By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey 

The Preseason All-State Showcase was an unequivocal success this year, bringing out some of the top talent in the state, many of which had not been seen prior to the event. This year, several prospects put their names on our big board and over the next week we will break down the top prospects at each position.

The last of our positional analysis highlights the top pitchers from the event. Alabama recruit 2018 RHP Tyler Ras certainly stood out with his sizzling fastball that touched 91.  2018s LHP Andrew Vail and Joseph Sprake both turned heads as well. Take a look at the top pitching prospects below:

TOP 2018 PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Tyler Ras, RHP, Middletown North HS, NJ, 2018 (Alabama recruit)
Ras has a strong, lanky build at 6-foot-3 195-pounds. Alabama recruit, ranked No. 5 in NJ 2018 class, 154 Overall. One of the top performers of the entire event. Pitching- recorded the top fastball velocity at 91 mph. Sat 88-90 mostly. Curveball had smallish break at 70-74 - cutter-like 11/5 tilt. Had better feel for changeup, which looks more like a tumbling splitter at 63-67. Long arm action, locks out arm. High-3/4 slot.  

 

2. Andrew Vail, LHP, Gloucester Catholic HS, NJ, 2018
Vail is 5-foot-11 150-pounds with long, wiry limbs and skinny shoulders. Has the build of a pitcher that still has room to fill out. One of the Top Performers of the entire event. Fastball sat 84-85 with late life and run. Breaking ball backed up on him slightly at 68-70, looked like he was pulling front side too much. Changeup had some armside fade at 77-78 mph. Loose, whippy arm action, very little effort in delivery. True 3/4 slot from left side projects to be a sinker-slider type pitcher at the next level. Finish is under control over lead leg, lands square to home plate. Finish is upright with a slight recoil. In balance position he raises front knee straight up, then visually drives lead hip toward the plate. Sinks balance leg. Front side is tucked in toward chest as he rides down the mound. Shows elasticity in back and shoulder upon load and release. Methodical, yet explosive on release. Fastball and changeup were located down in the zone, curveball missed high armside.  

3. Matthew Stil, RHP, Cherokee HS, NJ, 2018 (Charleston Southern recruit)
Stil has a lean, athletic build at 6-foot-2 185-pounds. Charleston Southern commit. Pitching- topped at 88 mph with his fastball, sat mostly 84-87 from a high-3/4 arm slot. Arm and build show elasticity and flexibility, indicating that there is more in the tank once he fills out. Breaking ball had 11/5 shape with near fastball arm action at 69-71 mph. Changeup had some arm side run at 75-76 mph with fastball arm action. 

4. Joseph Sprake, RHP, Middletown South HS, NJ, 2018
 prake has a physical build at 6-foot-3 200-pounds with broad shoulders. One of the top overall performers at the Preseason All-State Showcase. On the mound, Sprake showcased a fastball that got up to 88 mph and sat 86-87. Curveball had 12/6 break at 73-74 mph with fastball arm action and changeup had some arm side run at 77-78 mph for strikes. Good rhythm to his delivery, Sprake uses his lower half well by driving down the mound with his balance leg. Lands with an open foot which causes him to finish toward the first base side of the mound. High-3/4 slot, collapses into front leg on landing and finish -  indicating that he might be over-striding. Creates shoulder leverage going down the mound to help maintain velocity, good frame for a pitcher with more in the tank with some mechanical adjustments. 

5. Eric Cartafalsa, RHP, Washington Township HS, NJ, 2018 (Charleston Souther recruit)
Cartafalsa has a lanky athletic build at 6-foot-1 153-pounds. Charleston Southern recruit. Fastball topped at 84 mph, sat 83-84 for his outing. Showcased a curveball at 74 mph with sharp 11/5 shape with near fastball arm action for strikes. Changeup had fastball armspeed and armside run at 73. Showed command for both offspeed pitches. Athletic balance point, drives down the mound with some strength. Shows uphill shoulders and creates leverage on first foot-strike. Long, loose and clean arm action, high 3/4 slot.  

6. Marcus Eusebio, Passaic County Tech HS, NJ, 2018
Eusebio has an athletic build at 5-foot-11 165-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 87 mph. Sat mostly 86-87 with some armside run. Showcased a changeup at 75-77 mph with armside run as well. Wide set up on the rubber. Athletic balance point, drop and drive type pitcher. Creates power and velocity from strong lower half and back leg push off going down the mound. High-3/4 slot with a long, loose arm action. Lands square and athletic to homeplate. Minimal effort in delivery. 

7. Ryan Bush, RHP, Barnegat HS, NJ, 2018
Bush has a long, lanky build at 6-foot-2 165-pounds. One of the top performers from the event. Fastball topped at 84 mph, sat mostly 82-84 with some life and armside run. Breaking ball showed 12/6 depth at 71 mph and a changeup with armside fade at 76. Commanded all pitches very well. Methodical delivery, athletic balance point helps him generate some power from the legs as he goes down the mound. Long, loose arm action from a high-3/4 slot. Clean mechanics and a good pitcher's frame to fill out. Look for Bush to make a jump this spring and summer with additional reps.

8. Patrick Spina, RHP, Holy Spirit HS, NJ, 2018
Spina has a strong, physical build at 6-foot-3 200-pounds. Fastball topped at 83 mph, sat mostly 81-83. Showcased a hard, straight changeup at 78-79 mph. Needs to take more velocity off changeup. Flashed a slider that backed up on him. Methodical delivery with steady tempo to start. Mechanics are sound and work fluidly. High-3/4 arm slot with a long, loose arm. Very little effort in delivery and finish. Ball comes out easy. Tall and controlled balance point. Lands square and creates some extension over front landing leg. On some pitches he lands slightly closed causing him to spin off on the finish toward the first base side of the mound.  

9. Jimmy Franchetti, RHP, Cherokee HS, NJ, 2018
Franchetti has an athletic build at 5-foot-10 160-pounds. Fastball topped at 86, sat mostly 82-84 mph. Curveball had 12/6 depth at 67-70 mph. Up tempo delivery, tall leg lift in balance point helps him develop a hip lead going down the mound. Tall back leg to a tall, stiff landing leg. Short, quick arm action. Shows some effort in delivery, and some life in his arm. Occasionally will snap his head on release. Creates some shoulder leverage going down the mound, helping him get down in the zone. Lands square and athletic after release.

10. Nick Houghton, RHP, Nottingham HS, NJ, 2018
Houghton has a lean, athletic build at 6-foot-1 158-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 83, sat mostly 81-83. Flashed a changeup at 78-79. Shows some effort in delivery. Creates leverage going down the mound with a high front side. Drop and drive type pitcher, uses back side to power him to homeplate. Creates downhill angle on finish. High-3/4 slot with some life in arm action. Quick arm with room to still fill out frame. High follow prospect.

11. Joshua Casado, RHP, Memorial West New York HS, NJ, 2018
Casado has an athletic build at 6-feet 165-pounds.  Pitching- Fastball topped at 84 mph, sat 83-84 for his outing. Flashed a curveball at 70-72 mph and a changeup 76-77 mph. Methodical delivery, athletic balance point, drives down the mound using lower body strength well. High-3/4 slot with some arm quickness on release. Finishes with momentum toward homeplate.

12. Nick Estes, RHP, St. Joseph's Metuchen HS, NJ, 2018
Estes has a strong, athletic build at 6-foot-3 195-pounds. Projectable pitcher's body with a lot to like. Fastball topped at 82 mph, sat primarily 81-82. Curveball had small 11/5 break at 67-71. Flashed a changeup for strikes at 74 mph. Tall, controlled balance point, creates solid drive going down the mound. Uphill shoulders, creates leverage upon front foot strike. Landing is square, finishes with momentum toward home plate. Quick arm action from a high-3/4 slot. Shows great command, especially on offspeed pitches. 

13. Anthony DiMartino, LHP, Timber Creek HS, NJ, 2018
DiMaritno has a lean, athletic build at 5-foot-11 165-pounds. Fastball topped at 81 mph, sat 80-81 from an over-the-top slot. Changeup came in at 76 mph, with some sink. Also showed a 1/7 curveball at 70-73 mph. Strong, athletic balance point. Drop and drive type pitcher. Quick arm action, creates some rhythm going down the mound. Shoulders are level going down the mound. Lands in line and finishes athletically, fall off to third base side occasionally. Strike thrower that filled the bottom of the strikezone throughout his outing. Interesting looking lefty with a lot to like. 

14. Travis Byrne, RHP, NV Demarest HS, NJ, 2018
Byrne has a strong, physical build at 6-feet 185-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 85 mph and sat mostly 82-84. Curveball had some slider-like 10-4 movement at 67-70 mph. Flashed a straight changeup at 75. Drop and drive type pitcher. Starts with tall balance point then sinks into back knee to drive down the mound. High-3/4 arm slot with a long arm action. Arm locks out in arm swing. Lands square and athletic. Produces some uphill leverage in shoulders as he goes down the mound. 

15. Conner MacNeill, RHP, Haddonfield HS, NJ, 2018
MacNeill has a tall, physical build at 6-foot-5 200-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 82 mph, sat mostly 79-81. Flashed a breaking ball at 58 mph and a changeup with armside fade. Narrow when he comes set. Balance point is tall, drives down the mound using back side to get directional toward homeplate. Creates good shoulder leverage as he lands down the mound. Big stride length and finish helps him create extension on release to get down in the zone. Long arm action from a high-3/4 slot. Look for MacNeill to make a jump in velocity as he continues to fill out his big frame. 

TOP 2019 PITCHING PROSPECTS

 

1. Jack Povey, RHP, Red Bank Regional HS, NJ, 2019
Povey has a lanky, athletic build at 6-foot-2 165-pounds. RHP ranked No. 15 in NJ's 2019 class. High follow prospect. Povey's fastball topped at 84 mph, sat mostly 82-83. Breaking ball has sharp 12/6 break at 65-68. Also flashed a straight changeup at 72 mph. Curveball separates him from his peers. Sharp swing-and-miss pitch with command. High-3/4 slot, long, loose arm action with a whippy finish. Creates uphill shoulder tilt going down the mound, finishes toward the first base side of the mound. Good looking pitcher frame with room for added muscle. 

2. Ron Cole, RHP, Neptune HS, NJ, 2019
Cole has a lanky build at 6-foot-2 171-pounds. Penn State recruit. Pitching- Fastball topped at 85 mph, sat mostly 83-84. Showed a breaking ball at 67-68 with slurvy action. Flashed a changeup with armside run at 76 mph. Athletic balance point, creates good drive off back leg as he goes down the mound. Quick arm action from 3/4 slot. Recoils on release, finishes toward first base side of rubber. 

3. Dante Ciaramella, RHP, Monmouth Regional HS, NJ, 2019
Ciaramella has an athletic build at 5-foot-9 160-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 84 mph, sat 83-84 for his outing. Breaking ball showed slider-like 11/5 movement at 66-68. Flashed a hard changeup at 77 mph. Quick arm swing, very clean arm action. Drop and drive type pitcher. Gets velocity from driving down the mound and back leg strength. Lands closed and on toe of landing foot. Foot lands opened, at an angle toward the first base line. Causes him to spin off to that side on release. Impressive talent that will continue to improve throughout the spring and summer. 

4. John Biago-Modugno, RHP, Don Bosco Prep HS, NJ, 2019
Modugno has a tall, lanky build at 6-foot-5 175-pounds. Pitching- projectable pitcher  with long, loose and free arm action. Fastball topped at 78 mph, sat mostly 76-78 with some armside run. Breaking ball separates him from rest of the pack. Sharp 11/5 downer type at 67 mph with command. Fastball handspeed, tight spin. Tall/fall type delivery. Uses leverage to create downhill angle to fill bottom of the zone. High-3/4 arm slot. Lands square and under controlled. Look for Modugno to make a jump this summer as he continues to get stronger and fill out that frame. High follow prospect.  

5. Vincent Bianchi, RHP, Red Bank Catholic HS, NJ, 2019
Bianchi has a lean, athletic build at 6-foot-1 160-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 83 mph. Sat mostly 81-82. Cruveball clocked in at 59-62 with small 11/5 depth. Pushes breaking ball out slightly on release. Also showed a straight changeup at 71 mph. Shows some arm quickness on fastball, pauses slightly with arm swing on breaking ball. Tall set up to start that leads into a tall balance point. Falls into back knee as he goes down the mound. Creates uphill shoulder leverage. High-3/4 arm slot with some run. Lands balanced over lead leg in line with homeplate. Shows body control in movements.  

6. Gregory Verano, RHP, Bridgewater-Raritan HS, NJ, 2019
Verano has a strong, athletic frame at 5-foot-11 175-pounds. Pitching- topped at 81 mph with fastball and sat primarily 79-80. High-3/4 slot with a quick arm stroke. Fastball has some arm side run. Curveball clocked in at 69-71 mph, with some 11/5 shape. Backed up on him a few times. Flashed a changeup for strikes at 72-73 with fastball arm action and arm side run and sink. a plus pitch for him. Physical looking body already for a 2019. Will be interesting to see how he continues to develop. 

7. Nick Scalabrini, RHP, Ramapo HS, NJ, 2019
Scalabrini has a skinny, lanky build at 6-foot-2 166-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 80 mph, sat mostly 78-79 mph. Flashed a true 12/6 breaking ball at 64-65 and a changeup with some arm side run at 62-63. Arm works quick, shows some looseness in arm action. Collapses over front landing leg. Can benefit from shortening stride in order to utilize leg strength more in delivery. High-3/4 slot, breaking ball was one of the best offspeed pitches showcased at the event. Needs to keep developing overall strength to fill out frame. Projectable frame at the next level.

8. Brandon Drapeau, RHP, Clearview HS, NJ, 2019
Drapeau has a big, wiry build at 6-foot-6 220-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 80 mph, sat 79-80 throughout his outing. Flashed a curveball at 58-61 mph. Creates great extension over front land leg. Drives off balance leg well, long stride. Level shoulders at first foot-strike. Lands square and athletic. Athletic balance point. Front leg and front shoulder turn back to create hip lead going down the mound. High-3/4 arm slot, loose arm action. Drapeau is still very much growing into his big frame. Projectable body both on the mound and at the plate.  

9. Alec Sachais, RHP, Holy Spirit HS, NJ, 2019
Sachais has a lanky build at 6-feet 165-pounds. Pitching- up tempo delivery, fastball topped at 81 mph and sat mostly 79-80 for the majority of his outing. showcased a 12/6 breaking ball at 60-65 mph, and a changeup at 62-63. Slows arm on offspeed. High-3/4 arm slot. Tall balance point, creates great drive off back leg going down the mound. Shoulders are even with the ground. Can create more leverage by getting front side higher going down the mound, creating more velocity. Elastic looking body and arm, good frame to fill out. 

10. David Ring, RHP, Ramapo HS, NJ, 2019
Ring has a lanky, athletic build at 5-foot-10 155-pounds.  Pitching- fastball topped at 80 mph, sat mostly 78-79 mph. Breaking ball had 11/5 shape at 70-71 and flashed a changeup with armside sink at 68-69. Slow, methodical delivery. Tall balance point, jumps out to home plate. Can get more velocity if he can use his legs/back side to drive down the mound as opposed to jumping down the mound. Short arm circle, whippy on finish from an over-the-top slot.   Ring is still very much growing and gaining muscle to his lanky frame. Look for him to make a jump later on in the spring and summer as he continues to get reps.  

10. Matthew Bettio, RHP, Montville HS, NJ, 2019
Bettio has a strong, athletic build at 6-foot-2 195-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 81 mph, sat mostly 79-80. Curveball showed 10/4 shape at 68-70 mph. Changeup had some armside fade at 77 mph. Slow, methodical delivery, tall balance point - then sinks into back knee as he drives down the mound. Lands square and tall, needs to get more extension over lead leg on finish. 

 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)
 Derek Almazor, LHP, Bergen Catholic HS, NJ, 2020
Almanzor has a skinny frame at 5-foot-7 135-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 71 mph. Sat mostly 70-71. Curveball had small break at 61-64. Flashed a straight changeup at 65 mph. Tall balance point, over-the-top arm slot. 

Len Asari, RHP, Cherry Hill East HS, NJ, 2018
Asari has an athletic build at 5-foot-6 135-pounds. Fastball topped at 79 mph, sat 78-79 for his outing. Curveball had gradual 12/6 bite at 65-67 mph. Up tempo delivery, smooth controlled actions throughout. Arm stroke has a hitch at the bottom as it looks like his arm pauses. Lands slightly closed causing him to spin off slightly toward the first base side.  

Nick Casaleggio, RHP, Indian Hills HS, NJ, 2018
Casaleggio has a lanky build at 6-foot-1 155-pounds. Still young in the face, Casaleggio's fastball topped at 77 mph, sat 76-77 for his entire outing. Showed an 11/5 breaking ball at 61 mph and a straight changeup at 74 mph. Athletic balance point, occasionally will drift into landing instead of driving toward homeplate and using lower half. Long arm action from a high-3/4 slot. Creates some leverage going down the mound with uphill shoulders at first foot-strike. Finish is square, athletic, and directional.

Connor Cheeseman, RHP, Cherokee HS, NJ, 2018
Cheeseman has a full bodied frame at 6-feet 190-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 78 mph, sat 76-77. Changeup showed some armside run at 70 mph with near fastball arm speed. Two quick steps initiate delivery, creates hip lead going down the mound and uphill shoulders at first foot-strike. Finishes toward first base slightly. 

Jeremiah Deanta, RHP, Union City HS, NJ, 2019
Deanta has an athletic build at 6-foot-1 165-pounds.  Pitching- Fastball topped at 75 mph. Sat mostly 73-75. Curveball had small 11/5 shape at 58 mph. Tall fall type pitcher, high-3/4 slot. Arm locks out then hand comes straight to ear in a slingshot type motion. Uphill shoulders on first foot-strike. Finishes tall with some extension over front landing leg.  

Michael Deusch, LHP, Shore Regional HS, NJ, 2019
Deusch has a strong, athletic build at 5-foot-11 180-pounds. Fastball topped at 79 mph, sat 77-79. Curveball came in at 67 and flashed a changeup at 73, both for strikes. High-3/4 arm slot with a short, quick arm action. Able to command offspeed low in the zone for strikes. Tall/fall type pitcher. Looks to drift toward homeplate from balance position. Lands square and athletic. Dips front shoulder in leg lift. Shoulders are level at first foot strike. Shows low effort in delivery and finish. 

Jack Erbeck, RHP, The Hun School, NJ, 2019
Erbeck has a tall, athletic frame at 6-foot-2 195-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 81. Sat 80-81 throughout outing. Showcased a breaking ball at 71-72 mph with small 12/6 break for strikes. Drop and drive type pitcher. Dips front shoulder on in balance point and coils up with upper body. Creates hip lead going down the mound into uphill shoulder leverage upon foot-strike. Loose arm action with some life from a high-3/4 slot.

Matthew Hartshorn, RHP, Toms River South HS, NJ, 2019
Hartshorn has a tall, athletic frame at 6-foot-3 195-pounds. Topped at 81 mph, sat mostly 80-81 in his outing. Showcased a big 12/6 curveball at 57-58 mph. Drop and drive type pitcher, gets great front side leverage going down the mound. Lands square and in line, occasionally falling off to the first base side. Short stride, locks out landing leg prematurely. Get get more out of frame and velocity if he can get out more and create some extension over that front lead leg. Quick arm action, brings ball up to ear before release. Over-the-top slot.  

Jacob Herner, RHP, Paul VI HS, NJ, 2020
Herner has a slender build at 5-foot-7 130-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 74 mph, sat mostly 71-73. Showcased a breaking ball at 61-63 as well. Up tempo delivery, coils himself when in balance point. Drop and drive type pitcher, falls off to first base side on finish. Collapses back leg into landing leg on release. High-3/4 slot. Herner has a solid fundamental foundation to build on.

Charlie Kelly, RHP, Monmouth Regional HS, NJ, 2018
Kelly has an athletic build at 5-foo-8 165-pounds. Pitching- sidearmer, fastball topped at 75 mph with armside run and sink. Sat primarily 74-75. Still developing feel for breaking ball at 64-65 mph. Only recently dropped down to sidearm, so still developing feel for arm slot and repetition. Able to locate fastball, tough to hit especially on right handers. 

Jake Lawrie, LHP, Christian Brothers Academy HS, NJ, 2018
Lawrie has an athletic build at 5-foo-11 185-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 77 mph. Sat mostly 76-77. Breaking ball showed sharp 1/7 depth at 65 mph. Also flashed a 74 mph changeup. Drop and drive type pitcher, uses back side to stay directional down the mound and to provide power. High-3/4 slot with a long loose arm action. Lands square and continues momentum toward homeplate.

Kenneth Levari, RHP, St. Augustine Prep HS, NJ, 2020
Levari has a slender, athletic build at  5-foot-9 130-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 79, sat 76-78. Showcased a curveball at 62 mph and a changeup at 65-67. High-3/4 slot with some arm quickness upon release. Methodical delivery, raises glove above head before he raises leg into a balance point. Sinks into back leg to create hip lead and leverage going down the mound. Tall, stiff front leg on finish.  

Evan Mahns, LHP, Christian Brothers Academy HS, NJ, 2019
Mahns has an athletic build at 6-foot-1 210-pounds.  Pitching- fastball topped at 75 mph, sat 74-75 from a 3/4 slot. Showcased a breaking ball at 65 mph - sinks arm on release. Flashed a straight changeup at 64 as well. Arm action is clean on the back stroke. Coils up in balance point, sinks into front leg on landing.

Ryan Napolitano, RHP, Wall HS, NJ, 2019
Napolitano has a sturdy, athletic build at 5-foot-9 165-pounds. Pitching- fastball topped at 78 mph, sat 76-77. Curveball has 12/6 tilt at 67-68, also flashed a changeup with armside run at 70 mph. High-3/4 slot, stabby arm action. Creates extension over front landing leg. Drives down the mound well on back side. Closes upper body off in balance point - coils up.

Tanner Powers, LHP, Wall HS, NJ, 2019
Powers has an athletic build at 6-foot-1 190-pounds. Pitching- fastball topped at 73 mph, sat mostly 71-72. Curveball had cutter-like movement at 66-67. Elbow climb with his arm action, high-¾ slot.

Anthony Pron, RHP, Clearview HS, NJ, 2019
Pron has a physical build at 6-foot-1 170-pounds. Pitching- Fastball topped at 80 mph, sat 77-79 with his fastball. Flashed a breaking ball with 11/5 slider-like action at 66 mph. Mechanics are sound, balance point is tall, drives down the mound using lower half. Shoulders are level with ground. Long, loose arm action, high-3/4 slot. Creates good extension over front lead leg on release.  

Devin Sharkey, LHP, Mainland Regional HS, NJ, 2019
Sharkey has a strong, athletic build at 6-feet 180-pounds. Pitching- topped at 80 mph with fastball, sat mostly 78-79 with a breaking ball with smallish 1/7 break at 68-69 and a changeup with arm side run at 72-73. Tall balance point, creates good hip lead going down the mound. Shows some stiffness in legs and hips - tall balance to a tall/stiff-legged finish. Upper body and shoulders are even with ground. Stride length is small. Short, quick arm action. High-3/4 slot. 

Kyle Smith, RHP, Sterling HS, NJ, 2018
Smith has a lanky athletic build at 6-foot-3 190-pounds. Fastball topped at 78 mph, sat most 75-76 in his outing. Curveball showed late 11/5 bite at 70-71 mph. Also flashed a straight changeup for strikes. Slow, methodical delivery. Tall balance point, pauses slightly in balance point causing him to fall down the mound, instead of driving down the mound with his back leg. High-3/4 slot with a long arm action. Creates uphill shoulder leverage going down the mound. Landing is square. Can get more out of stride length to get some added velocity. Comes with added strength in legs. Good looking pitching prospect with projectable frame. Definite follow.

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