanced for his age and should be a highly sought after recruit.
5. Logan McShane, RHP, Wisconsin Lutheran, 2015
Advanced build, big strong athlete, 6-foot-3, 180-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery works online, regular effort, slightly collapsed balance position. Arm action is long, over the top slot, quick arm. Fastball has slight run to his arm side, showed control for the zone, works on downhill angle, 86-87 mph. Changeup flashed sink, fastball similar arm action, showed feel for the zone, 75-78 mph. Curveball showed action, close to being a high level pitch, 69-71 mph. McShane’s developed body and strong arm make him an intriguing prospect at the next level.
6. Nickolas Lackney, LHP, Whitefish Bay, 2015
Large frame, extra-long, slender build, 6-foot-4, 175-pound left handed pitcher. Delivery had a slightly quicker tempo and shorter leg lift than previously seen, repeated it well with quicker tempo. Showed fastball command, especially well to arm side, has slight run with late action, finishes well at 82-83 mph touched 84 mph. Changeup has arm side run, excellent action, 74-77 mph. Slider showed signs of high level pitch, 73-76 mph, aggressive arm action. Lackney is still one of the more projectable arms in the state. Combine his left handed arm, athleticism and size and Lackney becomes a rare commodity.
7. Ty Weber, RHP, Menomonee Falls, 2016
6-foot-4, 205-pound, right handed pitcher, large frame, wide shoulders and long legs, advanced frame. Tall and fall delivery, easy effort, slower tempo, works directionally downhill, short stride. Arm action is short, over the top arm slot. Fastball works on downhill plane, heavy feel with late action, sat at 82 mph, showed control of the zone. Changeup has arm side run, occasional sink, 69-71 mph, feel for the zone, advanced pitch. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 68-70 mph, lacked depth, have seen his curveball better, has 12/6 potential with depth. Weber is a high level recruit in Wisconsin’s deep 2016 class.
8. Tyler Becker, RHP, Menomonee Falls, 2016
Projectable frame, 6-foot-2, 180-pound right handed pitcher, long arms, athletic build. Delivery works slightly across his body, long arm action, high ¾ slot, tendency to pull pitches to glove side. Fastball has finish, heavy feel, consistently worked down in the zone, showed better command from the stretch, sat 83-84 mph touched 85 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, above average finish, 71-73 mph. Changeup thrown aggressively, erratic command, pulled to glove side, ranged from 72-78 mph. Becker is a high follow in a deep 2016 class in Wisconsin. With steady progression Becker has the ability to be a high level prospect.
9. Joe Dittmar, 3B/RHP, Richmond Burton (IL), 2016
Athletic build with strength, solid lower half, 6-foot, 185-pound two-way player. Defensively Dittmar posted the strongest arm across the diamond at 89 mph. Arm action is short, high ¾ slot with accuracy and carry. Soft hands at third base, athletic defender, advanced actions, excellent back hand, makes it with ease, will be able to guard the line at a high level. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, good lower half and excellent balance through contact. Hands are quick, hands generate bat speed, stays on top of the baseball, recoil finish. Line drive gap to gap approach with occasional pull side tendency. Projects for more power in the future, 83 mph exit velocity. Dittmar is one of the top third baseman in the Illinois and is a high follow. On the mound delivery works directly, quick loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 84-85 mph, showed better control from the stretch. Curveball has 11/5 action, near fastball arm speed 71-73 mph. Changeup has sink, fastball similar arm action, 68-69 mph, showed feel for the zone.
10. Matt McCarty, RHP, South Milwaukee, 2016
Big strong build, strong lower half, 6-foot-3, 190-pound right handed pitcher. Arm works from a high ¾ slot, quick arm, regular effort, works on line, balanced finish. Fastball has arm side run, hard late action, control of the zone, 82-83 mph. Changeup has well above average arm side run, near fastball arm speed, showed control of the zone. 74-75 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, tends to get underneath, 69-71 mph, could be a high level slider guy.
11. Ty Ramirez, RHP/SS, Greendale, 2015
Standard frame, lean build with strength, 6-foot-2, 190-pound two-way player. Projects better on the mound. Delivery is smooth with direction, athletic finish, minimal effort. Arm works easily from a high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam action, occasional life through the zone, showed control, 83-85 mph, touched 86 mph. Curveball is mostly 11/5 shape, flashed action with sharp bite, thrown near fastball arm speed, 70-72 mph. Has feel for changeup, near fastball arm speed, erratic action, flashed cut and sink action, 75-78 mph. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride with balance. Pull side approach, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action across the diamond, ¾ arm slot with some accuracy, lengthy transfer, 80 mph across the diamond. 4.28 runner home to first.
12. Julian Alverio, LHP/1B, Case, 2015
Big bodied left handed two-way player, 6-foot-2, 200-pounds. On the mound arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has run, commanded the zone at 80-82 mph. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, near fastball arm speed, occasional bite, 71-73 mph, showed feel for the zone. Changeup has advance arm side action, advanced feel, 72-73 mph with fastball arm speed. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, smooth loading action with short stride. Bat path stays flat through the zone, gets excellent extension, pull side power hitter. 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively has an advance arm from first base, 85 mph across the diamond. Hands are soft with natural actions around bag. 4.52 runner down the line.
13. Grant Frazer, RHP/SS, Oconto, 2016
6-foot, 165-pound athletic two-way prospect, athletic frame. On the mound, works from a high ¾ arm slot, quick arm action, short and loose arm action. Fastball has slight run, showed command, 81-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Slider showed confidence, 70-72 mph, sweeping action, throws with conviction. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 65-69 mph, slurve action. Changeup has action, flashed parachuting action, occasionally slows arm down, 62-64 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, minimal loading action, short stride. Has loose hands at the plate, generates whip while maintaining balance. Short path, line drive, gap to gap type hitter, above average bat speed. 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively arm played at 80 mph across the diamond, short loose arm action, produces carry. Athletic feet, plays through the baseball, shuffles through release. 4.46 runner down the line. Frazer is a high follow in Wisconsin’s 2016 class.
14. Aaron Steinhoff, RHP, Racine Horlick, 2016
5-foot-11, 155-pound right handed pitcher, standard build. Shows athleticism on the mound, delivery works quickly, some effort. Arm works quickly from a high ¾ slot, regular arm action. Fastball has slight run, showed control for the zone, 82-84 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 71-73 mph, occasionally gets underneath. Changeup has slight sink, keeps down, aggressive arm speed, 74-76 mph. Steinhoff has well above average arm speed for his age, currently one of the stronger arms in his class.
15. Jacob Lindemann, RHP/1B, Burlington, 2017
6-foot-3, 195-pound two way player, slender build on a long limbed frame, high projection. Projects better on the mound, tall and fall delivery works online with rhythm and balance, athletic finish. Arm action is quick and projects well, loose/live arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed hard arm side run with good finish through the zone, showed well above average control for his age, sat 80-81 mph touching 82 mph. Straight changeup has some feel, decelerated arm action, 68-69 mph, lacks conviction. Curveball is 65-68 mph, lacks action, side spin. Secondary pitches are underdeveloped but should improve with standard progression. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, 83 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed a strong arm across the diamond, 83 mph across, shows some softness in his hands. Lindemann’s arm action projects well on the mound and has the potential to be a high level prospect.
16. Nolan Rebernick, RHP, Union Grove, 2017
Projectable frame, long legs, 6-foot-1, 160-pound right handed pitcher. Works exclusively from the stretch, tall and fall delivery, stays on line, works to his target. Arm action is long, loose arm, regular effort, works between high ¾ and ¾ arm slot. Fastball has run, shows control of the zone, 80-81 mph, topped out at 82 mph. Advanced arm strength for age. Curveball flashed sweeping action, 65-66 mph, has slider potential. Splitter has sink, showed control for it, decelerated arm action at times, showed depth, 64-65 mph. Rebernick has solid upside, with added confidence to secondary stuff and standard progression of arm strength, could develop into one of the top prospects in the class.
17. Ben Dragani, LHP/1B, Catholic Memorial, 2017
Highly projectable frame, long limbed, lean build, 6-foot-3, 175-pound left handed two way player, prototypical pitchers frame. Projects better on the mound, delivery is smooth with a high rate of repeatability, works online with control of body, tall and fall delivery shows no effort. Arm action is long, free and easy, high ¾ slot. Showed advanced command of his fastball for his age, with run, 75-77 mph. Changeup has fading action, near fastball arm speed, shows feel, 67-69 mph. Breaking ball showed some slider action, 72-73 mph. Hits from the left side, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively plays with a long arm action across the diamond, 73 mph.
18. Joe Gahm, RHP/INF, Germantown, 2016
Lanky, athletic frame, 6-foot, 170-pound two-way player, higher projection on the mound. Athletic delivery, tall and fall approach, regular effort. Arm action is clean, high ¾ slot, long loose arm action, quick arm action. Fastball flashed occasional run, 80-81 mph, touched 83 mph, had finish through the zone. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape, left up in the zone, 67-68 mph. Changeup has feel, 72-74 mph, mostly straight. Defensively has a loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, 79 mph across the diamond. Athletic defender, plays through the baseball. Offensively uses a short stride, athletic hands, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.
19. Augie Mihlbauer, OF/LHP, Mukwonago, 2017
Lanky athlete, 5-foot-7, 130-pounds, long limbs, left handed two-way prospect. Defensively showed natural outfield actions, feet work well, plays through the baseball, quick clean exchange. Arm plays well, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, highly accurate and produces carry at 84 mph. Advanced arm strength for age. Offensively hits from the left side, open stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Loose hands, low effort, simple approach, hands work well. Above average bat speed for his age, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee, short path, fluid rhythm. On the mound delivery works fluidly, stays on line and works towards his target, athletic finish. Works with little effort, easy arm action, projects well, loose arm action, high3/4 slot. Fastball has significant run for his age, showed control of the zone, 77-78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 65-67 mph, occasional sharp bite. Changeup has feel, well above average fading action, throws with arm speed, 70-72 mph.
20. Takoda Metoxen, RHP/OF, Franklin, 2016
Athletically built, 5-foot-11, 170-pound two-way player. Metoxen’s live arm is his best tool. Tall and fall delivery is clean and athletic, full windup, free and easy, works on line, shoulders stay closed. Arm action is loose, minimal effort, high ¾ slot, quick arm action. Fastball flashed running action, control of the zone, 79-80 mph, touched 81 mph, arm works quicker than current velocity. Up to 87 mph from the outfield suggest there is more velocity to come. Changeup has above average feel, slight sinking action, 67-70 mph. Breaking ball has gradual action, flat, occasional 11/5 tilt, has high potential, 69-72 mph. Offensively uses a slight leg lift stride, average balance. Handsy swing, creates some whip, loose athletic hands. Line drive, gap to gap hitter. Showed well in the outfield, actions played through the baseball, advanced arm strength, 87 mph from his crow hop.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Trevor Anderson, 3B/RHP, Richmond Burton, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound two-way player, strong lower half. Offensively bat path is slightly uphill, two piece swing. 68 mph exit velocity. Defensively arm played at 71 mph across the diamond. On the mound fastball featured run, 71-72 mph. Curveball has loose action, 61 mph. Changeup has sink, 65-68 mph.
Brett Barton, LHP, Pacelli, 2015
5-foot-9, 135-pound lanky southpaw with slender build and lanky limbs. Delivery has some rhythm to it with regular effort and a finish that brings him towards third base. Arm works short from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was 72-73 mph with slight action. Throws a curveball with 11/5 shape and solid depth at 58-60 mph. Also throws a side-spinning slider at 66-67 mph. Changeup was 64-65 mph with some sink and fade action.
Chris Bernatz, RHP, Arrowhead, 2015
6-foot-4, 195-pound athletic pitcher. Tall and fall delivery is clean and repeatable with smooth rhythm, clean lines, and an athletic finish. Arm works long and loose from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 81 mph, flashing 84 mph a couple times, with running action. Throws a curveball 72 mph with 11/5 shape. Also throws a slider 74 mph with flat sweeping action. Throws a straight changeup sitting 76 mph with advanced feel.
Ryan Bigalke, OF/RHP, Whitnall, 2017
5-foot-10, 135-pound lanky, two-way player. Defensively, showed quick catch and release exchanges. Arm works long, from over the top at 78 mph with some accuracy. At the plate he hits from a closed, slightly crouched stance and a short stride. Swing has choppy rhythm, uphill path, and solid extension. Exit velocity off the tee was 66 mph. On the mound his arm works from a high ¾ slot with long, stiff action on the backside. Delivery has regular effort. Fastball 66-70 mph, flashing a 73 mph one time, with run and sink action. Throws a curveball at 62-64 mph. Changeup was 58-62 mph with sinking action.
Ben Bosch, LHP, Catholic Memorial, 2016
6-foot, 155-pound left handed pitcher, some projection on the mound. Delivery works across body, open toed landing, regular effort. Arm action is loose with some length, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run, 75-76 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, has above average depth, excellent feel for his age, 62-65 mph. Changeup has occasional sink, worked mostly to glove side, 72-74 mph.
Austin Brewer, RHP, Wilmot Union, 2015
Long limbed, slender build, young makeup, 6-foot-3, 170-pound right handed pitcher. Committed to Illinois-Springfield. Works from a ¾ arm slot, fastball has slight run, showed control, 77-79 mph touched 80 mph. Slider has 10/4 sweeping action, showed control of the zone, 64-67 mph. Changeup has occasional sink, control of the zone, 71-73 mph.
Zach Campbell, OF/LHP, Burlington, 2017
5-foot-10, 152-pound left handed two-way player, long limbed athlete. Defensively plays through the baseball well, feet stay active and work in line to target. Uses crow hop, loose arm action, 80 mph from the outfield, high ¾ slot, produces occasional carry, more to come with strength. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride. Highly repeatable swing, maintains balance. Excellent bat path, short to the baseball, line drive type hitter, occasional pull tendency, athletic hands and excellent rhythm. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound delivery is athletic, clean arm action, loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 73-75 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional sweep, 65-68 mph. Changeup has feel, fading action, near fastball arm action, 67-68 mph.
Jake Eigner, RHP, Germantown, 2017
5-foot-8, 145-pound right handed pitcher, solid projection. Smooth, tall and fall delivery, regular effort. Arm action is long, shows arm speed, ¾ arm slot. Fastball/slider guy. Fastball has slight run, occasional sink, shows control of the zone, 76-78 mph. Slider has sweeping action, 10/4 shape, well above average action, showed the ability to command it, 65-67 mph. Eigner’s fastball slider combination works well for his arm slot and projects well.
Jake Fisher, RHP, Whitefish Bay, 2016
6-foot, 160-pound right handed pitcher, slender frame. Delivery has some rhythm, open landing. Arm action is long, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 70-71 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, near fastball arm speed, 64-66 mph. Changeup has fading action, slight sink, mostly down in the zone, 67-69 mph.
Peter Go, RHP/SS, Heritage Christian, 2017
6-foot, 185-pound two way player. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, minimal use of lower half. Two piece swing dominated by his upper half, path stays on top of the baseball, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action across the diamond, over the top slot, 68 mph arm strength across the diamond. On the mound his fastball is mostly straight four seam, 67-70 mph. Curveball has minimal action, 60-65 mph. Changeup sat 61-66 mph.
Nathan Hefle, RHP, Germantown, 2017
5-foot-11, 180-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery works online, arm action is longer, has looseness, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball has run, showed control of the zone, 77-80 mph. Changeup thrown near fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph. Hefle has above average arm strength for his age. Developing a breaking ball will add to his repertoire, standard arm strength progression could make him a strong follow in the 2017 class.
Troy Hickey, OF/LHP, Wilmot Union, 2017
5-foot-11, 160-pound left handed throwing two-way player. Above average projectability on the mound, slower tempo delivery, tall and fall approach, minimal effort. Arm operates from a high ¾ slot, loose arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, flashed occasional cut action, showed control of the zone, 73-75 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, showed feel, tends to get on the side, showed better feel for it out of the stretch, 62-63 mph. Changeup has fading action, 66-68 mph, also showed control, pitch has excellent potential. Offensively hits out of an open stance, short leg kick stride, high elbow load. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays through the baseball well from the outfield, arm shows carry, topped out at 80 mph, loose over the top arm action. 4.33 runner down the line. Currently Hickey’s left handed arm and athleticism are his best attributes and project well.
Tyler Hickey, RHP, Wilmot Union, 2015
6-foot-4, 185-pound athletic bodied pitcher. The delivery has regular effort and an upright finish. Arm works long and stiff, from a high ¾ slot at a quick pace. Showed feel for his fastball, throwing it 78-80 mph with running action. His changeup was 72-73 mph with sinking action and thrown with fastball arm speed. Curveball was 66-68 mph with 11/5 shape.
Aaron Jaeck, OF/RHP, Case, 2016
5-foot-9, 166-pound two-way player with strength. Offensively hit from a standard setup, reverse weight shift and short stride trigger. Showed the ability to make consistent contact, found the barrel regularly. Line drive type hitter, 82 mph exit velocity. Defensively was 75 mph from the outfield, high ¾ slot, uses crow hop. Tendency to work uphill. On the mound fastball was 69-71 with slight sink. Curveball had minimal action at 60-63 mph, occasional 12/6 shape. Changeup flashed sink, 64-66 mph.
Taylor Just, RHP/OF, Brookfield Academy, 2017
6-foot, 165-pound two-way player. Arm strength has promise on the mound. Delivery has some effort, drop and drive style. Above average arm strength for his age, high ¾ slot. Fastball touched 79 mph, sat 77-78 mph. Breaking ball had slurve action, 11/5 tilt, 64-67 mph. Changeup sat 70-72 mph. Defensively uses long arm action from the outfield, 81 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Bat path has length, works uphill.
Garrett Kacrowski, LHP, Pulaski, 2016
5-foot-11, 195-pound left handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot, short arm action, works online. Fastball has slight sink, mostly straight, 69-71 mph touched 72 mph. Curveball and slider showed similarities in action. Curveball sat 59-61 mph, slider at 64 mph. Changeup flashed fade, 62-64 mph.
Peter Koscinski, 1B/RHP, Catholic Memorial, 2016
Large frame, 6-foot-5, 205-pound two way player. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride that slightly dives. Creates well above average bat speed, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Pull power approach, shows the ability to make strong contact. Defensively plays with a long arm action around the bag, 75 mph across the infield. Average hands, shows some feel for the bag. On the mound fastball sits 74-78 mph occasional cut action. Curveball had sweeping action, slurve feel, 64-65 mph. Changeup displayed sink at 69-71 mph.
Tucker Maris, RHP, Homestead, 2015
6-foot, 170-pound right handed pitcher, standard build. Delivery has regular effort, works directionally with balanced finish. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight four seam, showed control for the zone, 81-83 mph. Slider has 10/4 shape, occasional sweeping action, showed control, 72-74 mph, pitch showed better when in the stretch. Straight changeup has slight arm side action, some control, 75-78 mph. Also threw a cutter, 79-80 mph.
Christian McKelvey, RHP/SS, Germantown, 2017
5-foot-7, 135-pound switch hitting middle infielder and pitcher. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Hands work at the plate from both sides, showed similar qualities from both sides. Line drive type hitter, fluid rhythm . Registered 75 mph exit velocity from the right side, 73 mph from the left side. Defensively plays with a longer arm action on the infield, high ¾ slot. Footwork is quick, 4.40 runner home to first. On the mound arm works out of a high ¾ slot, long arm action. Fastball has slight run, 74-76 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 62-63 mph. Changeup is mostly straight, near fastball arm speed, 66-69 mph.
Dylan Moser, RHP/OF, Homestead, 2017
Slender frame, 5-foot-9, 145-pound two way player. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, simple setup. Bat path has length, slightly uphill path, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action across the diamond (75 mph). Clean exchange with long transfer. On the mound fastball is mostly straight, 74-78 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, gradual action at 63-64 mph. 62-64 mph straight changeup.
Austin Nowicki, SS/RHP, Stoughton, 2016
6-foot, 155-pound lanky two-way player. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with a slight crouch, smooth load action and short stride to contact. Swing has a long, uphill path. Exit velocity off the tee was 85 mph. Defensively, his arm works stiff, from a high ¾ angle at 69 mph across the infield. Ran a 4.44 home to first time. On the mound he throws with the same arm action as on the infield. His fastball was straight, 68-70 mph. Curveball was 58-60 mph with side spinning action. Changeup was 62-64 mph.
Kurtis Sippy, RHP/SS, Oak Creek, 2016
Lean build with strength, 6-foot-1, 170-pound two-way player. On the mound works from a ¾ arm slot, some effort, drop and drive style delivery. Fastball sat 80-81 mph, occasional arm side action, showed the ability to find the zone. Curveball sat 64-66 mph, flatter action. Forkball thrown with arm speed, 66-69 mph, downward action. Offensively hits from a wider stance, uses short stride, lower half works. Bat path is level, some length, low finish, 76 mph exit velocity. On the infield uses a long arm action, similar to that on the mound, 77 mph across the diamond. Ran a 4.44 down the line.
Evan Spry, RHP/MIF, Janesville Craig, 2017
5-foot-11, 150-pound two way player, slender build. Projects well on the mound, tall and fall delivery, repeats well, minimal effort, shows the ability to command multiple pitches. Works from a ¾ slot, long loose arm action. Fastball has well above average run, some sink, showed above average command, consistently sat 76-77 mph. Curveball has 11/5 action, 61-64 mph, showed feel and control, will improve with added arm strength. Changeup has sink, showed feel for the zone, 70-71 mph. Well above average projection on the mound. Defensively showed similar arm action to that on the mound, 77 mph across the diamond, showed the ability to control his body on the move. Offensively hits from an even stance, smooth loading action, occasional bat wrap, short stride. Simple approach to hitting, rhythmic swing.
Chris Van Handel, SS/RHP, Menasha, 2016
5-foot-9, 170-pound two-way player. At the plate hits from an open stance with a short diving stride. Showed a pull side approach with a long, uphill bat path and solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 73 mph off a tee. On the infield showed firm hands. Arm works with medium length from a ¾ slot at 69 mph with accuracy. Ran a 4.64 home to first time. On the mound his delivery showed some rhythm with some effort to it. Arm works from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was straight, flashing some cutting action, at 69-71 mph, flashing 72 mph. Throws an 11/5 curveball with solid shape at 58-60 mph. Also throws a slider at 53 mph. Changeup 63-65 mph with sinking action, for strikes.
James Wright, RHP/MIF, Milwaukee Lutheran, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound two-way player. Defensively showcased advanced defensive actions. Showed body control, plays through the baseball, feet are fundamentally sound, hands show softness. Arm action is athletic, plays well on the move, loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, accurate across the diamond, 80 mph. Offensively hits out of a balanced setup, short stride, minimal loading action. 71 mph exit velocity. 4.58 home to first runner. On the mound arm action is clean, delivery is athletic. Fastball has run, occasional sinking action, showed control of the zone, 75-77 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, thrown with arm speed, 62-65 mph, occasional back up action. Changeup has sink, near fastball arm speed, 68-73 mph, showed feel.
Christopher Zak, RHP/OF, Shorewood, 2017
5-foot-9, 140-pound two-way player, athletic frame with length, highly projectable arm. On the mound works with regular effort, high ¾ arm slot, clean quick arm action. Arm works extremely quick for his age. Fastball has arm side run, shows control of the zone, 74-75 mph, arm speed suggests more velocity will come. Curveball has 11/5 shape, advanced action for age, flashes sharp bite, showed well above average feel, 65-67 mph. Changeup also has advanced action to his arm side, occasional sink, showed the ability to control the zone with it, 64-67 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, minimal load. Short path, line drive guy. Defensively plays with a long arm action, high ¾ slot, 80 mph from the outfield. Gets down the line at 4.44.
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