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Preseason All-State Showcase Analysis: Unsigned Seniors

February 18, 2015

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Of the close to 180 prospects to showcase their abilities over two days of the 2015 Preseason All-State Showcase, just seven were unsigned seniors.

Complete event results

Day One Results

+ Review of the top performers

day two results

+ Review of the top performers

Unsigned Seniors

TJ Backer, Stroudsburg HS
Backer has a very projectable 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame and moves well (7.10 60-yard dash) for a prospect with his physical size. While he will need to continue to work to develop arm strength (69 mph) his right-handed bat should play at the next level. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly closed stance and utilizes a lift and replace stride to initiate his swing. Backer showcased quick hands, a feel for the barrel and some pop with a bat exit velocity of 86 mph.

Cody Herestofa, Sun Valley HS
Herestofa is a 6-foot, 205-pound shortstop that is destined to be a corner infielder at the next level. He ran a solid 7.12 60-yard dash and showcased a 73 mph arm across the diamond. The right-handed hitter demonstrated a square stance with a short stride and quick hands with a bat exit velocity of 90 mph. With some work to get to extension on a routine basis Herestofa could develop into a middle of the order run producer at the next level.

Colton Hooker, Upper Moreland HS
Hooker registered the top bat exit velocity among the more than 125 hitters over two days of the event at 96 mph. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound left-handed hitter showcased above average balance from a slightly open stance. Hooker flashed legitimate power when he stayed on his backside and inside the baseball. Hooker also showed capable defensive actions at first base and solid feet with a 7.27 60-yard dash.

Brady Knapp, Woodrow Wilson HS (WV)
Knapp showcased an improved bat exit velocity of 94 mph from a slightly open stance. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound right-handed hitter utilizes a heal load stride and a flat bat path with good rhythm to produce above average barrel whip. Knapp showed capable defensive actions with an 85 mph arm from the outfield while registering a 7.13 60-yard dash. The big lefty sat 77-78 out of a low 3/4 arm slot during a solid bullpen session. Knapp pounded the strike zone and showcased command of a 69 mph curveball with slurve rotation and a 73 mph changeup.

Patrick Lawrence, Pennsbury HS
Lawrence ran a 7.15 60-yard dash and solid arm strength for a second baseman at 79 mph. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and strides to slightly closed. Lawrence showed the ability to square the baseball consistently to the opposite field with a bat exit velocity of 84 mph. At 6-foot-1, 160-pounds Lawrence is likely to add additional pop and projects to play any of three infield positions at the next level.

Curtis Staropoli, Holy Ghost Prep
Staropoli has added an inch and fifteen pounds to his frame since participating in the PA Top Prospect Games in 2013. In addition to his physical maturation, Staropoli has added close to 10 mph to his fastball. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound righty comes at hitters with a lot of arm and leg action that creates deception from a 3/4 arm slot. Staropoli sat 85-87 with significant run and showed repeated command of his fastball. His complimentary pitches are still a work in progress. The righty lacked command of his 66 mph curveball and his 76 mph changeup. Staropoli displayed decent balance and enough athleticism to believe that both pitches can be harnessed with additional work.

Zach Szumigala, Pennsbury HS
Szumigala shined in all facets of the game and should draw considerable interest during the coming months as he enters his final high school season. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound SS showed solid feet (7.00 60-yard dash) with a soft glove hand and the ability to make plays on the move. Szumigala showcased an easy 82 mph arm across the diamond and the ability to make throws from multiple arm angles. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and displays an explosive lower half with an 86 mph bat exit velocity. Szumigala flashed an aggressive approach at the plate and a feel for the barrel that should allow him to have continued offensive success at the next level.

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