Sam
Messana

Campus Series - Canisius College (July 5, 2017) 

Messana stands in at 5-foot-9, 200-pounds with a thick athletic frame. Offensively- Lefty sets up in an open stance with his feet shoulder width apart. Shows a slight bend in back knee with an upright torso holding the back just above the back shoulder using little pre-pitch bat movement. On pitch, his trigger is a knee raise into a stride squaring up with the pitcher while his hands move back into his hitting position. Good lower body rotation getting whole body frame involved in the swing. Shows quick hands into the hitting zone with upward lift barrel action throughout into a high two-handed finish. Demonstrated good plate coverage with line drive ability up the middle and to the pull side during batting practice. Recorded an exit velocity of 79 MPH. Defensively- Frames well with a quiet body. Good throwing mechanics down to second. Shows quick feet with an appropriate catcher’s arm swing. Blocks well keeping the ball in front and gets back to his feet athletically. Recorded a positional arm velocity as a catcher at 68 MPH and a pop time range of 2.28-2.34. In the infield, shows a good approach to the baseball keeping the ball in front. Good fielding mechanics funneling the ball into the chest with a quick transition to the throwing position. Moves aggressively to the targets and was accurate with their throws. Recorded a positional arm velocity as an infielder at 77 MPH.

Preseason All-State (February 28, 2016) In his second event, Messana has improved his exit-velocity from 77 mph to now 83. Offensively - simple setup with a quiet front side. Slightly longer path to the ball, barrel gets uphill through contact with full extension out in front. Defensively - fields the ball in a deeper position, glove face open, throws from an over-the-top slot (75 mph), footwork needs some smoothing out. Pitching - Wide base, slower smooth mechanics, throws from a deeper clean arm action, over-the-top slot, fastball topped 77, sat 75-76. Curveball shows good rotation and bite sitting 65-65 with 12/6 shape.