Top-10 Player Profiles of 2018: No. 4 Vincent Trapani
December 26, 2018
Earlier this year, in September, our staff released the first iteration of the state’s Class of 2021 Rankings. Debuting at No. 1 on that list was the righty from Eau Claire Memorial, Vincent Trapani. He’s since been bumped a spot down that board, after the emergence of the Ozaukee star shortstop Owen Miller, but Trapani is still one of the most projectable and talented pitchers in the region. He earned a spot on Team Wisconsin at the PBR Future Games in August because of his advanced capabilities – his upper-80s fastball and feel for offspeed helped him perform way above his own age level.
Just a couple of weeks ago, our national team updated the country’s Class of 2021 Rankings and Trapani found himself a spot at No. 150. He is the top-ranked sophomore in Wisconsin – and thus, the region – without a commitment, though given the type of year he put together in 2018, it’s a wonder how long he’ll be on the market for.
Check out Trapani’s profile below for a look at how he’s progressed since our first report on him back in April of 2017.
NO. 4: VINCENT TRAPANI
Scouting Report
3/11/18 - 6-foot-1, 200-pound, two-way player, athletic build with present lower half strength. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drives with lower half, works in line, athleticism in finish. Slight wrap on back side, quick and clean arm out front, high ¾ slot, easy effort throughout. Fastball had run, late life in the zone, 85-88 mph. Curveball, 11/5 sharp break, sat 72-73 mph. Changeup sank in the zone, feel for pitch, 70-74 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, even setup, smooth back load, short stride, maintains balance. Short, level bat path, natural uphill lift, line drive ability with pull side tendencies. Hits with rhythm and present bat speed, exit velocity topped 94 mph from a tee. Defensively, natural athletic instincts, agile footwork, plays through the ball. Arm plays short and loose, high ¾ slot. Throws topped 78 mph across. 7.31 runner in the 60.
11/5/17 - 6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed pitcher with a lanky frame and present strength. Trapani came on the PBR radar last spring at the Madison Educational Showcase when he topped out at 85 mph with his fastball. At the time Trapani was extremely raw and more of a thrower than a pitcher. At the event he showed the strides he has made with his mechanics and body control. Trapani worked at an easy 86-88 mph with his fastball. He has a long, loose arm action and gets extension out front. Slow paced delivery with good explosion in the core, works in line with home plate. He also made strides with his offspeed pitches, especially his curveball. Maintains arm speed better with his curveball at 70-72 mph with 12-6 shape and short breaking action. Changeup sat 72-73 mph. Trapani established himself as the top prospect in the 2021 Wisconsin Class.
4/2/17 - 6-foot-1, 185-pound, lanky, athletic, two-way prospect with plus arm for age. On the mound, high ¾ arm slot, lightning quick arm speed, long arm action. Tall and fall delivery, works towards third base, finishes falling off. Plus fastball velo for age, downward plane, sat 84-85 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual break, 56-59 mph. Changeup, worked 71-74 mph. Offensively, wide setup, leg kick timing-trigger, maintains balance. Pull hitter, has an approach, uphill barrel path, fluid rhythm, 89 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.47 60. Defensively, loose arm action from high ¾ arm slot, 82 mph across the infield.