Unsigned Senior Games: Pitching Analysis

October 8, 2015

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

Pitching prospects were deep at the Unsigned Senior Games with several college caliber arms in attendance, deep enough to rank a top 15 prospects at the event. RHP Kevin Hussey (Columbus) took the top spot, looking very polished hitting spots with his fastball up to 87 mph with a 12/6 curveball. Here’s a look at the top pitching prospects from the Unsigned Senior Games.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Kevin Hussey, RHP, Columbus, 2016
6-foot-4, 210-pound, right-handed pitcher with a solid pitchers build. On the mound works from an over the top arm slot with a short quick arm action and stab on the backside. Tall and fall crossfire delivery with a closed landing. Threw fastball for strikes at 83-86 topping out at 87 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with sharp action for strikes at 64-68 mph. Changeup sat 72-74 mph. Worked a perfect inning striking out one.

2. Connor Neeck, RHP, Grafton, 2016
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher with a thin, lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a quick arm. Tall and fall online delivery with a square landing. Some rhythm with regular effort. Fastball sat 83-86 topping out at 87 mph with slight running action. Curveball showed 12-6 shape at 69-71 mph. Changeup at 71 mph. Struck out one in his inning of work. One of the better uncommitted arms in Wisconsin’s 2016 class.

3. Nathan Santos, RHP, Altoona, 2016
6-foot-1, 220-pound, right-handed pitcher. Currently ranked No. 46 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. Works from a ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall slow paced delivery with a slightly closed landing and crossfire action. Threw fastball for strikes with sinking action at 81-82 topping out at 83 mph. Slider showed swing and miss potential at 71-75 mph with 10-4 shape. In game worked a perfect inning getting two swinging strikeouts on sliders. One of the better uncommitted arms in Wisconsin’s 2016 class.

4. Jacob Greenberg, OF/LHP, Wauwatosa West, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP with a strong, athletic frame. Currently ranked No. 57 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. Defensively has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot with carry on throws. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 84 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short toe tap stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.39. In game went 1-2 with a single, a walk, and three stolen bases. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Athletic, uptempo delivery with regular effort. Fastball flashed sink at 80-82 topping out at 84 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape with sharp action at 74-77 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup with fading action at 68-70 mph.

5. Josh Gonzales, LHP, Appleton North, 2016
6-foot-2, 205-pound, left-handed pitcher. Currently ranked No. 42 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action and wrap on the backside. Tall and fall delivery with good balance throughout. Fastball sat 75-80 topping out at 81 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape at 66-68 mph. Changeup flashed fade at 71-73 mph. In game worked a perfect inning striking out one.

6. Anthony Leedle, LHP, Clinton, 2016
6-foot-7, 230-pound, left-handed pitcher. Currently ranked No. 63 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Drop and drive delivery with regular effort and a square landing. Showed the ability to repeat well despite long levers, threw quality strikes in game. Fastball flashed sink at 79-81 mph. Threw curveball for strikes at 71-73 mph. Changeup sat 75-77 mph. Worked one inning striking out two without allowing a hit.

7. Jake Homan, RHP, Muskego, 2016
5-foot-11, 165-pounds, right-handed pitcher, average frame and build, athletic actions. Delivery repeats and balanced, works directionally down the hill. Arm action has a long draw out of the glove, comes out of tight window near the ear, over the top slot. Fastball has slight running action, showed fell for the zone, 82-84 mph, produced late swings in game. Breaking ball has downer action, 70-71 mph. Struck out two in an inning pitched, no hits allowed.

8. Kale Knaub, RHP, Port Washington, 2016
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed-pitcher, good pitchers frame, athletic and projects. Tall and fall delivery, lands square and finishes to first base side. Short quick arm action, over the top slot, creates some deception hiding the baseball. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam, flashed occasional arm side action, pitched at 81-83 mph. Slider plays on 10/4 plane, occasionally backs up, showed proper action when behind it, 68-72 mph. Missed bats in game, got plenty of swing and miss, in one inning pitched struck out three, allowing no hits.

9. Justin Weber, RHP, New Holstein, 2016
5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, with rhythm, squared landing, works with little effort. High ¾ arm slot, long loose arm action. Showed the ability to control the zone, some pitchability. Fastball has run and sink to arm side, good action and controls the zone, 81-83 mph. Curveball plays at 71-73 mph, showed feel.

10. Alec Morrison, RHP, Middleton, 2016
6-foot-2, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher. Currently ranked No. 80 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm a square landing and upright finish. Uses a slide step from the stretch. Fastball flashed sinking action at 80-82 mph. Slider showed 10-4 shape at 70-73 mph. Changeup flashes fading action at 74-76 mph. In an inning of work allowed a hit while striking out one.

11. Tyler Becker, RHP, Menomonee Falls, 2016
6-foot-2, 200-pound, right-handed pitcher. Currently ranked No. 34 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. High draw out of glove on the backside. Tall and fall online delivery with smooth rhythm and regular effort. Fastball sat 79-83 mph. Curveball sat 70-72 mph. Changeup at 74 mph. In one inning of work allowed a hit while striking out two.

12. Jonah Nosek, LHP, Kettle Moraine, 2016
6-foot-2, 187-pound left-handed pitcher, good pitchers body, sturdy build with some projection. Tall and fall delivery, repeats, good balance throughout, pitches with rhythm, on line and level, balanced finish. Clean arm action, little effort, loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 76-78 mph, showed good control of the zone, 76-78 mph with arm side run. Curveball played on a 1/7 plane, showed good feel, 67-69 mph. Flashed a sinking changeup at 67-68 mph. Struck out two in an inning pitched while scattering two hits.

13. Jake Lange, RHP, Mukwonago, 2016
6-foot-1, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ to ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Some rhythm with a slightly closed landing. Fastball flashed run at 80-83 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape for strikes at 67-69 mph.

14. Grant Steinike, RHP, Cedarburg, 2016
6-foot-4, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, lean build. Delivery works with regular effort, full arm swing, loose and flashed arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight but has finish through the hitting zone, ranged 79-83 mph. Throws both curveball and slider, curveball has steeper action, 61-65 mph. Slider showed slightly more lateral action, 67-69 mph. Struck out two in one inning pitched.

15. Tyler Bujanowski, RHP, Oak Creek, 2016
6-foot-3, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher with a lanky build. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action and high draw out of the glove. Tall at balance point with a drop and drive delivery and an open toed landing. Good rhythm throughout. Straight fastball sat 81-83 mph. Curveball sat 67-68 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Kyle Back, LHP, Holmen, 2016
6-foot-6, 180-pound left-handed pitcher with a lanky frame. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort and smooth rhythm. Threw fastball for strikes with cutting action at 74-77 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape at 62-64 mph. Changeup sat 69-71 mph.

Ben Bergman, RHP/OF, Eau Claire Memorial, 2016
6-foot-3, 195-pound two-way player, large strong build. More upside on the mound, tall and fall delivery, squared landing with some rhythm. High ¾ arm slot, long arm action, regular effort. Fastball showed run and sink, 80-81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, short action, almost acts slider, ranged 70-75 mph. Flashed a changeup at 73 mph, slight fading action. Offensively hits from an open stance, arm bar load, average balance. Hard contact, showed bat strength, long level path. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, slight carry, 81 mph from the outfield. Projects at a corner outfield spot. 4.9 runner down the line.

Jack Dwyer, SS/RHP, Marquette University, 2016
6-foot-3, 165-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP with a lanky frame. Currently ranked No. 53 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot with carry on throws. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions while flashing soft hands. Threw 80 mph across the infield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Good approach at the plate. Short, level swing path with extension, creating whip. Flashed a fast bat with the ability to backspin balls. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.54. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm. Fastball sat 79-82 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape at 71-73 mph. Worked one inning allowing a hit.

Joseph Gilpin, LHP, Marquette University, 2016
5-foot-10, 155-pound, left-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with level shoulders and smooth rhythm. Utilizes a slide step from the stretch. Fastball flashed sink at 74-77 topping out at 78 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape with gradual action at 63-65 mph. In one inning of work allowed a hit while striking out one.

Justin Gurtner, RHP, Middleton, 2016
6-foot-3, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, large frame with strong build. Tall and fall delivery lands square and on line, regular effort. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball had sinking action, 73-75 mph, groundball type. Sweeping curveball on 10/4 plane 62-64 mph. In one inning of game action recorded three ground outs.

Carson Jacques, RHP, De Pere, 2016
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, solid frame. Delivery repeats directionally and stays balanced. Short arm action, over the top slot. Fastball sat 78-80 mph, mostly straight four seam. Curveball has 12/6 shape from over the top window, 70-72 mph. Worked a clean inning allowing no hits and no runs.

Lane Kamps, RHP, Belmont, 2016
6-foot-3, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky frame, some projection. Tall and fall delivery, with regular effort, finishes to first base side. Long firm arm action, ¾ slot. Fastball has running action to arm side, 76-78 mph, touched 80 mph. Slider plays on 10/4 plane, 63-64 mph.

Ryan McEnroe, RHP/1B, Lakeland Union, 2016
Long lanky frame, 6-foot-3, 185-pound two-way player, projectable build. On the mound delivery works slightly rotationally, leg swing to landing. Arm works out of a ¾ slot, full swing, firm arm. Fastball played with slight sinking action, 78-80 mph. Curveball has 10/4 sweeping action, slurve type breaking ball, 64-66 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, leg kick trigger. Showed the ability to make hard contact with some bat strength, lacked repeatability, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 74 mph across the diamond. 4.81 runner down the line.

Nate Michek, RHP/3B, Highland, 2016
6-foot-1, 155-pound RHP/3B with a thin, lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a stiff arm action. Slow paced delivery with a short leg lift and a square landing. Fastball sat 70-72 topping out at 73 mph. Curveball sat 62-63 mph. Changeup flashed sink at 64-66 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and good balance. Pull hitter with average bat speed. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.79. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 69 mph across the infield.

Vincent Pieters, RHP, Catholic Memorial, 2016
6-foot-3, 172-pound right-handed pitcher, long limbed lanky frame, projectable build. Delivery stays on line, with rhythm. Long arm action, over the top slot, loose arm. Fastball is mostly straight, four sem, showed feel for the zone, 78-80 mph. Curveball played with 12/6 shape, 67-69 mph. Changeup showed action, 72-75 mph.

Alec Tomkiewicz, 2B/RHP, Homestead, 2016
5-foot-6, 150-pound, right-handed hitting 2B/RHP. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 75 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a tall, narrow, slightly open stance. Arm bar on load with average balance. Spray hitter with an uphill swing path. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.79. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall at balance point with a back turn to the catcher. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing. Fastball sat 73-75 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape at 63-64 mph. Changeup at 70 mph.

Mac Wolfe, RHP/OF, Dominican, 2016
5-foot-10, 205-pound left-handed hitting two-way player. Balanced stance, slightly open, average stride. Longer uphill path with lift, 91 mph exit velocity, showed occasional pop. Defensively plays with a long arm action, high ¾ slot (76 mph), average hands through the baseball. 4.82 runner down the line. On the mound arm action has length from a ¾ slot. Fastball sat 74-76 mph, mostly straight. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 60-62 mph. Changeup played at 65-68 mph.