Western Wisconsin Open: Analysis

On July 9, the PBR Wisconsin staff made the trip back to Eau Claire, Wis., to host the Western Wisconsin Open at Carson Park. As the summer showcase circuit closes, we’re wrapping up our analysis of all the events we hosted over the summer, including this Eau Claire event that saw prospects representing the western parts of the state.

Joining us at Carson Park was RHP Sam Killian (Independence, 2019), the only state-ranked prospect in attendance. The 6-foot-3 righty substantiated his place on his state class rankings with his performance in early July. His debut performance at a PBR event had him featuring a live and loose arm that produced the firmest fastball at the Open: touching 84 mph. His offspeed is a work in progress, but his arm action alone grants him some considerable upside.

Elsewhere, SS Connor Stoik (Eau Claire Memorial, 2019) was one of the statistical standouts of the event. The incoming Old Abes senior had one of the best bullpens of the day with his running, sinking fastball that lived in the low 80s. Stoik is a legitimate two-way threat, though, as he manufactured the hardest exit velocity at the event by a wide margin.

There were a couple of underclassmen to keep an eye on, too. C Trett Joles (Boyceville, 2021) has been on the rise late this summer for his advanced catch-and-throw skills behind the plate that coincides well with his physical and strong frame.

And then there’s the incoming freshman RHP/OF Brandon Strenke (Turtle Lake). Turtle Lake’s two-way 2022 was up to 82 mph on the mound with his long, loose levers, creating real projectability moving forward as he continues to mature and develop. Strenke showed a nascent feel for three pitches, too.

These are just a handful of names that were on hand in Eau Claire in July. To read full reports on each of the prospects who attended the Western Wisconsin Open, continue reading on below.

ALL PROSPECTS (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Ryan Adams, 3B/RHP, Bloomington Jefferson (MN), 2019
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed two-way prospect with above-average build. Open setup, long leg kick stride, long and level bat path. 70 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, loose arm action from high ¾ slot with some carry. 78 mph across the infield. On the mound, long arm action from the same high ¾ slot. Fastball, slight run, 73-75 mph, touched 76 mph. Curveball had 10/4 shape, 60-63 mph. Changeup, some arm-side run and sink, 69-72 mph. 7.69 runner in the 60.

Brady Amundson, LHP, Waconia (MN), 2019
6-foot, 180-pound left-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ slot with long arm action and a high front side. Fastball thrown for strikes with some sink, 75-76 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 66-68 mph. Changeup, near-fastball arm speed, 68 mph.

Lucas Anderson, 3B/RHP, Eden Prairie (MN), 2019
5-foot-10, 200-pound right-handed, two-way prospect. At the plate, balanced setup, subtle leg lift stride, creates some backspin off long, level bat path, finishes leaned back. 87 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, long arm action from high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the infield. On the mound, loose arm action from high ¾ slot, tall-and-fall type. Some rhythm, regular effort, works in line and lands square. Fastball has some run, 75-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 68-70 mph. Changeup, straight, occasional sink, 71-73 mph. 7.90 runner in the 60.

Austin Baker, RHP/INF, Eau Claire Memorial, 2022
5-foot-9, 135-pound lean, right-handed, two-way prospect with projection. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, easy pace, loose arm action from a ¾ slot. Smooth rhythm, keeps shoulders level and works in line, lands square. Fastball sat 70-73 with some occasional run. Curveball was slurvey, 10/4 shape, 62 mph. Changeup had near-fastball arm speed with sink, 64-67 mph. Projects best on the mound. In the batter’s box, tall, upright setup works into big, long leg kick stride. Long, uphill bat path. 69 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, long, loose arm action from high ¾ slot. 70 mph across the infield. 7.37 runner in the 60.

Mason Bauer, 2B/3B, Eau Claire Regis, 2020
5-foot-8, 150-pound infielder with thin, lanky build. Offensively, left-handed in the box, tall, slight open setup, small leg-lift stride. Short, uphill path to the ball. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the infield, short, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. 72 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.63 in the 60.

Jacob Cedar, RHP/SS, Oakfield, 2019
6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed, two-way prospect. On the mound, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot, tall-and-fall delivery. Fastball is straight, 76-79 mph. Curveball works on 12/6 plane, 66-68 mph. Changeup sinks, 70-76 mph. Knuckleball flashed some drop, 67-68 mph. In the batter’s box, tall and open setup, short stride gets back to square. Long, uphill bat path with some looseness; 72 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, loose arm action from high ¾ slot, works in some rhythm; 74 mph throws across the infield. 7.87 runner in the 60.

Brady Drazkowski, SS/RHP, Cochrane-Fountain City (MN), 2019
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed, two-way prospect with above-average frame. On the mound, loose arm action from high ¾ slot, toe-open landing. Fastball runs and gets some sink, 76-79 mph, touched 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 plane, 68-70 mph. At the plate, tall, slightly open setup, loads back then into leg kick stride. 82 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, long, high ¾ arm action, clean exchanges; 72 across the infield. 7.33 runner in the 60.

Alex Gavrilos, C/3B, La Crosse Logan, 2020
5-foot-10, 170-pound catcher/corner infielder. Offensively, open setup, leg lift stride comes back even. Level, smooth swings. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Behind the plate, long arm action from high ¾ slot, kept blocked balls in front. 67 mph out of the crouch; pop times ranged 2.26-2.33. In the infield, long, over-the-top arm action, 63 mph across. 7.99 runner in the 60.

Gavin Gillitzer, OF, Prairie du Chien, 2019
5-foot-10, 160-pound middle infielder with above-average build. 7.08 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced, slight open setup. Generates bat speed on a short, level path, finds the barrel and works the middle of the field for line-drive contact. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, long, high ¾ arm action with fluid footwork and clean exchanges; corner outfield profile. 75 mph throws home.

Grady Gorgen, LHP/OF, Mineral Point, 2020
5-foot-11, 145-pound two-way prospect with a projectable lanky, lean build. Left-handed on the mound, long arm action from a high ¾ slot, easy effort. Smooth tall-and-fall type, works mostly in line and lands square. Fastball had consistent run and sink, heavy, thrown for strikes, 73-74 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 66-70 mph. Changeup fades near-fastball arm speed, firm, 70-72 mph. Right-handed in the box, open setup, short leg lift stride gets back to even. Short bat path, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. In the outfield, loose, over-the-top arm action, ball carried at times. Natural outfield actions, athletic, plays through the ball. 79 mph throws home. 7.37 runner in the 60.

Carter Hesselman, RHP/OF, Eau Claire North, 2019
6-foot-2, 165-pound right-handed, two-way prospect with thin, lanky build and projection. On the mound, loose, whippy arm works from ¾ slot with easy effort. Tall-and-fall type, smooth rhythm, lands square. Fastball features run, 78-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 plane, flashed sharp biting action, 66-70 mph. Changeup maintained sink, fade, 73-76 mph. In the batter’s box, tall setup, long leg kick stride, mostly level bat path, slight uphill; 82 mph exit velo from the tee. In the infield, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot, fluid footwork, body control, with a quick release; 75 mph throws across the infield. 7.31 runner in the 60.

Carson Holsclaw, OF, Northwestern, 2019
5-foot-10, 185-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate, balanced setup, loads back with slight arm bar, short stride. Finds the barrel on short, level bat path, made for line-drive contact. 75 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, long, over-the-top arm action, clean exchanges, 79 mph throws home. 7.36 runner in the 60.

Kale Hopke, LHP/1B, Amery, 2022
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed hitting two-way prospect with strong build and projection. On the mound, left-handed, high ¾ slot, still finding consistent rhythm. Fastball featured hard run and sink, 77-79 mph, touched 80 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, best when he worked it down on, 64-67 mph. Changeup, straight, near-fastball arm speed, 67-72 mph. Offensively, balanced, short leg lift stride, no load back. Long, uphill bat path, 77 mph exit velo from the tee. At first base, long, high ¾ arm action, 72 mph across the infield. 7.36 runner in the 60.

Jonathan Horn, LHP, Woodbury (MN), 2020
5-foot-11, 160-pound lanky left-handed pitcher with long levers. Throws with clean high ¾ arm action, easy effort. Quiet, smooth rhythm, lands square and tall. Fastball, some sink, 72-75 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, keeps arm speed, 64-66 mph. Changeup, slows arms speed, 63-68 mph.

Levi Jensen, C/3B, Luck, 2020
5-foot-10, 190-pound right-handed catcher/infielder with strong build. Ran a 7.18 laser-timed 60, above-average runner for his position. In the infield, a third base type, short, over-the-top throws with clean, quick exchanges. 74 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, similar short, over-the-top arm action with some accuracy, 73 mph through the infield. Pop times ranged 2.11-2.26. At the plate, tall, open setup, simple load and stride. Long, uphill bat path works with bat strength. 80 mph exit velo from the tee.

Trett Joles, C, Boyceville, 2021
5-foot-10, 190-pound switch-hitting catcher with strong frame, especially for his age. Behind the plate, sets up low, throws from short, over-the-top slot with carry, accuracy. 75 mph through the infield; popped between 2.11 and 2.25. Offensively, from the right side, tall and open setup, short stride in rhythm, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. From the left side, similarly tall and open, short stride, less hard contact. 74 mph off the tee. 7.49 runner in the laser-timed 60.

Jack Kieffer, 3B/1B, Kimberly, 2020
6-foot-2, 170-pound high-waisted, right-handed infielder with a projectable, lanky build. At the plate, wide, balanced setup with weight shift load back into short stride. Quick, level bat path produces line-drive contact, creates some backspin. 84 mph exit velo from the tee. In the infield, long, ¾ arm action; 66 mph across the diamond. 7.34 runner in the 60.

Sam Killian, RHP/3B, Independence, 2019
6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed, two-way prospect with a lanky build and some projection. 7.07 runner in the 60. On the mound, live, loose arm from a ¾ slot. Fastball featured hard run and was thrown for strikes, 81-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball, 11/5 plane, 66-69 mph. Changeup, work-in-progress, slows arm, 59-62 mph. At the plate, tall and open setup, short toe-tap stride gets back to even, long, uphill bat path. 85 mph exit velo from the tee. In the infield, long and loose arm action from ¾ slot, 77 mph from across the diamond.

Kevin Koelbl, OF, Holmen, 2019
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed outfielder with lean, athletic build. 7.02 runner in the laser-timed 60. Defensively, loose, short, over-the-top arm action, clean exchanges, fluid footwork; 82 mph throws home. In the batter’s box, balanced, tall setup short stride, no load back. Simple approach with present bat speed on a short path, line-drive contact. 83 mph exit velo from the tee.

Brandon Merfeld, OF, Aquinas, 2019
5-foot-11, 163-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with athletic build. 6.89 runner in the 60. In the box, open setup, long leg lift stride, arm bar load. Some quick twitch in swing, aggressive, present bat speed, generates backspin on line-drive contact. 86 mph exit velo from the tee. Right-handed in the outfield, throws over-the-top, generally on target, 76 mph to home. Plays through the ball, left field profile.

David Miller, OF, Hudson, 2019
5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed outfielder with strong build. At the plate, wide, balanced setup short leg kick stride. Short, level bat path, 78 mph exit velo from the tee. In the outfield, long arm action from a high ¾ slot, 73 mph. A 7.36 runner in the 60.

Anthony Pogodzinski, 3B/C/RHP, Eau Claire North, 2020
5-foot-11, 220-pound left-handed hitting catcher/infielder/pitcher. Offensively, balanced setup, pronounced leg kick stride. Fluid throughout, generates bat speed into short, uphill path to produce power on contact. 82 mph exit velo from the tee. In the infield, long arm action, on target throws. 73 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, quick exchanges, pop times ranged from 2.26-2.36; 67 mph out of the crouch. On the mound, high ¾ slot with long arm action, high effort. Fastball, worked up, 73-75 mph, touched 76 mph. Curveball, 11/5 plane, 64-67 mph. Changeup, maintains fastball arm speed, fade action, 72-75 mph. 7.63 runner in the 60.

Logan Rasmussen, 3B/RHP, Eau Claire North, 2019
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed two-way prospect. In the batter’s box, balanced setup, short leg kick stride. Some bat speed on a level path, made for line-drive contact, worked the middle of the field. 82 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, long arm action from high ¾ slot, clean exchanges, 72 mph across the infield. On the mound, long, high ¾ arm action, with some rhythm. Fastball is straight, 78-80 mph. Curveball thrown at fastball arm speed for strikes, power 12/6 shape, 71-72 mph. Changeup, worked up in the zone near-fastball arm speed, 69-71 mph. 7.14 runner in the laser-timed 60.

Brigs Richartz, C, Menomonie, 2021
5-foot-7, 145-pound left-handed hitting catcher. Tall, balanced, open setup, toe-closed short stride, small load back. Maintains balance through uphill bath, short to the ball, repeated line-drive type contact. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, over-the-top arm action, clean on exchanges, 68 mph out of the crouch. Pop times ranged from 2.25-2.44. Ran a laser-timed 7.39.

Landon Rocheleau, C/SS, Burnsville (MN), 2020
5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed catcher/infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, wide base, leg drags back into long stride. Long and level bat path, line-drive contact. 79 mph exit velo from the tee. In the infield, long, athletic arm action, 72 mph across the infield. Behind the plate, over-the-top throws with some accuracy. 69 mph out of the crouch. On the mound, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, drop-and-drive type, toe-closed landing. Fastball, sink at times, 72-74 mph, touched 76 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 68-71 mph. Changeup, some fade, 70-71. 7.27 runner in the 60.

Luke Rooney, RHP/SS, Regis, 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound lanky, switch-hitting two-way prospect. On the mound, high ¾ slot with long arm action. Tall-and-fall type with regular effort, works in some rhythm, slide step from the stretch. Fastball had some run, 75-79 mph, touched 80 mph. Curveball, 11/5, 60-65 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, 65-72 mph. Changeup featured some fade, left it up, 61-63 mph. From the right side of the batter’s box, tall, open setup. Short, level path, 85 mph exit velo from the tee. From the left side, similarly tall and open. Bat path is more long and uphill; 80 mph exit velo. In the infield, short, high ¾ throws, clean exchange, 73 mph across the infield. 7.38 runner in the 60.

Ryan Rubin, 3B/1B, Hudson, 2019
6-foot-1, 220-pound right-handed corner infielder. Defensively, long arm action from high ¾ slot with some carry, clean on exchange; 81 mph across the infield. At the plate, balanced setup, loads back, above-average bat strength. Generates bat speed to create hard, line-drive contact. 86 mph exit velo from the tee. 7.89 runner in the 60.

Jacob Savoldelli, 3B/SS, Aquinas, 2019
6-foot-1, 214-pound right-handed infielder with strong build. At the plate, balanced setup, arm-bar load, toe-tap stride, above-average bat strength. Fast bat on a long, uphill path produced hard line-drive contact. 85 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, short, over-the-top throws with some carry; corner infielder profile. 7.48 runner in the 60.

Payton Schott, 2B, Caledonia (MN), 2019
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed middle infielder. Above-average runner; 6.81 in the laser-timed 60. In the infield, loose arm action from over-the-top slot with carry. 78 mph across the diamond. At the plate, tall, balanced setup, hands drop into leg kick load and stride. Some quick twitch in swing, long and level path, 85 mph exit velo from tee.

Andrew Schroeder, SS, Wausaukee, 2020
5-foot-9, 160-pound middle infielder with strong, above-average frame. Right-handed offensively, wide base, weight shifts back in load, maintains balance. Strong, fluid, compact swings, generated bat speed on level path, gap-to-gap contact. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the infield, loose, athletic arm action with some carry. Fluid footwork worked with soft hands, body control. 7.28 runner in the 60. On the mound, loose, over-the-top arm action. Tall-and-fall type with some rhythm, works in line and lands square. Fastball was straight and thrown for strikes, 78-80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 61-62 mph. Changeup had sink, 67-71 mph.

Justin Sedin, RHP/1B, Northwestern, 2019
6-foot-2, 218-pound right-handed, two-way prospect. Offensively, balanced setup, drops hands into short toe-tap stride. Showed some pull-side pop; 84 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, clean exchanges, 71 mph across the infield. On the mound, loose arm action from a ¾ slot, doesn’t use lower body. Fastball has some run and sink, 76-77 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, 65-67 mph. Changeup, flashed plus sink, 70-71 mph. 8.29 runner in the 60.

Connor Stoik, RHP/SS, Eau Claire Memorial, 2019
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed, two-way prospect with long levers. On the mound, loose, whippy arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball had occasional run and sink, 79-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 plane, 69-70 mph. Slider, working on getting out front, 69-75 mph. At the plate, balanced setup, leg kick stride. Uphill bat path did produce some hard, backspin contact; 97 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, loose and live arm across the infield, with carry. Funnels the ball in, soft hands; 82 mph across the diamond. 7.18 runner in the 60.

Brendan Strenke, RHP/OF, Turtle Lake, 2022
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed two-way prospect with long levers and good projectability. Works from high ¾ slot with loose arm action, curls at draw, stays loose out front. Regular effort in a tall-and-fall delivery, smooth rhythm, feel for his secondary offerings. Fastball, occasional run, 79-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball, 11/5 slurve-y shape, 66-71 mph. Changeup, worked down in the zone, 74-75 mph. In the batter’s box, tall setup, hands low, quick leg kick stride, keeps balance. Uphill bat path, fluid, works in rhythm. 78 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, over-the-top throws with some accuracy and carry. Fluid footwork, projects best in a corner spot. 79 mph throws home. 7.82 runner in the 60.

Alec Strupp, RHP, Slinger, 2019
6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed pitcher with strong build. On the mound, over-the-top arm action with some effort, lands square. Fastball is straight, 79-80 mph, touched 81 mph. Curveball works on 12/6 plane with plus depth, thrown for strikes, 58-62 mph. Changeup has sinking action, 68-71 mph.

Joel Zachow, 2B/SS, Eau Claire North, 2019
5-foot-9, 145-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder. Tall, balanced setup offensively, short stride. Short bat path made for line-drive contact, occasionally worked the gaps. 85 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, short, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Feet work in rhythm, funnels ball in, quick actions, 73 mph across the infield. 7.81 runner in the 60.

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