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Western PA Open ID Showcase (Session 1) Top Prospects

January 6, 2013

The Western PA Open ID Showcase (Session 1) was held at All American Baseball Center in Trafford, PA on January 5. The event was attended by the most talented field of prospects from top to bottom in the nine month history of PBR Pennsylvania. Impressive performances were turned in by a large percentage of the players in attendance, but two players stood out above the rest. Look for a complete player by player analysis over the coming week.

JessellJake Jessell, C/RHP, Class of 2016, Woodland Hills HS
Jessell is a 6-foot, 220-pound prospect who shined as the top position player at the event. Jessell showcased a 4.64 home to first time and was sound receiving and blocking the baseball. He displayed 1.97-2.05 pop times on throws of 77 mph from the crouch. Jessell went on to show a power stroke at the plate. He used an 89 mph bat exit velocity and a strong lower half to drive baseballs consistently to all fields. He finished his day by topping at 85 mph during his bullpen session while also commanding a 71 mph curveball, a 72 mph slider and 75 mph changeup with good arm side run.

AlbertBrian Albert, RHP/SS, Class of 2015, Plum HS
Albert is a 6-foot-2, 165-pound prospect who is currently ranked #24 in the PA Class of 2014, but is likely to see his ranking jump dramatically following his performance. He had an electric bullpen session that saw him top out at 87 mph with a two seam fastball that has plus arm side run to it. Albert sat 85-86 with his four seam fastball out of a high 3/4 delivery, but actually showcased better velocity and movement with the two seamer. He also commanded a plus curveball at 73 mph and an 80 mph changeup that he kept down in the zone. Albert has a free and easy delivery and a frame that suggests additional gains in velocity are inevitable.

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