Using a combination of ProPlayAI and TrackMan data, Dr. Mike Sonne and I have teamed together to analyze each pitcher from Prep Baseball Report’s recent Midwest Showcase. 

Before we start, a few caveats - because warmup pitches were used for the ProPlay analysis, the velocity/mechanics relationship does not necessarily sync with the Trackman data. As a result, measuring a pitcher’s Arm Speed carries less relevance and value here since they aren’t throwing at their absolute maximum. 

Dr. Sonne will focus primarily on traits that have an established link to velocity - hip-to-shoulder separation, horizontal abduction of the shoulder (also known as scap retraction), maximum external rotation, stride length and arm speed.

My work will be geared towards identifying unique traits and strengths within the TrackMan data and how they correlate to a player’s continued success and growth.

 

Alex Alberico

PitchAI

Stride length allows the prospect to really get down the mound and in a strong position to release the ball. Lands with a stiffer, straighter front leg than average, putting him in a position to send that energy into the kinetic chain and maximize his velocity.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman
Alex showed the ability to induce vertical break (17.2 inches) with his FB that touched 89.9 mph. Induced vertical break is above D1 average which tends to result in a higher whiff rate with through up in the zone with a flatter approach angle.

Alex Call

PitchAI
Alex is at the top of the list here for hip to shoulder separation - one of the primary variables associated with how energy is transferred from the lower half to the upper half, and a sign of flexibility

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman
Alex pounded the zone with his low 1616 avg spin rate FB touching 86 mph which tends to induce a higher ground ball rate than average when thrown down in the strike zone. 

TYLER DELESKIEWICZ

PitchAI

Tyler had the highest arm speed in this group - a sign for velocity & velocity potential. From a potential perspective, he has some flexibility to gain in both his shoulder & hip range of motion

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Tyler showed plus run on his 91.46 max FB touching 19.7 inches of HB, which will induce more ground balls. Whiff rate will jump if he’s able to increase his IVB on his 4S FB from the lower slot when throwing up in the zone.

Elias Hachem

PitchAI

Elias had the most shoulder external rotation of the group - and an above-average stride length. He also had top-3 horizontal abduction at foot plant.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Elias FB touched 89.5 mph showing the characteristics for potential plus Hop.

JULIEN HACHEM

PitchAI

A top-3 horizontal abduction at foot plant, and above average external rotation, Hachem also showed well above average arm speed. While topping out at 89mph, there are positive metrics in his mechanics that could be tapped into to produce greater velocity.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Julien’s FB touch 89.8 and showed +Spin 2460 rpms.  

Jacob Hartlaub

PitchAI

A great example of doing everything well - above average hip to shoulder separation, horizontal abduction, arm speed, and maximum external rotation. Looking at his kinematics sequence, he transfers energy from the lead leg to the hand very well

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Jacob touched 93.3 mph with his FB that showed plus Hop potential touching 20 IVB from a below average release height.

Ashton Izzi 

PitchAI

A top-5 at the ProCase in hip to shoulder separation, & had well above average internal rotation velocity - signs that he’s transferring energy well, & turning that into arm speed, while using a shorter stride length.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Ashton touched 92.9 mph with his FB showing + extension and IVB. Matching his FB effort levels of his offspeed could help with deception and movement.

Brayden Marks

PitchAI

Brayden has a taller frame, giving him a lot of room to grow into his mechanics. He moves well for his size - with above-average pelvis and trunk rotation velocity. Striding a bit further, and landing with a firmer front leg could yield huge dividends.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Brayden showed plus FB spin touching 2446 at 87.45 and is maximizing the spin which bodes with development and growth.

Brayden Risedorph

PitchAI

Brayden’s compact delivery (a ball path of 107% of his height, 13% lower than average) and shorter stride length put him in a great position to prevent fatigue and maximize his already elite fastball.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Brayden showed the highest max FB at the MidWest Showcase touching 94.5 mph. If he’s able to increase his Hop he’ll take his FB to the next level.

Derrick Smith

PitchAI

Derrick is another efficient mover, with well above-average pelvis and torso rotation velocities. This puts him in a great position to take advantage of all the coiled up energy he generates from top-5 horizontal abduction in our group.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

 Derrick touched 90.4 mph with his FB that has lower spin at 1967 avg which tends to induce a high GB%.

Jake Swartz

PitchAI

Jake has one of the highest velocities in this group, & that corresponds with one of the fastest internal rotation velocities in our group. Despite the smaller frame, he is moving his body in a way that outperforms his expected velocity - a great sign for his future

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Jake’s FB touched 93.4 mph with rise touching 21.5 inches of IVB which was 2nd in the ShowCase. Great Hop potential from a slightly lower slot. 

Gradin Taschner

PitchAI

Gradin makes great use of his shoulder’s range of motion - second most MER, and top-5 horizontal abduction. Another taller pitcher, Gradin also has the longest stride of this group, which can help contribute to higher effective velocities.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Gradin’s FB touched 87.7 mph with rise touching 22.4 inches of IVB which was 1st in the ShowCase. Plus extension with great Hop potential with a jump in velocity and spin.

Theo Zeidler

PitchAI

Theo generated a high level of arm speed from his shortened stride length, something we have seen in pitchers capable of prolonged outings and minimal fatigue. He also shows some great shoulder mobility, with top-3 Maximum External Rotation.

(7.6.21 - Midwest ProCase)

Trackman

Theo’s FB touched 89.1 MPH with plus extension. Increase in spin and velocity will add Hop and take advantage of a lower release and extension.

ARM SPEED LEADERBOARD

*Warmup pitches