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Unsigned Senior Games: Right Handed Pitching Analysis

August 28, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Illinois/Wisconsin

The top three right handed pitching prospects were already ranked players in the state of Illinois but all three showed vast improvements since we last saw them. Most notably was Josh Rahn, a 6-foot-4 right hander from Schaumburg HS. Earlier this summer we saw Rahn at 84-85 mph at the Top Prospect Showcase, at the Unsigned Senior Games Rahn was up to 90 mph sitting easily at 87-88 mph.

Liam Carter is in a similar boat as it looks as though he is getting in tune with his long 6-foot-7 frame. Previously we’ve seen Carter in the mid 80’s range, now improving to a comfortable 87-88 mph. Clay Shourd made similar improvements jumping from 85-86 mph at the Top Prospect Showcase to 87-88 mph even touching 89 mph at the Unsigned Senior Games.

Here’s a look at the top right handed pitching prospects from the Unsigned Senior Games.

Top Right Handed Pitching Prospects

1. Josh Rahn, RHP, Schaumburg HS, IL
Rahn is one of the most vastly improved prospects in Illinois’ 2014 class, chiefly because he is beginning to get healthy after having arm surgery last year. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, he has an athletic, strong and durable frame. In June, at the Top Prospect Showcase, his fastball ranged between 84-86 mph. In early August, at the Illinois Unsigned Senior Games, Rahn’s fastball topped at 90 mph, easily sitting in the 87-88 range. His fastball showed late life through the zone with sink. He also showed feel for a 75-77 slider and a 76-78 changeup that had arm-side sink. Coming from a high three-quarter slot, Rahn has an athletic, repeatable delivery, and his arm is quick and clean. He worked downhill well, and threw strikes. In two innings, Rahn struck out five, walked one and allowed one hit. With his size and athletic arm action, Rahn should become a high-interest prospect in the Midwest, as he is only getting stronger.

2. Liam Carter, RHP, Highland Park HS, IL
Carter is one of the more projectable right-handers in Illinois’ 2014 class. He stands 6-feet-7, weighs 170 pounds and he’s all arms and legs. He stays tall, works downhill and gets good extension. Carter pounded the strike zone with four pitches at the Illinois Unsigned Senior Games, most notably, an 87-88 mph fastball with arm-side life. He commanded his fastball to both sides of the plate. Earlier in the summer, he was working from an over-the-top slot; he has since dropped down a tick to a high three-quarter slot, which seems to be a more natural fit for him—and judging by hitters’ reactions, a more effective slot, as well. Equally as impressive, Carter commanded both a curveball (69-71 mph) and a slider (75-77 mph). Both pitches had distinctly different shapes, though the slider shows potential to be a swing-and-miss pitch. In his two-inning stint, Carter didn’t need to show his changeup, but in warmups he threw it with good arm action down in the zone.

3. Clay Shourd, RHP, Springfield, 2014
Athletic frame with length, 6-foot-1, 185-pound right handed pitcher. Shourd displayed some of the more lively action within the strike zone that we’ve seen. Delivery is up tempo, tall and fall tendencies, some deception, works exclusively out of the stretch. Fastball has advanced action with run and sink to his arm side, pitched at 86-88 mph, touching 89 mph. Slider had aggressive sweeping action, flashing sharp break. Thrown with fastball arm speed at 73-75 mph with control. Shourd displayed swing and miss type stuff within the strike zone, proving his ability to miss barrels with regularity. His stretch only delivery, coupled with up tempo delivery and sinker slider type repertoire projects him to be a ready contributor to any bullpen at the next level. Shourd is one of the top available right handers in Illinois’ 2014 class.

4. Michael Greene, RHP, Nazareth, 2014
6-foot-4, 170-pound pitcher with projectability.  Throws with a long arm, from a ¾ slot, with quick arm speed, and a tall and fall style delivery.  Commanded the fastball well, throwing it in the 82-83 mph range, with consistent run and sink action.  His breaking ball had an 11/5 shape with sharp action at 72-74 mph.  In one inning of work, he cruised through the opposing hitters and garnered one strikeout with his breaking ball. 

5. Joey Fredrickson, RHP, Lincoln Way North, 2014
5-foot-10, 160-pound athletic pitcher who showed solid feel and projectability.  His arm is long and loose, and he throws from a high ¾ slot.  He has a tall and fall delivery with rhythm, easy effort, and showed that he can repeat it with consistency.  Showed advanced feel for his fastball, which sat 84-85 mph, touching 86 mph, with plus arm side run.  His breaking ball was 75 mph, with one plane action.  Throws a splitter with quality sinking action at 74-75 mph.  In game action he flashed signs of dominance with two strikeouts.

6. Brady Kostecki, RHP, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2014
6-foot-5, 195-pound, with a long, lanky body who shows projectability.  On the mound he has a tall and fall style delivery, with smooth rhythm and an athletic finish.  Throws from a high ¾ slot with a loose arm and easy effort.  His fastball sat 82-83 mph, flashing 84 mph with late arm side run and sink.  His curveball has an 11/5 shape with sharp action at 73-77 mph.  In game action he recorded all outs via the groundball.

7. Connor Etheridge, RHP, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2014
6-foot-4, 190-pound, athletic, lanky pitcher with projectability.  He has an easy effort, tall and fall style delivery, loose arm action, and above average arm speed.  During game action he commanded the strike zone with strike after strike, thanks in part to his ability to repeat the delivery.  His fastball sat 82-85 mph, touching 86 mph occasionally, with running action when thrown down in the zone.  Showcased a curveball with 10/4 tilt and soft break at 67-70 mph.  His changeup was 73-74 mph for strikes.

8. Nicholas Costantino, RHP, Huntley, 2014
6-foot-2, 175-pound, lanky pitcher who showed the ability to command the zone with three pitches.  Has a long, loose arm, with above average arm speed, throwing from a high ¾ arm slot.  His delivery had rhythm to it, with the ability to repeat.  His fastball showcased a late running action sitting in the 82-85 mph range, touching 86 mph.  The curveball had an 11/5 tilt, with late bite, at 69-74 mph.  The changeup had quality sinking action at 74-79 mph.  Showed the ability to be a deceptive pitch thanks to his ability to throw it with fastball arm speed.

9. Dalton Hottle, RHP, Monmouth-Roseville, 2014
Athletic build, 6-foot-2, 175-pound right handed pitcher. Works out of a full windup, athletic delivery. Arm works out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight run, some sinking action, 82-84 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 action, had control, 65-68 mph. Also flashed a sweeping slider at 71-72 mph. Hottle showed the ability to repeat his delivery and throw a high rate of strikes with multiple pitches.

10. David Richman, RHP, New Trier, 2014
6-foot, 205-pound right handed pitcher, stronger build solid lower half. Worked exclusively from the stretch, delivery shows some effort, long arm action, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, occasional downhill action, 83-84 mph. Curveball flashed 11/5 action, gradual bend, 62-65 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Kyle Barrett, OF/RHP, Marist, 2014
5-foot-8, 150-pound, athletic two way player who ran a 7.07 60 and used that speed during the games to steal two bases.  In the outfield he throws with a loose arm, an over-the-top slot with above average carry at 85 mph.  He showed high quality footwork and worked through the ball with athletic aggression and high caliber actions.  Offensively, he sets up with solid balance does not use a stride.  He showed standard bat speed with an exit velocity of 76 mph.  In two games of at-bats, he collected three hits and scored one run.  On the mound he threw from the same over-the-top slot and throws a fastball and curveball.  His fastball was straight and sat 76-79 mph, touching 80 mph twice.  His curveball was 69 mph with average breaking action.

Matt Bohanon, RHP/OF, Downers Grove North, 2014
6-foot-1, 150-pound, lanky 2-way player.  On the bump he has a long arm action that throws from a ¾ slot.  His fastball was in the 75-80 mph range and showed a late, sinking action.  His changeup 66-68 mph with sink, and showed the ability to be a high quality out pitch thanks to an arm speed that matches his fastball arm speed.  The curveball was 64-66 mph with a 10/4 breaking action.  From the outfield he showed a long arm action with average arm strength registering at 81 mph.  Defensive actions were quality and he showed the ability to play through the ball well.  Offensively, he had a balanced setup with a short stride and with a line drive type swing.  Off the tee he had an exit velocity of 72 mph.  In game action he collected a couple of hits, along with multiple line drive outs right at defenders.  He ran a 7.5 60.

Evan Cherney, RHP, Neuqua Valley, 2014
6-foot-1, 197-pound pitcher.  On the mound he throws from an over-the-top arm slot with a long arm action.  Had a straight fastball that ranged from 75-78 mph.  His curveball had a 10/4 shape to it, with gradual breaking action, in the 65-68 mph range.  Threw a changeup that was 68-69 mph.

Patrick Dillon, RHP, Notre Dame College Prep, 2014
6-foot-2, 185-pound, lanky pitcher who filled the zone up in game action.  He has a tall and fall delivery with rhythm and quality direction, a short arm action, and throws from a high ¾ arm slot with average arm speed.  The fastball sat 77-80 mph, flashing 81 mph, with occasional run and sink.  He throws a sweeping curveball, from a lower arm slot, with gradual action at 62-68 mph.  Showed a changeup with occasional sink that sat in the 68-70 mph range.

Eric Dubek, RHP, Providence Catholic, 2014
5-foot-10, 160-pound pitcher with signs of projectability.  On the mound he throws from a ¾ arm slot with a loose, quick arm action.  Throws across his body with an athletic finish.  He displayed a fastball in the 81-83 range, touching 84 with run and sink, and the ability to command the pitch for strikes.  His curveball showed an 11/5 tilt with occasional bite, 68-71 mph, and showed the ability to induce groundballs and strikeouts.  His changeup was 77-78 mph.

Erik Eggert, OF/RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2014
Strong athletic build, 6-foot-1, 190-pound two way player. On the mound he worked from a full windup, athletic delivery. Arm worked from an over the top slot, short arm action. Fastball was mostly straight, showed control, 80-83 mph, topped at 84 mph. Breaking ball worked 11/5 plane, 66-71 mph. Defensively played through the baseball well from the outfield, clean transfer, fluid footwork. Arm played at 82 mph, loose arm action, over the top slot, some accuracy and carry. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Pull side approach, short to the baseball, level path. 87 mph exit velocity.

Nolan Gavin, RHP/1B, Palatine, 2014
6-2, 195-pound two way player.  On the mound he throws from a high ¾ slot with a short arm action.  Throws a straight fastball, for strikes, at 78-80 mph and touched 81 mph.  His curveball has an 11/5 tilt and is 65-66 mph.  His changeup was 70-71 mph.  In the field, he throws with the same arm action as on the mound, with a velocity of 76 mph.  At the plate he has a balanced setup with a short stride that produces a swing with average to above average bat speed.  Off the tee, his exit velocity was 78 mph.  He ran a 7.71 60.

Aaron Hammond, SS/RHP, Brookfield Central (WI), 2014
5-foot-11, 185-pound, two-way player.  In the infield he throws from an over-the-top arm slot with a short arm action at 75 mph across the diamond.  All throws were accurate, and his ball showed flashes of carry.  Offensively, he had an open stance setup, smooth backward style load, with a short stride, and a balanced swing.  Has a line drive type swing with average bat speed, and had an exit velocity of 83 mph off the tee.  On the mound, he threw from an over-the-top slot with the same short arm action as on the infield.  He threw a straight fastball at 75-76 mph.  He also threw a curveball with an 11/5 tilt at 64-65 mph.

Adam Kalish, RHP, Huntley, 2014
5-foot-11, 175-pound submarine pitcher.  He had a long, loose arm action that produced a sinking fastball in the 74-75 mph range, touching 76 mph.  His curveball had side spinning action to it, and showed the ability to be an out pitch, as he garnered two strikeouts with it in game action.

Kevin Kordik, 3B/RHP, Johnsburg, 2014
6-foot-3, 195-pound, left hand hitting, athletically strong, two-way player.  Defensively, he throws from over-the-top, with a long arm action with solid carry at 76 mph with standard defensive actions.  At the plate, he has a wide, closed off stance, with a smooth load and no stride.  He showed average to above average bat speed with an exit velocity of 86 mph off a tee, as well as a swing that has quality extension.  He also ran a 7.33 60.  On the mound he throws with the same over-the-top arm action as in the field.  He threw a straight fastball in the 75-78 mph range.  His curveball was 67-71 mph with a side spinning action.  The changeup he showed was 70-74 mph, with the ability to become an out pitch as he struck one hitter out with it in an inning of work.

Jeremy Kueltzo, RHP, Sandburg, 2014
6-foot-1, 185-pound pitcher.  He throws from a high ¾ arm slot, with a long arm action and showed some rhythm in his delivery.  His fastball was straight and sat 77-79 mph, touching 80 mph.  He throws a curveball with side spinning action at 66-68 mph.  In game action he induced groundballs for outs and had one strikeout.

Russell Lundius, RHP, Grayslake Central, 2014
6-foot, 170-pound pitcher with a tall and fall style delivery.  He has a loose, clean arm action and throws from a high ¾ slot with smooth rhythm.  He threw a straight fastball in the 79-81 mph range, touching 82 mph.  He showed feel for his changeup, throwing for strikes at 73-74 mph in game action.  His curveball was 71-72 mph with average action.  In his one inning of work he made quick work of the offense by inducing one groundball out and two strikeouts.

Andrew Mack, RHP, Libertyville, 2014
6-foot-3, 185-pound, athletic, lanky pitcher.  On the mound he throws from an over-the-top arm slot with a long arm action.  His fastball had occasional run to it, from a quality downhill angle, at 78-81 mph, flashing 82 mph.  His only off-speed offering is a curveball with 11/5 tilt.  He is able to throw it consistently for strikes at 68-69 mph.  In one inning of work he struck one hitter out.

Jack Mueller, RHP, Oak Park River Forest, 2014
Advanced body, athletic build, 6-foot-4, 195-pound right handed pitcher. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, moderate arm speed. Smooth delivery with little effort. Throws a straight fastball 79-81 mph, touched 82 mph, showed control. Curveball flashed occasional depth, 65-69 mph, some 12/6 action. Splitter had occasional sink, 73-76 mph.

Brian Musielak, RHP, Brother Rice, 2014
6-foot-3, 180-pound pitcher that generated plenty of swings and misses in game action. Has rhythm to his delivery, with a short arm action, throwing from a ¾ arm slot.  Displayed a repeatable delivery with solid direction to the plate and a square landing.  He showed solid command of his fastball in game action, throwing 72-77 mph with regular sink and arm side run.  His curveball has an 11/5 breaking action, at 62-64 mph, with arm speed similar to his fastball.  The changeup sat consistently at 69 mph for strikes.

Alexander Pedote, RHP, York, 2014
5-foot-11, 158-pound, left handed hitting two-way player.  Offensively, he has a balanced setup with a leg kick trigger.  He had an uphill bat path and an exit velocity 67 mph.  On the mound he throws with a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot.  His fastball sat 74-77 mph, touching 78, with occasional sink.  His curveball came in with 11/5 tilt with side spinning action and gradual break, at 61-64 mph.  His changeup was 61-68 mph.

Brendan Saak, OF/RHP, Belleville West, 2014
5-foot-9, 160-pound two-way player. Saak had one of the better performances of Unsigned Senior Games. Defensively showed natural outfield actions, played through the baseball, quick clean exchange. Crow hopped through the baseball, arm played at 88 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, slightly open stance, slight toe tap leg lift stride. Line drive hitter with consistent solid contact, above average bat speed, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Showed some extension, pull side approach, occasional gap to gap approach. 7.37 runner. On the mound uses a short high ¾ arm action with some effort. Fastball topped at 84 mph, sat 80-83 mph, mostly straight with command. Slider had sweeping action, 72-75 mph with feel. Curveball worked on 11/5 plane, 65-68 mph, above average control. Worked a 1-2-3 scoreless inning with two strikeouts.

Kanon Saavedra, MIF/RHP, Tinley Park, 2014
5-foot-10, 160-pound, two-way player.  Offensively, he has a wide, slightly open stance with zero stride.  He has a level swing that produced multiple line drive singles in the games.  Off the tee he had an exit velocity of 76 mph.  In the field he showed average defensive actions, and threw it 75 mph across the diamond.  He also ran a 7.25 60.  On the mound he threw a straight fastball in the 72-74 mph range.  His slider ranged from 62-65 mph with side-spinning action.  His changeup was 69-71 mph.

Nate Stolte, 3B/RHP, Brookefield Academy (WI), 2014
6-foot-3, 195-pound, athletic two way player.  In the field he has a loose arm that throws from a ¾ slot with accuracy and solid carry at 76 mph.  His 60 time was a 7.29.  Offensively, he has an open stance with a long stride.  He showed average to above average bat speed with an exit velocity of 85 mph off a tee.  He has a gap-to-gap swing with pull side power.  In game action he showed his power by hitting one homerun to the opposite field.  On the mound he has a high ¾ arm slot and a tall and fall delivery with rhythm.  His fastball was 76-80 mph, flashing 82 mph once.  He threw a curveball with 11/5 tilt and gradual breaking action.  He also threw a straight changeup that sat 67-68 mph.

Tyler Veart, RHP/C, Plainfield East, 2014
5-foot-11, 170-pound two way player.  Behind the plate he throws with a loose arm, from a high ¾ slot, with average carry at 69 mph.  His pop times ranged from 2.22-2.43.  Offensively, he has a wide stance, slightly opened, and uses a short stride.  His exit velocity off the tee was 81 mph.  In game action he stole one base.  He ran a 7.82 60.  On the mound, he has a tall and fall delivery, a short arm action, and a high ¾ slot.  His fastball was 72-75 mph, flashing 76 mph.  He threw a breaking ball with slurve tilt and action at 67 mph.  He threw a straight changeup at 66 mph.

Brian Wells, RHP/SS, Richmond Burton, 2014
5-foot-11, 145-pound two way player. On the mound he works slightly across his body with a high ¾ arm slot. His fastball touched 80 mph while sitting 76-78 mph with mostly straight action. Curveball played at 63 mph while he also showed a changeup at 69-70 with slight sink. Offensively hit from an open stance, short stride. Showed occasional bat speed, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively his arm action is long from the middle of the infield and played at 71 mph.

Roger Wilson, 1B/RHP, St. Laurence, 2014
6-foot-4, 195-pound, lanky, athletic, two way player.  At the plate he has a slightly open stance with a short stride.  The swing has rhythm and quality extension, with a pull approach, and above average bat speed, with an exit velocity of 87 mph.  Defensively, he showed plus actions with soft hands and fluid feet around the bag.  He throws with a long arm action, from a ¾ slot and showed accurate throws at 73 mph.  On the mound he throws with the same long, ¾ arm action.  The fastball was 81-83 mph, flashing 84 mph with occasional sinking action.  His curveball was 72-74 mph, with 11/5 tilt.  The changeup was 71-73 mph, with occasional sink and run.

Tyler Zunkel, SS/RHP, York, 2014
5-foot-10, 155-pound, two way player.  On the infield he displayed a strong arm, throwing 80 mph with average to above average carry.  He showed standard actions as a defender and ran a 7.14 60.  At the plate he has an open stance with a short stride, and quality balance through the swing.  The swing path was slightly uphill with solid extension and average bat speed, producing an exit velocity of 78 mph.  On the mound he throws with the same long arm as in the infield, from a high ¾ slot, with a tall and fall style delivery.  He showcased solid feel for his fastball, throwing it 77-80 mph, flashing 81, with sink and run action.  His breaking ball had an 11/5 tilt to it in the 61-66 mph range.  The changeup sat 65-68 mph.  In one inning of work he had a quick 1-2-3 inning.

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