Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Unsigned Senior Showcase 1.12.14: Pitching Analysis

January 24, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Illinois/Wisconsin

We continue to bring you positional analysis this week from the Unsigned Senior Showcase on Jan 12 at The Max. The event featured an impressive mix of prospects from Illinois and Wisconsin.

Today we take an in-depth look at the pitchers:

The top four were hard to separate but Peyton Cypress took the top spot due to his advanced secondary stuff and projectability on the mound. Cypress’ curveball was bar none the best pitch of the day showing a high level of swing and miss abilities. Doug Van Dyke, Anthony Santos and Robert Gutierrez all should above average fastballs and strong builds.

Here’s a look at the top performers.

Top Pitching Prospects

1.Peyton Cypress, RHP, New Berlin Eisenhower, 2014
Athletic build with length, 6-foot-2, 175-pound right handed pitcher, high ceiling. Delivery has some effort, shows explosiveness, works with quickness. Arm action is quick and loose, above average arm action. Fastball flashed cut action, showed some control, topped out at 88 mph. Curveball has late sharp action, throws with conviction, aggressive arm action, 74-77 mph, shows feel and control, advanced curveball. His changeup flashed hard arm side action with sink at 78-81 mph, throws with fastball arm action, advanced life. Cypress is a late bloomer who is now showing advanced action through the hitting zone with multiple pitches, he has huge projection and has the ability to be a high level prospect.

2. Doug Van Dyke, RHP/OF, Bartlett HS, 2014
In three month’s time has seen velocity jump 3-5 mph; certainly opened eyes with his performance on the mound at Unsigned Senior Showcase. Solid 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame with stronger lower half. Fastball topped at 87 mph, sitting in 84-86 range. Athletic arm, good hand acceleration, drop and drive delivery. Flashed five-pitch arsenal: curveball (68-71), slider (74-76) changeup (73-75) and split (72-73). Changeup demonstrated late sinking action, thrown with good arm action. Curveball shows occasional sharp two-plane action. Offensively, shows balanced swing with bat speed; uphill path with some lift and carry.

3. Anthony Santos, RHP/1B, York HS, 2014
Physical 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, wide shoulders, solid lower half. Looks to be one of the top unsigned senior right-handers available. Fastball topped at 88 mph, sitting 85-86, with occasional sink. Slider, in 69-72 range, shows short, late break with tight spin. Also throws 62-64 changeup. Works from high-3/4 slot, some effort in delivery. Offensively, shows bat speed and power potential. Registered 93 mph exit velocity while maintaining good balance throughout. Ball jumps off bat with carry. Also ran a 7.37 60.

4. Robert Gutierrez, RHP, St. Laurence HS, 2014
The 6-foot, 185-pound right-hander has made a significant jump recently, and was clearly one of the top arms at the Unsigned Senior Showcase. Working from a 3/4 slot with a long, loose arm action, Gutierrez sat 86-87 mph with significant arm-side sink. His slider showed swing-and-miss potential, as it had sharp, sweeping break in the 77-78 range. He throws the pitch with conviction and for strikes. Gutierrez also commanded a 78-81 mph changeup. Gutierrez, who ran a 7.19 60, has an athletic arm and nothing he throws sits still. In the outfield Gutierrez showed an 85 mph arm and ran a 7.19 60.

5. Ryan Sitter, RHP, Elgin, 2014
Athletic build, 6-foot-1, 180-pound right handed pitcher. Arm works athletically, loose action, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball flashed occasional cut action, had feel, showed control, 82-84 mph. Slider flashed occasional late life, 70-72 mph. Has feel for his changeup, well above average action, 72-73 mph with control.

6. Danny Janowski, LHP, Marian Catholic, 2014
Lanky athletic build, excellent pitchers frame, 6-foot-4, 210-pound left handed pitcher. Delivery operates with some effort, high front side, shoulders start uphill, looked cleaner out of the stretch. Arm action has length, quick arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball has sink, erratic at times, 82-83 mph, showed command from the stretch. Curveball has 11/5 shape, fastball arm speed, aggressive, 75-78 mph, flashed hard late bite at 78 mph. Changeup is thrown with fastball similar arm speed, straight with occasional sink, 71-75 mph. Threw all pitches with a high level of aggression, showed clean delivery and command from the stretch, has a quick arm with upside.

7. Michael Plecki, OF/LHP, St. Thomas More, 2014
6-foot, 160-pound lanky, left-handed, two-way player. On the mound he shows solid projection and three pitch feel. Arm works loose and clean from a high ¾ slot. Has a tall and fall delivery with quality rhythm, level shoulders, clean lines, easy effort and athletic finish. The four seam fastball was 78-80 mph. His two seam fastball showed advanced sink and run action at 76-77 mph for strikes. Showed excellent feel for his curveball, fastball arm speed, 11/5 shape, quality bite at 63-66 mph for strikes in the bottom half of the strike zone consistently. Had high quality feel for his changeup, throwing it with fastball arm speed with fading action at 72-73 mph. From the outfield he showed athletic footwork to the ball. Arm action is loose and short from the same arm slot at 82 mph with accuracy. Ran a 7.08 60. Offensively, he hits from a balanced stance with smooth, backward loading action, short stride, and maintains excellent balance through contact. Has an athletic, opposite field swing with above average bat speed. Exit velocity off a tee was 83 mph.

8. David Keaton, LHP, Lake Forest, 2014
Extra large frame, 6-foot-6, 205-pound left handed pitcher, advanced physical attributes. Delivery works on line, handles his body well, tall and fall delivery. Arm operates out of a high ¾ slot, loose arm action. Fastball has slight sink, showed the ability to command his fastball, 82-83 mph. Curveball flashed 12/6 action, showed some control, 68-72 mph. Changeup has fading action, shows feel, 74-77 mph. Keaton is a rare breed, left handed pitcher with that type of size and feel for his pitches is hard to find, should be highly coveted.

9. Joey Fredrickson, RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2014
5-foot-10, 165-pound pitcher with three pitch feel. Arm works long and stiff from a high ¾ slot. Delivery showed rhythm, with some effort, and finishes to the first base side. Fastball was straight, sitting 82-84 mph, touching 85 mph, for strikes. Showed feel for his sweeping slider, throwing it with 10/4 shape 70-71 mph. Throws a splitter with late, downward action at 73-75 mph for consistent strikes.

10. Tyler Quick, RHP, Montini HS, 2014
Solidly built 6-foot-1, 195-pound right-hander, athletic frame. Arm works cleanly, high ¾ slot, athletic, repeatable delivery, maintains good rhythm and tempo throughout. Shows feel for four pitches, strike thrower. Changeup is best offering; throws pitch with excellent arm action, late arm side run, advanced feel for pitch, throws changeup with firmness at 77-78 mph. Fastball sat 82-83 mph, late arm-side run, around the plate with pitch. Also throws slider (71-72) and curveball (68-70). Slider shows more definitive shape.

11. Justin Hoffmann, RHP/OF, Carbondale, 2014
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player with above average foot speed. Ran a 6.94 60. Defensively, showed solid actions. Arm works from an over-the-top slot at 86 mph with carry and accuracy. At the plate hits from an open stance with a short stride. Uses the lower half well and maintains balance through contact. Showed solid bat speed and had an exit velocity of 80 mph off a tee. On the mound he has a tall and fall delivery with some rhythm and regular effort. Arm works short, from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was straight, sitting 81-83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, loopy action, sitting 63-65 mph. Changeup showed arm side run, thrown with fastball arm speed at 72-76 mph.

12. James Pagni, LHP, York, 2014
Projectable frame, athletic build with length, 6-foot-3, 190-pound left handed pitcher. Delivery operates with regular effort with some rhythm. Arm works from a high ¾ slot, loose athletic arm action. Fastball has late running action to his arm side, showed control of his fastball. Curveball works on an 11/5 plane, throws aggressively, 69-71 mph, showed feel. Changeup has arm side run, showed above average feel, 71-73 mph, potential to be an advanced pitch. Pagni shows excellent projection with feel for three pitches, high ceiling.

13. Matt Swanson, RHP, Maine West, 2014
6-foot-1, 185-pound right handed pitcher. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, arm has quickness. Fastball showed slight sink, 80-83 mph, touched 85 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, left up in the zone, 67-69 mph. Throws straight change with near fastball arm speed, occasional arm side action, 72-73 mph showed the ability to control the pitch.

14. Brendan Saak, OF/RHP, Belleville West, 2014
5-foot-9, 165-pound two-way player. Defensively he showed natural, athletic outfield actions, playing through the ball well with quick, clean exchanges. Arm works short, loose and quick from a high ¾ slot at 85 mph with strong carry and accuracy. At the plate he hits from a tall, slightly open stance and short stride. Swing is aggressive and balanced through contact with above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 83 mph off a tee. On the mound throws from high ¾ slot with a clean, quick arm action. The delivery has rhythm with clean lines, athletic finish, and high effort. Fastball was straight, 81-82 mph, flashing 84 mph. Throws a curveball with 11/5 tilt, gradual break, 67-70 mph. Throws the changeup with fastball arm speed, for strikes, 76-78 mph.

15. Gunnar Stanke, RHP, Marmion, 2014
Average build, lanky frame, some projection, 6-foot-3, 190-pound right handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ slot, some rhythm, level shoulders, stays on line, repeatable. Fastball flashed arm side run, showed control, 81-82 mph. Curveball has 11/5 tilt, near fastball arm speed, 65-68 mph. Changeup showed occasional sink, fastball similar arm action, 71-74 mph.

Best of the Rest

David Barboza, 3B/RHP, Jones College Prep, 2014
5-foot-9, 150-pound two-way player. On the infield he throws with a long arm from a high ¾ slot at 73 mph with solid carry. Ran a 7.87 60. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a leg kick trigger and short stride. Exit velocity off a tee was 74 mph. On the mound he throws from a high ¾ slot. Delivery has choppy rhythm, level shoulders, with high effort. Fastball was straight at 72-73 mph, touching 74 mph. Throws a cutter at 62-66 mph. Changeup was 62-65 mph.

Grant Cooper, RHP/OF/INF, Lincoln, 2014
6-foot-2, 170-pound utility player. On the mound fastball sat 69-72 mph, touched 74 mph. Curveball has gradual 11/5 action, 57-59 mph. Defensively uses a long rigid arm action both on the infield and in the outfield, threw 73 mph from both positions. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, short stride, maintains some balance throughout. Bat path works slightly uphill, 76 mph exit velocity. 7.62 runner.

Joe DeLuna, 1B/RHP, St. Joseph HS, 2014
Physical 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame, wide shoulders, sturdy lower half. Right-handed hitting first baseman, creates some leverage in swing, uphill path, occasional pull-side lift, 84 mph exit velocity. On mound, right-hander works from over-the-top slot, fastball ranged between 68-71 mph. Curveball ranged between 55-58 mph; changeup 56-62.

Jeremy Gucfa, LHP, Lincoln-Way East HS, 2014
6-foot-3, 190-pound left-handed pitcher. Works from high-3/4 slot, fastball topped at 76 mph, sitting 74-75. Curveball has slurve shape, gradual vertical break in 63-65 range. Changeup ranged between 69-71 mph.

Nate Heili, RHP/INF, Sheboygan Falls, 2014
Lanky build, projectable body, 6-foot-4, 185-pound two way player. On the mound works from a ¾ arm slot, long action, moderate arm speed. Fastball had run, 80-81 mph, touched 83 mph, showed control of the zone. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, slurve action, showed control with fastball similar arm speed. Changeup has sink, 71-72 mph, deceptive arm action. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, shorter stride, lacks extension, showed bat speed, 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively uses a long arm action across the diamond, ¾ arm slot, 79 mph. Runs a 7.11 60.

Drake Hlavin, RHP/1B, Glenbrook South, 2014
Strong build, 6-foot-1, 195-pound two way player. On the mound works with a long arm action from a ¾ slot. Fastball has arm side run, 79-81 mph. Slider has sweeping action, showed control, 66-73 mph. Changeup flashed occasional sink, 70-71 mph. Offensively is contact hitter, singles type hitter, 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively plays with a long arm action, high ¾ slot, solid actions, 69 mph from the outfield. 7.66 runner.

Jack Holden, OF/LHP, Schaumburg HS
Athletic 6-foot-2, 185-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with plenty of more room to develop. Highly athletic; ran a 6.78 60 and moves with fluidity and purpose in the outfield. Shows true outfield actions; fields ball with rhythm, clean, quick exchange, 83 mph with accuracy. Registered 91 mph exit velocity. Balanced offensive approach, short stride, bat speed present, level line-drive swing with opposite-field approach. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, sits 80-82 mph with arm-side run. Secondary stuff – curveball and changeup – need refinement.

Anthony Iniquez, RHP/1B, Morton West HS, 2014
Athletically built 6-foot-2, 205-pound two-way player, proportionally strong frame. On the mound, extremely short arm action, over-the-top slot, hides ball well, athletic delivery. Fastball topped at 81, sits in 78-80 range, sneaky fast life due to arm action. Curveball has short, tight, late break in 70-73 range, throws pitch for strikes. Straight change thrown with good arm action, 71-73 mph, consistent strikes. Offensively, shows pullside power potential; ball jumps with backspin carry. Bat speed present, uphill path, reverse toe-tap trigger, consistent hard contact, 84 mph exit velocity. At first base, shows athletic feet around bag and reliable hands.

Glenn Kubek, C, De La Salle, 2014
Athletic build with length, 6-foot-4, 210-pound left handed hitting catcher. Defensively works out of the crouch with a clean exchange, 67 mph arm out of the crouch, posted 2.07-2.15 pop times. Offensively hits from a tall setup, slightly open stance, longer path, occasional pull side pop. On the mound fastball is mostly straight, 73-77 mph. Curveball is flat, 60-62 mph, Changeup featured sink, 63-68 mph.

Eloy Melero, RHP, Bishop Noll (IN), 2014
6-foot, 190-pound pitcher. Arm works clean from a ¾ slot. Has a tall and fall delivery with some rhythm and solid direction. Fastball was straight, sitting 75-76 mph. Throws a curveball with 11/5 shape and sweeping action at 64-68 mph. Changeup was straight, thrown with fastball arm speed, for strikes at 70-73 mph.

Weston Nelson, C/RHP, Sheyboygan North (WI), 2014
6-foot, 180-pound two-way player. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup with a high elbow and short stride. Swing is athletic, with a level bat path and solid extension. Made consistently hard contact. Exit velocity was 80 mph off a tee. Behind the plate he showed advanced blocking skills and was an athletic receiver. Arm action is long, from a ¾ slot at 70 mph. Pop times were 2.18-2.26. Ran a 7.07 60. On the mound he showed feel for all his off-speed pitches. Delivery has some rhythm with regular effort. Fastball was 76-78 mph and straight. Throws a knuckle curve with 11/5 shape and advanced action, at 68-69 mph for consistent strikes. Throws a knuckle ball for strikes at 69-72 mph.

Cody Pazik, RHP, Niles West, 2014
Average build, 5-foot-11, 190-pound right handed pitcher. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Straight fastball, occasional cut action, showed control, 77-80 mph. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, 64-70 mph. Changeup has arm side sink, near fastball arm action. 72-74 mph.

Andrew Schramm, RHP, Richards, 2014
Athletic frame, 6-foot-3, 190-pound right handed pitcher, some projection. High ¾ arm slot, regular effort. Fastball was mostly straight, 75-77 mph. Curveball had 11/5 action, 59-65 mph. Changeup pitched between 61-66 mph.

Neil Smith, RHP, St. Rita HS, 2014
6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander, solid frame, stronger lower half. High-3/4 slot, works slightly across body, drop and drive delivery, closed landing, some effort in throw. Fastball sat 82 mph, all strikes. Cutter thrown at 76-79 mph with occasional cut action; changeup needs refinement, ranging between 75-80 mph.

Austin Tabeling, RHP, St. Thomas More HS, 2014
Sturdy, durable frame, 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher. Works from high-3/4 slot, fastball topped at 81 mph, sitting 77-79. Changeup flashed occasional sink in 68-69 sink; curveball thrown at 64-65 mph.

Joshua Williams, RHP, Richmond Burton, 2014
Long legs, lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-7, 195-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery has some rhythm, average repeatability. Arm action has length, high ¾ slot. Fastball thrown with cut action, showed control, 81-83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 action, 66-72. Straight changeup, 67-70 mph.

Matt Zielke, LHP, Providence Catholic HS, 2014
Long, lanky 6-foot-3, 165-pound left-hander with plenty of room to develop. Arm works cleanly from high-3/4 slot, maintains rhythm and tempo through delivery. Fastball sat 77-78 mph with gradual arm-side run. Changeup, in 75-76 range, flashes occasional arm-side fade. Throws both slider (74-76) and curveball (69-71) with similar shape.

More Event News

2.9.14 Milwaukee Pre ID slide