Quad City Open: Pitching Analysis

January 31, 2015

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Iowa

The Prep Baseball Report Iowa's final event in 2014- the Quad City Open- took place on Sunday December 14^th at the Ambrose Dome in Davenport, IA. 53 prospects strutted their stuff in front of over 20 collegiate programs in attendance. Over the next several days the PBR Scouting staff will roll out position-by-position rankings of the event, culminating with the Top Ten Overall Prospects from the showcase.

Click Here to view the statistical performances from the event.

We also broke down the Top Tools of the event. Click Here to view the Top Tools based on various commonly used scouting criteria for analyzing prospects.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson 2017 Jarred Wood takes the top spot in this event. Wood overall had the best "stuff" of the pitchers in attendance. His 6-foot-3 frame will continue to add weight and he possesses above average arm strength which projects to increase and he continues to pitch and matures.

Let’s take a look at the top pitching prospects from this December’s Quad City Open.

top pitching prospects

1. Jarred Wood, RHP, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 2017
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher. Thick physical sturdy build. Body projects to get bigger and stronger. Good rhythm and sequence to delivery. Gathers well and his balanced over the rubber. Throws from high ¾ pie arm slot with long arm action creating occasional sink. Tends to land open causing him to miss arm side. Direction though is good towards home plate. Fastball is heavy thrown at 81-85 at this event in December. At times will be on slide of breaking ball causing flat spin. Splitter is advanced for a player his age with good depth. Overall High Follow in 2017 class and will be up towards the top when state wide rankings are released.

2. Connor Lindaman, 1B/RHP, Davenport Assumption, 2016
6-foot-5, 240-pound 2-way player. 7.53 60 time. Extra large physical build. Starts open with slight leg kick trigger. Load can be deep at times but gets on plane shows ability to get to and drive through baseballs. Shows projectable plus power to the pull side of field with 92 mph exit velocity off tee. Moves extremely well at first base. Light on feet and ability to make assorted plays. Was receiving substantial interest from colleges for football. Shows 82 mph arm strength across infield. Long loose high ¾ arm slot with slight wrap on backside. Stays inline to home and shows ability to repeat 3 pitches for strikes. Recent commitment to U. of Iowa to play baseball. High Follow due to athleticism for size, projectable power, and ability to drive in runs in the future.

3. Devin Wessels, RHP/OF, United Township, 2016
6-foot-2, 155-pound right-handed hitting outfielder/right-handed pitcher impressed as one of the top overall prospects at this year’s Quad City Open. Hits from a balanced setup, wide base, no stride, lifts front heel, hands start back, load back and up smoothly, short path, occasional extension, line drives from gap-to-gap with 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 86 mph in the outfield from short, over-the-top arm slot with accuracy, plays through the baseball aggressively. Ran a 7.52 60. On the mound, short, quick, over-the-top arm slot, toe up at balance point, slight drop and drive delivery, arches back slightly to get up top with arm action, slightly uphill shoulders, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands square and athletically. Fails to load from stretch, losing some fastball velocity. Fastball sat in the 83-85 mph range, 84-85 in windup. Secondary lags behind slowing arm on 64-66 mph curveball with 11/5 shape, erratic up in zone. Changeup showed fading action when down in the zone at 72-74 mph. Wessels has two years to refine his off speed, but his arm strength and athleticism make him a prospect to follow closely.

4. Ian Bedell, RHP/OF, Davenport Central, 2018
6-foot-2, 155-pound 2-way player. Tall lanky athlete with a 7.34 60 time. Slightly open stance with tall set-up. Tall to fall hitting mechanics with good weight transition through contact. Swing plane is appropriate creating backspin after contact with hard line drives. Pull approach. Shows ability in outfield. Confident fielder with loose high ¾ arm action. Throws have carry and are accurate at 78 mph. Projectable frame on mound. Arm works from from high ¾ arm slot. Compact delivery with ability to repeat mechanics. Fastball was 75-81 mph. Curveball had 12/6 shape with gradual break. High Follow for 2018 class.

5. Cameron Leff, RHP/SS, Mt. Zion, 2016
6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher/shortstop impressed with his arm on the mound and hitting ability. Hits from a wide base, no stride, hands load back smoothly, short level bat path, gets extension, advanced approach at the plate produced line drives to all fields, with well above average 86 mph exit velocity. Showed arm strength across the diamond with carry from shortstop, 78 mph. Hands fit more on the corner infield spots. On the mound, fastball sat 82-84 mph with arm side run when down in the zone. 67-69 mph curveball flashed 111/5 shape, late break when down in the zone. 69-71 mph changeup flashed arm side run when in the zone. Leff has a live arm, but missed to his arm side and struggled command wise at times, due to rushing. Long, high ¾ arm slot, slight hook in the back of arm swing, toe down at balance point, shoulders work slightly uphill in delivery, lands slightly closed. Ran a 7.47 60 yard dash, slipping at the start. Leff has plenty of arm strength, and is a prospect to watch closely the next two years in Illinois.

5. Zachary Walz, SS/OF/RHP, Grand Forks Central (ND), 2015
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting utility player. Solid build with strong lower half. 7.12 60 time. Open stance with stride into long base. Swing is long at times causing slight uphill bat plane and contact on bottom half of ball. Does show good hand-eye coordination and has ability to get barrel to ball. Good strength in swing with 84 mph exit velocity off tee. Super utility defender with ability to play in outfield and infield. A lot of value with ability to play multiple positions well along with future hitting ability. Arm works in outfield. Ability to throw from different angles and hands are soft at shortstop. Feet work and has good short burst speed to cover infield. Outfield velocity of 84 mph. Infield velocity of 81 mph. Typical quality position player who can get on mound and be competitive. Balanced compact delivery with long arm action. Fastball is 80-82 mph with run for strikes. Breaking ball is hard with 11/5 shape and plus pitch when shown in bottom of zone. Changeup shows late 2-seam action and has decent feel for pitch.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Colton Hamand, SS/RHP, Central Springs, 2016
5-foot-10, 180-pound 2-way player. 8.29 60 time. Average build. Open stance with stiff swing mechanics. Uphill swing plane through contact with short finish. Is able to create bat speed in swing. 83 mph exit velocity. Short arm action on throws. Works down to up with soft hands. Good use of front side and following throws across diamond. 69 mph arm strength across. Short high ¾ arm action with some hand speed. Tends to fall down mound on delivery. Fastball in 70-73 mph range. Changeup was thrown with above average fade and good feel for location. Breaking ball had 12/6 shape with gradual break. Was able to keep 3 pitches around the zone.

Nick Hirst, LHP, Davenport Assumption, 2015
6-foot, 195-pound left-handed pitcher. Medium build. Keeps toe down and stays over the rubber creating good direction to plate. Compact delivery and throws from high ¾ to over-the-top slot. Lands slightly open. Fastball was 74-76 mph. Curveball was 64-66 mph with 1/7 shape and gradual break. Shows changeup in bottom of zone creating swing and miss opportunities. Quality job of locating 3 pitches for strikes.

Alex Hoppe, RHP, Clinton Unity Christian, 2017
5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Follow RHP in the 2017 class. Lanky long levers. Compact delivery. Keeps foot underneath with short leg kick and balance in delivery. Longer arm action with minimal effort on release. Quality feel for all 3 pitches for strikes. Fastball was 75-78 mph touching 79 mph. Curveball was 59-62 mph with occasional 11/5 shape. Good arm speed on changeup at 69-71 mph. Interesting prospect with added strength and physical maturity.

Nathan Hoth, RHP/C, Davenport West, 2016
5-foot-9, 160-pound 2-way player. 7.37 60 time. Strong swing. Wide base with short stride. Very balanced through contact with line drive swing plane and gap to gap approach. Creates separation after contact. 81 mph exit velocity off tee. Average/ok feet behind the plate with quick release. Most throws were accurate and on bag. Throws show online carry. 2.07-2.19 pop times with 73 mph arm strength. Balanced compact mechanics with high knee raise delivery. Gathers over the rubber well with rhythm and athleticism. Lands open in delivery leaving some pitches arm side. Short high ¾ arm action with some looseness out front.

Nicholas Houzenga, RHP/3B, Muscatine, 2016
6-foot, 195-pound 2-way player. 7.5 60 time. Square physical build. Balanced in the box. Pre-set hands with no load. Low hand set with flat line drive swing plane through contact. Swing will work uphill at times with low hand set. Pull approach. 78 mph exit velocity off tee. Long over-the-top arm action. Throws show carry at 76 mph. Average actions and foot speed. Shows ability to make routine. Strong lower half on mound. O/T slot with occasional shoulder tilt creating downhill plane on fastball. Shows online delivery with short leg kick. Occasional quality spin on breaking ball. Overall has projectable arm strength. Fastball was 80-84 mph; Breaking ball was 64-66 mph; did not throw a changeup. Houzenga will be followed over the spring and summer with physical build and present arm strength.

Colton Kipper, OF/LHP, Pleasant Valley, 2016
5-foot-11, 135-pound 2-way player. 7.28 60 time. Lean projectable body with long legs. Tall square stance. Wraps barrel in load. Hands will drift down creating uphill swing plane at time. Pull approach with some whip through the zone. 76 mph exit velocity off tee. Long loose ¾ arm action in outfield. Glides to baseballs showing fluidity and athleticism. Loses accuracy and carry from slot but shows well in outfield. 70 mph arm strength. Herky high energy delivery on mound. Toe down with high leg kick balance point. Travels across rubber in delivery causing him to land open and losing direction. Short high ¾ arm slot. Fastball was 71-73 mph. Curveball showed 1/7 shape at 63-66 mph. Showed better control and feel for changeup. Kipper is a loose projectable L/L player who coaches will follow to see if strength and tools improve.

Chuck Klutho, RHP/OF, Bettendorf, 2015
6-foot-2, 200-pound 2-way player. Physical build with strong lower half. 7.48 60 time. Swings lacks rhythm at times. Rotational lower half and uphill swing plane with pull approach. Strength in upper body with 85 mph exit velocity off tee. Ok actions defensively; comfortable fielding balls with appropriate routes and angles. Throws from over-the-top slot with accuracy showing 83 mph arm strength. Balanced compact delivery on mound. Good balance point with toe down and stays inline to plate. Short high ¾ arm action with extension out front. Fastball shows downhill plane at 76-80 mph. Average curveball command. Changeup was 69-71mph.

Brandon Kovach, SS/RHP, Muscatine, 2016
5-foot-9, 165-pound 2-way player. Solid athletic build. 7.15 60 time. Good rhythm in box with ok balance. Load is deep creating arm bar. Shoots balls to all fields when he stays on and through at contact. Average bat speed along with an 82 mph exit velocity off tee. Long over-the-top arm action at shortstop. Works through ball well with solid glove and feet. Shows above average range to glove side and ability to throw from multiple angles. Excellent footwork on body control plays. 79 mph arm strength across diamond. Inconsistent balance point on mound. Herky rhythm and body control. Shows ability as position player to translate over to mound and be able to play catch and throw strikes. Uses two arm slots- O/T and sidearm on fastball. Shows athletic ability defensively; will be Followed closely into his senior year.

Tanner Loussaert, RHP, North Scott, 2015
5-foot-10, 155-pound right-handed pitcher. Average slender projectable build. Smooth mechanics with looseness and balance in delivery. Strides in-line with average extension out front. Big arm circle throwing from OT slot. Fastball was up to 84 mph with occasional life. Breaking ball was thrown for strikes at 70-74 mph. Changeup was plus pitch with sink. Overall an interesting young looking 2015 who shows ability on mound and could be a good sleeper for a college program with added maturity and increased strength.

Noah McCreary, 2B/RHP, Davenport West, 2018
5-foot-10, 145-pound 2-way player. 7.43 60 time. 2018 switch-hitter. Shows more repeatable swing from left side. Hands stay inside ball better with more solid contact middle-pull parts of the field. 77 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively shows tentative actions at times. Flashes correct footwork with a solid glove. Lacks strength, typical of a freshman, but has solid mechanics with a chance to continue to improve. Long sweeping ¾ arm action on the mound. Wide fastball range from 72-78 mph. Shows balance and body control in delivery. Lands slightly open with ok extension and hand speed. Will continue to develop with maturity and increased work load in weight room.

Joe Morrison, RHP/3B, Muscatine, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound 2-way player. 8.28 60 time. 71 mph exit velocity off tee. Wide base with minimal load. Swing is uphill with below average bat speed. Need for increased strength. Long high ¾ arm action across infield. Average glove and feet on ground balls. 70 mph arm strength across diamond. Long loose arm action from high ¾ slot. Circle tends to shorten from ear occasionally. Collapse at balance point causing shoulder tilt and throwing uphill. Ability to throw strikes with 3 pitches. Freshman who will continue to develop with maturity and added strength.

Sam Perlin, RHP/3B, Vernon Hills, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound strong right-handed hitting right-handed pitcher/third baseman hits from a balanced setup, long stride leg kick stride, uphill bat path produced 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 78 mph across the diamond from shortstop from long, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy and carry. Profiles better at third base. Ran a 7.51 60. On the mound, Fastball sat 71-75 mph, touching 76 from long, over-the-top slot, slight stab in the back of arm slot, tall-and-fall type delivery, some effort, shoulders work downhill, lower half opens up early, stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands square. Also threw a 60-65 mph curveball and a 63-66 mph changeup.

Marshall Rice, RHP/3B, Geneseo, 2017
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed hitting third baseman/right-handed pitcher impressed more on the mound with 73-76 mph fastball, topping at 78 mph from short, over-the-top arm slot, hands set high, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, could get more out of lower half, fails to over the rubber at balance point (pick front leg straight up), opens up slightly towards first base side when landing. 58-61 mph curveball showed gradual break, 11/5 shape. 62-66 mph changeup was erratic and up in the zone. Offensively, hits from a tall narrow setup, hands held high, short stride, doesn’t utilize lower half, above average 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 73 mph across the diamond from short, over-the-top slot with accuracy. Ran a 7.47 60.

Ryan Rice, LHP/OF, United Township, 2018
5-foot-9, 145-pound right-handed hitting left-handed pitcher/outfielder hits from a balanced setup, hands drop to load, long, slightly uphill bat path, produced 76 mph exit velocity. Threw 70 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy. On the mound, showed feel for strikes with three pitches. Fastball sat 71-73 mph from long, loose, high ¾ arm action, toe down at balance point, controlled rhythm, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate. 66-67 mph curveball flashes gradual break, 1/7 shape. Also throws 61-63 mph changeup with feel for the strike zone. Ran a 7.83 60 yard dash.

Ariel Rivera, 2B/RHP, Pleasant Valley, 2017
5-foot-11, 205-pound 2-way player. 7.85 60 time. Pre-set hands with minimal load and rhythm. Short stride with balance throughout swing. Below average bat speed with solid contact from slight uphill swing plane. 76 mph exit velocity off tee. Average foot speed and actions defensively. Throws from ¾ arm slot with 63 mph arm strength across diamond. Short arm action on mound. Tends to push ball towards plate. Strong lower half. Balance point is good with in line direction to plate. Fastball was 58-65 mph. Curveball was 50-53 mph. Changeup in 53-56 mph range.

Dane Steidler, OF/RHP, North Scott, 2015
6-foot, 175-pound 2-way player. Lean athletic body. 7.11 60 time. Open stance and strides to square. Shows flashes of above average hitting ability. Load is short and controlled. Balance throughout swing. Optimal swing plane creating backspin and ability to make solid contact gap to gap. One of better mechanical swings at event producing 87 mph exit velocity off tee. Long arm action from outfield with accuracy and carry. Moves well with adequate actions. 78 mph arm strength. Short high ¾ arm action from the mound. Solid delivery with in-line stride to plate. Fastball was straight at 74-80 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 shape and ability to throw for strikes. Changeup showed fade at 66-70 mph when thrown in bottom of zone. Interesting prospect to follow in college. With added reps, maturity, and strength could become very good player.

Matt Trouten, RHP, Moline, 2015
5-foot-10, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, stocky lower half, worked from 77-81 mph with fastball, touching 82 mph. Toe up at balance point, gathers over the rubber to load, long arm swing in back, then shortens coming from ear, high ¾ slot, wraps hand slightly in back of arm swing. 73-75 mph changeup thrown aggressively, with occasional run when thrown to arm side, 68-70 mph curveball thrown over-the-top with occasional 12/6 break.

Quad City Open: Pitching Analysis

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