Super 60 Recap/Q&A w Klecker & Smith

February 9, 2022
Paul Panaccione
Arizona Scouting Director

Every year at the Super 60, players make their mark and give reason to be followed closely throughout the spring. The 20th edition of the event took place Sunday with top 2022 prospects from across the U.S. and Canada. It was an electric day, with loud rounds of batting practice and some eye-opening bullpen sessions. As always, there were several top draft prospects who came into the event with high expectations--and met them--as well as others who raised their stock.

As for Arizona, our state had two representatives in attendance, TCU commit Kole Klecker (Hamilton), and OK State commit Derek Smith (Horizon). Now that we’re back in the Southwest, let’s rewind and see how Arizona’s two prospects saw the day through their own lens.

+ CLICK HERE to view Super 60 stats

Kole Klecker RHP / 1B / Hamilton, AZ / 2022

Rankings StateRank: 3 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 267 / POS: 89

6-foot-2 190 pounds, TCU commit, Kole Klecker represented Arizona on the mound at the 20th annual Super 60. Klecker was one of twenty-four pitchers in attendance, where he was given the opportunity to pitch in front of 100+ professional scouts.

The #1 ranked arm in Arizona showed well, with his 4 pitch mix and easy delivery, Klecker left the building proving he will be an arm to follow through the spring season. The arm action and spin numbers put up by Klecker were the biggest stand outs. With an easy delivery and the way the ball comes out of his hand, this gives us something to dream on. As we expect to see another velocity jump like he had last year, bringing him into the mid 90's.

TrackMan Stats:

FB: 88-91 mph, spin 2316, IVB 19.7, HM 8.7

SL: 76-80 mph, spin 2509, -16.9 HM, -12.7 IVB

CB: 74-75 mph, spin 2432, -15.8 IVB, -11.1 HM

CH: 82-83 mph, 13.1 HM

Klecker Q&A

PBR: What were your first impressions of the Super60 weekend when you arrived at the hotel?

Klecker: "My first impression of the Super 60 was that it was definitely a big time event that was gonna be a lot of fun. Walking into the hotel and seeing all the other players and gear lined up got me excited for the event."

PBR: You had a chance to sit down with Kerrick Jackson, President of the MLB Draft League. What were your impressions of the MLB Draft League and the opportunity it provides for players with Draft aspirations?

Klecker: "At first, I didn't really know what the draft league was, but after hearing Mr. Jackson speak, I realized it was an amazing opportunity for the players that got invited, and it really gives them a chance to experience what pro baseball is like before deciding to enter the draft or not."

PBR: The collection of talent at the 2022 Super60 was arguably the deepest yet. How do you feel you stacked up against some of the top prep MLB Draft talent in the country?

Klecker: "Looking at all the talent that this year’s event brought, I definitely thought I fit in with everyone there. I also learned that there is so much more room to grow as a player. Talking with everyone else at the event, I learned what other players do to help them perform."

PBR: What would be some advice you would want to share with Arizona’s 2023 representative?

Klecker: "The advice I would give to the 2023 participants is to really enjoy the experience as much as they can. It is a fun event, and a great opportunity. It's easy to get stressed when there, but the environment is electric, and the best thing you can do is to stay loose and in the moment."

PBR: During the event, I'm sure you experienced a few different emotions, were there any emotions or thoughts you experienced that you did not expect?

Klecker: "When I first got there, I was definitely nervous and unsure of how I was going to perform. When I got settled in and started talking to the other players I got more comfortable, and started to have more fun. When it was my turn to get on the mound, the adrenaline started to rush through my body and it felt like the bullpen went by in seconds."

Derek Smith C / 3B / Horizon, AZ / 2022

Rankings StateRank: 6 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 383 / POS: 32

6-foot-2 200 pounds, Oklahoma State commit, Derek Smith attended the 20th annual Super 60 representing Arizona as a position player. Smith's strength and physicality plays a large role to his game. Smith is an offensive C/3B with above average strength throughout the body.

Smith started the workout by turning in a 7.1 60 yard time, a time that plays to his profile. He then went on to take a fairly impressive round of BP. His high exit velo on the day was 99 mph, ranking 26 out of the 42 hitters in attendance. Smith showed the ability to put the barrel on the ball consistently. TrackMan recorded about 90% of his swings with line drive contact and true ball flight, with a maximum distance of 363 feet. As Smith continues to develop, no doubt will his bat be the tool that gets him to the next level. The strength and leverage he possesses will allow him to leave the yard to all field and hit for a high amount of extra base hits.

Defensively, Smith participated as a catcher. He threw the ball well to 2B, recorded a 78 mph catcher velocity. With pop times hovering around 2.0 seconds. Smith will continue to get time behind the plate for Horizon this spring, and we will be following his development at the position. We do know that Smith has the ability to play a corner infield spot, and moves well enough to play a corner outfield spot if needed at the next level.

Smith Q&A

PBR: What were your first impressions of the Super60 weekend when you arrived at the hotel?

Smith: "The hotel was super nice and when we went to go get our gear I could tell it was going to be a fun weekend. There was a lot of excitement and energy in the building and everyone was ready to go play."

Smith: "The Draft League definitely is a great opportunity for all players across all levels to go development and make a big decision about their career. It seems like an amazing experience to go play with players across the country and to learn from former MLB players and coaches."

PBR: The collection of talent at the 2022 Super60 was arguably the deepest yet. How do you feel you stacked up against some of the top prep MLB Draft talent in the country?

Smith: "There were definitely some dudes there and it was fun competing with all of them. I feel like I stacked where I belonged and performed highly like I should."

PBR: What is your biggest takeaway from the event?

Smith: "Biggest takeaway is to keep doing what I’m doing because it is working and the work is starting to show in big moments and events."

PBR: What would be some advice you would want to share with Arizona’s 2023 representative?

Smith: "You were invited for a reason, don’t let the scouts or the pressure of the event get to you. It is truly like another practice and you go play the game you love and have fun. Talk to kids there too it makes everything slow down and you get to enjoy the day so much more."

PBR: During your time at the Super 60, did you gain any new relationships that you did not have before arrival? If so, what player?

Smith: "I got to meet with a lot of new catchers that I’ve never talked to but the biggest relationship I gained was with Zander Buchan."

PBR: During the event, I'm sure you experienced a few different emotions, were there any emotions or thoughts you experienced that you did not expect?

Smith: "No everything that I thought I’ve gone through before and it was another showcase that I’ve done many times in my life just with better talent. Which I believe made it even better."

PBR: There were many scouts/evaluators in attendance at this year's Super 60, if you could tell them one thing about yourself or your style of play, what would it be?

Smith: "I am a workhorse and I am willing to do whatever it takes for my team to win. I also am a firm believer in leading my example and putting the team first. Lastly I would say I play with passion."

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