By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

The Western PA/ Eastern OH Open ID Showcase took place on June 18 at La Roche College. Over 50 prospects from Western PA and Eastern OH were on hand to showcase their abilities. Following is a breakdown of the prospects who participated from Western PA in the Class of 2015 and 2016.

Class of 2015

top prospect - SS/RHP Colton Hower, Moon Area HS

Hower stood out as the most impressive prospect in the Class of 2015 with a well-rounded performance in all facets of the game. The 5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitter showcased an 84 mph bat exit velocity hitting out of a square stance. Hower utilized a short, compact swing to produce line drives to all fields during a very solid round of batting practice. The SS/RHP ran a 7.03 60-yard dash and showcased athletic actions in the infield with a quick release on throws of 74 mph across the diamond. Hower's performance on the mound is what earned him top prospect honors. He has a very clean arm action that is loose and creates considerable arm-side run on his fastball which sat 83-85. Hower also displayed a 65 mph curveball that had tight 11/5 breaking action out of the stretch. He also displayed a 73 mph changeup at near fastball arm speed which showed frisbee rotation and late sink.

2B/SS John Bondi, Franklin Regional HS, Class of 2015

Bondi ran a 7.28 60-yard dash and displayed a 78 mph bat exit velocity during a solid round of batting practice. The 5-foot-11, 155-pound middle infielder utilized a short swing path and displayed the ability to stay inside the baseball during a round of batting practice in which he sprayed line drives to all fields. Bondi plays through the baseball well and has a clean exchange with a 71 mph arm across the diamond defensively.

RHP/OF Jay Cortese, Vincentian Academy, Class of 2015

Cortese impressed in all facets of the game. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound prospect ran a 7.07 60-yard dash, and showed athletic actions in the outfield with an 86 mph throwing arm. The left-handed hitter had one of the top bat exit velocities of the day at 89 mph and turned in a solid round of batting practice. Cortese has a flat bat path through the zone, gets to extension regularly and showcased some gap power. The long limbed righty went on to impress on the mound sitting 83-85 out of a high 3/4 arm slot. Cortese struggled with control of his 11/5 breaking curveball that sat 69-71, but did show a quality split changeup at 70 mph.

LHP/OF Derek Cursio, Bishop Guilfoyle HS, Class of 2015

Cursio is a 5-foot-8, 155-pound prospect that ran a 7.18 60-yard dash and showcased an 82 mph arm from the outfield. The left-handed hitter utilized a square stance and a short swing path to barrel the baseball repeatedly during batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 83 mph. Cursio sat 79-81 from the mound out of a high 3/4 arm slot. The lefty also displayed a 1/7 breaking curveball at 66 mph and a 70 mph changeup thrown at near fastball arm speed.

RHP Alex Gessinger, Franklin Regional HS, Class of 2015

Gessinger is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound prospect that worked out as a pitcher only. The righty sat 79-81 out of a high 3/4 arm slot with some arm side run to his fastball. Gessinger showed a promising hard biting 11/5 breaking curveball at 66 mph that he struggled to control. He also showcased a 72 mph changeup at near fastball arm speed that showed late run and downward movement. Gessinger will be a pitcher to watch develop in this class. His athletic frame indicates additional velocity is likely.

3B/2B Garett Goslaw, Butler Area HS, Class of 2015

Goslaw ran a 7.44 60-yard dash and showed athletic actions in the field with good feet, a quick release and throws of 71 mph across the diamond. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound infielder utilized a leg lift trigger and weight shift stride to create significant barrel whip action and a bat exit velocity of 86 mph. He barreled the baseball consistently during a solid round of batting practice demonstrating the ability to use all fields and some gap power potential.

SS/RHP Luke Kisiel, Connellsville HS, Class of 2015

Kisiel showed solid mechanics in all facets of the game. The 5-foot-10, 140-pound SS/RHP has an athletic frame and should see increases in velocity numbers as his frame fills out. Kisiel ran a 7.30 60-yard dash and showed fluid actions with throws of 73 mph across the diamond. He hits from a square stance with solid lower half actions, good extension to his swing and hands that work well. Kisiel barreled the baseball consistently and displayed a bat exit velocity of 72 mph. He sat 74-76 out of a high 3/4 arm slot on the mound. His slider showed tight rotation with some downward action at 70 mph and his 67 mph changeup was thrown at near fastball arm speed.

C/OF Scott Koscho, Penn Trafford HS, Class of 2015

Koscho impressed with his performance in all facets of the game. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound C/OF ran a respectable 7.46 60-yard dash and was solid behind the plate with pop times of 2.09-2.13 on throws of 72 mph from the crouch. Koscho displayed a very accurate throwing arm, putting the ball on the 2B bag with regularity. He utilized a slightly open stance and a strong lower half to create a bat exit velocity of 93 mph. Koscho showed some gap power during a solid round of batting practice that saw him barrel the baseball consistently.

C Alex Martynuska, Altoona HS, Class of 2015

Martynuska showcased pop times of 2.34-2.38 on throws of 65 mph from the crouch. The 5-foot-8, 210-pound catcher ran an 8.22 60-yard dash and displayed a bat exit velocity of 87 mph. Martynuska hits from a slightly open stance and showed a flat bat path through the hitting zone. He squared the baseball frequently during his round of batting practice, showing some pop to the gaps.

RHP/C Gavin Miller, Knoch HS, Class of 2015

Miller showed well in many facets of the game. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound prospect ran a 7.69 60-yard dash and showcased pop times of 2.13-2.20 on throws of 75 mph out of the crouch. Miller hits from a square stance with little to no load phase in his swing. He displayed quick hands and a short swing path in squaring the baseball frequently during his round of batting practice. Miller went on to sit 78-80 on the mound out of a high 3/4 arm slot. He displayed to versions of his fastball, one that cuts a bit and a second that has some arm side run. Miller also commanded a tight breaking 11/5 curveball at 67 mph, a changeup that showed little movement at 73 mph and a slider that sat 68-70.

C Brandon Olszewski, Hampton Area HS, Class of 2015

Olszewski is a 5-foot-9, 170-pound catcher that ran a 7.50 60-yard dash. He displayed sound receiving and blocking skills and showcased pop times of 2.28-2.37 on throws of 68 mph out of the crouch. Olszewski utilized a flat bat path through the hitting zone which enabled him to barrel the baseball frequently with a bat exit velocity of 86 mph.

3B Chris O'Malley, Avonworth HS, Class of 2015

O'Malley has a very projectable corner infielder's physique at 6-foot4, 205-pounds. The right-handed hitter ran a 7.43 60-yard dash and turned in a 91 mph bat exit velocity. O'Malley utilizes a slightly open stance and a lift and replace stride foot to initiate his swing. He has a tendency to bar out with the lead arm on occasion, but the ball jumped off his barrel when he squared it up. O'Malley will need to work on his footwork and fluidity at 3B. He showed the ability to make all plays with throws of 75 mph across the diamond.

3B/1B Dante Parente, Blackhawk HS, Class of 2015

Parente displayed an all-around skill set that makes him a follow in this class. The left-handed hitter ran a 7.49 60-yard dash and showed a bat exit velocity of 87 mph. The 6-foot, 185-pound infielder showcased a square stance, good hip turn and hands that work well in a solid round of batting practice. Parente showed fluid actions at 3B and developing arm strength on throws of 74 mph across the diamond.

3B Nick Patten, Butler Area HS, Class of 2015

Patten is a 6-foot-3, 175-pound 3B that is just beginning to grow into his frame. He showcased a much improved 7.37 60-yard dash time and improving footwork in the infield with an 81 mph arm across the diamond. Patten impressed with a very solid round of batting practice and an 84 mph bat exit velocity. Patten showcased the ability to stay behind the baseball and to get to extension regularly in driving the baseball repeatedly to both gaps.

C Louie Ridgeway, Bethel Park HS, Class of 2015

Ridgeway is a 5-foot-9, 160-pound catcher that ran an 8.03 60-yard dash and showcased pop times of 2.25-2.37 on throws of 66 mph out of the crouch. Ridgeway displayed an accurate throwing arm and good straight line throws with some carry to 2B. Ridgeway uses weight shift to create barrel whip and a bat exit velocity of 79 mph. At times he allows his hands to travel with his hips creating difficulties in getting the barrel to the hitting zone on time.

3B/2B Vinny Ruberto, Howland HS (OH), Class of 2015

Ruberto is a 5-foot-10, 175-pound infielder that ran a 7.41 60-yard dash and showcased the ability to play through the baseball from 3B. Ruberto displayed good feet and a clean transfer on throws of 74 mph across the diamond. He stays behind the baseball well and incorporates a strong lower half to create a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. Ruberto showed the ability to barrel the baseball consistently and used all fields effectively during his round of batting practice.

2B Jake Starr, Hampton Area HS, Class of 2015

Starr ran a 7.28 60-yard dash and showcased throws of 69 mph across the diamond. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound infielder hits from a square stance and strides to a closed position that limits his ability to drive the baseball. Starr displayed an 84 mph bat exit velocity and the ability to barrel the baseball frequently during his round of batting practice.

OF Reid Werth, Butler Area HS, Class of 2015

Werth ran a 7.43 60-yard dash and showcased athletic actions in the outfield with a 78 mph throwing arm. The 5-foot-11, 150-pound outfielder turned in a 75 mph bat exit velocity hitting out of a square stance with a high hands load. Werth had a solid round of batting practice, showing the ability to barrel the baseball consistently to all fields.

class of 2016

top prospect - SS/2b Matt Tarabek, Hempfield Area HS

Tarabek flashed signs of being one of the top middle infielders in the Class of 2016 statewide. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound middle infielder showcased quick feet, a fluid transfer, and the ability to make difficult plays look routine. Tarabek's 83 mph arm across the diamond should only get stronger as his athletic frame matures. He ran a 7.41 60-yard dash and took one of the top rounds of batting practice on the day. Tarabek hits out of a slightly open stance, displaying balance and rhythm throughout the swing.

OF Adam Cisney, Peters Township HS, Class of 2016

Cisney is a 6-foot, 140-pound OF that ran a 7.34 60-yard dash and showed athletic actions in the outfield with solid straight line carry throws of 75 mph. Cisney utilizes a flat bat path through the hitting zone and stays behind the baseball well out of a square stance to create a bat exit velocity of 79 mph. Cisney showed the ability to barrel the baseball consistently using all fields.

2B Mitchum Donatelli, Gateway HS, Class of 2016

Donatelli is a 5-foot-8, 140-pound middle infielder that ran a 7.53 60-yard dash and showcased a 77 mph bat exit velocity. Donatelli hits out of a square stance and has a large load phase with his hands that leads to some wrapping of the barrel. Defensively, Donatelli demonstrated an accurate arm and throws of 68 mph across the diamond.

1B/RHP Jacob Haberle, Gateway HS, Class of 2016

Haberle is an imposing young prospect at 6-foot-2, 240-pounds. He has some work to do to refine his skill set, but he is physically strong and warrants being a high follow in this class. Haberle ran an 8.00 60-yard dash and exhibited choppy actions around the bag at 1B with a 77 mph arm across the diamond. Haberle sat 79-80 out of a high 3/4 arm slot on the mound while also displaying a 76 mph changeup and a 71 mph slider. Hitting from a square stance, Haberle put on a show during his round of batting practice. He utilized a strong hip turn and a 94 mph bat exit velocity to drive baseballs around the park. Haberle will need to work on his agility and defensive work, but his bat plays and he showcased real power potential for a player his age.

SS Corbin Kessler, Seneca Valley HS, Class of 2016

Kessler showcased athletic actions and real promise as both a hitter and middle infielder. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound prospect showed soft hands, quick feet and fluid actions during defensive evaluations. He showcased a clean transfer and accurate throws of 70 mph across the diamond, while nursing a bit of a sore arm. Kessler hits out of a square stance with a toe tap trigger creating a bat exit velocity of 79 mph. He gets thorough the baseball well with solid extension to his swing and displayed the ability to barrel the baseball repeatedly.

C/3B Andrew Pikna, Oil City HS, Class of 2016

Pikna is a 5-foot-6, 180-pound prospect that ran an 8.35 60-yard dash, threw 68 mph across the diamond from 3B and showcased pop times of 2.25-2.38 on throws of 67 mph from the crouch. He utilized a full arm circle throwing motion in delivering the ball from behind the plate and will need to shorten up to improve his quickness to 2B. Pikna hits from a square stance with a short swing path that allows him to stay inside the baseball. He squared the baseball often with a bat exit velocity of 72 mph.

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