Metro East Open: Outfielder Analysis

August 7, 2015

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Speed was the name of the game at the Metro East Open held at Blazier Field in O’Fallon, IL. 10 players ran the 60 under 7.0. All 10 of those 60 times were ran by outfielders. Many of the outfielders combined their speed with other tools as well. Below we ranked the top five outfielders from the event.

TOP OUTFIELDERS

1) Mark Melville, OF/1B/RHP, Lutheran South (MO), 2016
6-foot-2, 185-pound, strong, athletic build, left-handed hitter showed the combination of speed and bat speed. Ran an above average 60 yard dash, 6.93 and recorded a 90 mph exit velocity at the event. Offensively hits from a tall, balanced set up. Smooth, deep, pre-pitch load, short stride and solid balance. Uphill bat path and displayed a pull-side approach. Defensively, on the infield, displayed above-average hands, fluid footwork, and the ability to play through the ball. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, with carry, 78 mph from the infield. Also, showcased in the outfield; feet worked well, smooth and clean exchange. Clocked at 80 mph from the outfield. On the mound the right-hander operated from an over-the-top, short arm action. Square, in-line finish. Fastball ranged 76-78 mph. Change-up was 69-73 mph with some fade and feel for the pitch. Also, flashed a knuckleball that ranged 64-68 mph with some tumble and feel.

2) Andrew Winning, OF, Highland, 2016
5-foot-9, 175-pound, strong, athletic build, impressed in a couple facets of the game. He showed off impressive speed, running a 6.79 60 yard dash. Defensively, had the best outfield arm strength at the event, topping at 85 mph. Throws from a high ¾ arm slot, long arm action and plays through the baseball. Offensively, the right-handed hitter starts from a tall balanced stance and uses a short stride. Long, uphill bat path, and pull-side approach. Registered a 78 mph exit velocity off of a tee. One of the top athletes at the event and an uncommitted 2016 to keep an eye on moving forward.

3) Kyle Blunt, OF/LHP, Hononegah, 2016
6-foot-4, 185-pound, lanky, athletic build, projectable body, left-handed hitter. Flashed his speed right away, running a 6.89 60 yard dash to start the day. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance, toe-tap stride. Above-average bat speed, long, uphill bat path, 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, fluid footwork, a clean exchange and plays through the ball in the outfield. Loose arm from a high ¾ slot. Clocked at 79 mph from the outfield. On the mound showed a drop-and-drive delivery, long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, square landing and on-line finish. Fastball sat 80-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Curveball showed 1/7 shape, 65-67 mph. Changeup sat 65-69 mph.

4) Ryan Brink, SS/OF, Nashville, 2017
6-foot-2, 168-pound, lanky build, right-handed hitter. Hits from a tall, balanced set up, leg-lift trigger, average balance. Average bat speed, long, level bat path, 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, on the infield, showed a clean exchange, ability to play through the baseball and a long arm action, ¾ arm slot. Registered 79 mph from the infield. Also, worked out in the outfield. Had some carry on throws and quickness in his arm. Clocked at 81 mph from the outfield.

5) Devin Thomas, OF, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2016
5-foot-11, 170-pound, athletic build, left-handed hitter. Ran an eye-opening 6.72 60 yard dash at the event. Offensively, starts from an open set up and maintains average balance throughout the swing. Long bat path with a pull-side approach. Registered an 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed a quick exchange, short arm action and high ¾ arm slot. Was clocked at 75 mph from the outfield.

Best of the rest (alphabetically)

Adam Alexander, OF, Carlyle, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound, left-handed hitter. Ran a 6.87 60 yard dash to start the day. Offensively, starts from a balanced stance, short stride and average balance throughout the swing. Average bat speed, long bat path, line-drive approach, 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, fluid footwork. Long arm action, ¾ arm slot, some accuracy and was 79 mph from the outfield.

Alec Austin, OF, United Township, 2016
5-foot-8, 165-pound, athletic outfielder. Ran a 6.95 60 yard dash. Defensively, has a long arm action, fluid footwork and carry on throws and threw 81 mph from outfield. Offensively, hits from right side with athletic and balanced setup, two-piece swing, short stride and average bat speed. Long bat path and early rhythm. Exit velocity clocked at 77 mph.

Bryce Beckmann, OF, Breese Mater Dei, 2016
6-foot-3, 185-pound, athletic build, some length, right-handed hitter. Showed his athleticism, running a 6.85 60 yard dash. Offensively, hits from a tall, balanced set up, smooth load, short stride. Long, uphill bat path, 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively showcased a quick, smooth exchange. Long arm action, over-the-top arm slot, with accuracy, 79 mph from the outfield.

Nick Boone, OF, O’Fallon, 2018
6-foot-1, 162-pound, athletic build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a balanced set up, pre-pitch load, and a short stride. Average bat speed, long, level bat path and a 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showcased a clean exchange, long arm action, over-the-top slot, 74 mph from the OF. Also, ran a 7.12 60.

Nicholas Braddock, OF/RHP, O’Fallon, 2019
5-foot-10, 155-pound, lanky build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a balanced set up, loads hands back. Long bat path, pull-side approach, 69 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, long arm action, high ¾ slot. Clocked at 67 mph from the outfield. On the mound Braddock works from a high ¾ arm slot and has smooth rhythm throughout his delivery. Online and athletic finish. Fastball ranged between 68-70 mph. Both off-speed pitches were thrown for strikes. Breaking ball had 11/5 action and sat 59-61 mph. Change-up had some sink and was clocked at 65-68 mph.

Cody Crowder, OF, O’Fallon, 2017
5-foot-11, 160-pound, athletic build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, starts from a balanced set up, loads hands back pre-pitch and a short stride. Maintains above-average balance throughout the swing. Uphill bat path that registered a 68 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, displayed average hands, and the ability to work through the ball. Short arm action, ¾ arm slot, with some accuracy that was clocked at 74 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.29 60-time.

Justin Dye, OF/RHP, O’Fallon, 2017
6-foot, 175-pound, two-way player and right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a balanced set up, leg-lift trigger, average balance. Above-average bat speed, long bat path, line-drive approach, 83 mph exit velocity. Defensively, from the outfield displayed the ability to play through the ball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and was clocked at 79. On the mound operates from a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, over-the-top slot, upright finish. Straight fastball, sat 78-79 mph, touching 80 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, late break and ranged between 66-69 mph. Changeup showed arm-side-fade, 70-72 mph.

Seth Fraley, OF, Smith Cotton (MO), 2016
6-foot-1, 170-pound, lanky build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from an open stance, smooth load and short stride. Average bat speed, uphill bat path, line-drive approach. Registered an 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, ability to play through the ball, long arm action, high ¾ slot, 79 mph from the OF. Also ran a 7.21 60 yard dash.

Patrick Gaul, OF, Belleville East, 2016
5-foot-11, 150-pound, speedster. Took home top honors of the event in the 60 yard dash, running a 6.71. Offensively, hits from a tall, open stance, leg-kick trigger and above-average balance throughout the swing. Average bat speed, long, level bat path. Registered a 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showcased fluid footwork and the ability to play through the baseball. Short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy. Clocked at 79 mph from the outfield.

Will Greenwald, OF, Highland, 2016
5-foot-11, 165-pound, athletic build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a balanced set up, short stride. Average bat speed, long, level bat path. 79 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean exchange and played through the baseball. Short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy and was clocked at 82 mph from the outfield. Also, ran a 7.04 60 yard dash.

Nathan Kellermann, OF/RHP, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-9, 145-pound, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced set up, short stride. Short, level bat path, opposite field approach, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, has the ability to play through the ball, long arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy, 75 mph from the outfield. On the mound operates from a tall-and-fall delivery, high ¾ arm slot and lands square. Fastball sat 72-73 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, sweeping action, 57-59 mph. Changeup sat 63-65 mph.

Christian Koechner, OF, O’Fallon, 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound, athletic outfielder. Defensively, has short, loose arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate, with carry. Average hands, fluid footwork, quick, clean exchange, and plays through the baseball. Threw 74 mph from outfield. Offensively, hits from right side, fluid pre-pitch rhythm. Open and athletic setup, short stride, and average balance. Short, level path, line-drive approach, exit velocity 75 mph. Ran a 7.46 60 yard dash.

Quinn Lowery, OF/RHP, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-10, 140-pound, two-way player and left-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a closed stance, short stride and above-average balance throughout swing. Short, uphill bat path. Registered a 68 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, displayed a clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ slot, with accuracy. Clocked at 70 mph from the outfield. On the mound worked from a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, high ¾ slot and a square landing. Fastball sat 68-69 mph. Curveball had 12/6 shape, 57-61 mph. Changeup had sink, 63-64 mph.

Matthew McDonald, OF/LHP, Alton, 2016
5-foot-10, 155-pound, wide-shouldered, left-handed hitter. Started his day by running a 6.95 60 yard dash. Hits from an open set up, short stride. Flashed a short, quick bat and uphill bat path. Registered a 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed short arm action, over-the-top arm slot and was clocked at 78 mph from the outfield. On the mound showed a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, over-the-topslot, square landing. Fastball sat 71-73 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, sat 52-56 mph. Slider sat 61-64 mph.

Noah Niswonger, OF/RHP, St. Vincent (MO), 2016
6-foot-1, 165-pound, lanky, athletic build, two-way player and right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a wide base and a short stride. Average bat speed, long, uphill bat path, line-drive approach. 82 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showed average hands and the ability to play through the ball. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 79 mph from the infield. Worked out in the outfield as well where he registered 80 mph from the outfield. Also, ran a 7.08 60. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, ¾ arm slot, landing square in line. Fastball showed sink and sat 77-78 mph. Slider flashed 10/4 shape, sweeping action ranging between 64-67 mph. Changeup showed sink at 71-74 mph.

Kurt Ober, OF, O’Fallon, 2016
6-foot, 145-pound, lanky, right-handed hitter. Offensively, starts from balanced set up, short stride and has above-average balance throughout the swing. Short, level bat path, line-drive approach. Registered a 71 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displays average hands, fluid footwork and the ability to play through the ball. Short, over-the-top arm action, some accuracy. Clocked at 76 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.55 60 yard dash.

Brandon Rutherford, OF, Mount Vernon, 2017
6-foot, 165-pound, strong build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from an open stance, short stride, with above-average balance. Uphill bat path, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showcased a clean exchange, long arm action, ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, 73 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.38 60-time.

Ryan Sandifer, OF/LHP, Effingham, 2018
5-foot-9, 145-pound two-way prospect. On the mound throws from high 3/4, average arm speed, loose, clean arm action, regular effort, and tall-fall delivery. Smooth rhythm, level shoulders, in line direction, square landing, and athletic finish. Fastball sat 70-72 mph and touched 73 with some run. Slider was 61-62 mph with 12/6 shape, gradual action and thrown for strikes. Changeup was 65-66 mph with sink. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾, some accuracy, average hands, quick exchange and threw 72 mph from outfield. Offensively, hits from the left side, simple swing, not a lot of moving parts. Wide, athletic setup, short stride, and long uphill path. Exit velocity 73 mph. Ran a 7.49 60 yard dash.

Marcus Schomburg, OF, Alton, 2016
5-foot-11, 170-pound, left-handed hitter. Offensively, works from an open stance and short stride. Incorporates lower half in swing and maintains good balance throughout. Pull-side approach with a 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, ability to play through the ball, long arm action, over-the-top slot, 75 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.21 60.

Caleb Shelton, OF, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-8, 170-pound, right-handed hitter, impressed with above average speed for his age, running a 6.97 60 yard dash. Offensively, starts from a balanced set up and short stride. Long, uphill bat path, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, over-the-top slot, some accuracy, and clocked at 71 mph from the outfield.

Devin Thomas, OF, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2016
5-foot-11, 170-pound, athletic build, left-handed hitter. Ran an eye-opening 6.72 60 yard dash at the event. Offensively, starts from an open set up and maintains average balance throughout the swing. Long bat path with a pull-side approach. Registered an 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed a quick exchange, short arm action and high ¾ arm slot. Was clocked at 75 mph from the outfield.

Matthew Toohey, OF/LHP, O’Fallon, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound athletic build, two-way player and switch hitter. Offensively, hits from an open stance, short stride. Simple, compact swing, uphill bat path, pull-side approach, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showcased a clean exchange, short arm action and high ¾ arm slot. Clocked at 83 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.21 60 yard dash. On the mound showed a drop-and-drive delivery, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, landing in line. Fastball sat 73-75 mph. Curveball had 12/6 shape sat 62-64 mph. Changeup had some arm-side-run, 70 mph.

Heath Zuber, OF/RHP, O’Fallon, 2017
6-foot, 140-pound, lanky build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, starts from a balanced set up, pre-pitch load, average balance. Uphill bat path, opposite field approach, 75 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showed long arm action, high ¾ arm slot and was clocked at 75 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.56 60. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed some sink, 71-72 mph, touched 74 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, gradual break, 59-61 mph. Changeup showed sink, 67-70 mph.

Metro East Open: Outfielder Analysis

TOP OUTFIELDERS

Best of the rest (alphabetically)

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