Commitment Spotlight: '20 Mitchel Gutknecht, LHP, Hill-Murray
October 21, 2019
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Mitchel Gutknecht
Class of 2020 / LHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2020
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Primary Position: LHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: Hill-MurrayState: MN
- Summer Team: Great Lakes
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Height: 6-2Weight: 160lbs
- Bat/Throw: L/L
Statistics
Videos
(6/17/19)
PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?
Gutknecht: I chose Minnesota State because of the reputable baseball program and it was a good opportunity to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone going to a larger school. It wasn't too close to home and yet far enough away for me, which is perfect.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Gutknecht: Winona State, Augustana, Concordia St. Paul, UMD.
PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?
Gutknecht: I believe they saw me this past spring in sections and then later when we went on to play in state. I talked with the coaches multiple times on the phone as well as over text.
PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
Gutknecht: Yes, it's nice to have the stress of picking a school off my shoulders and now I can just enjoy my last year of high school.
PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
Gutknecht: The athletic facilities at Minnesota State really won me over.
PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
Gutknecht: My parents, they have always been there to support me in every decision I have made in my life.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
Gutknecht: I really enjoyed it, but it is also a relief to be done. For me it was relatively easy once it picked up and got going it went fairly quick.
PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
Gutknecht: Just like anything else I have to prove that I am ready to play at the collegiate level. Hopefully I can have the opportunity to get some playing time as a freshman.
PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
Gutknecht: Going through the loser’s bracket to win sections and defeating DeLaSalle twice in the championship, then moving on to play in state.
PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
Gutknecht: Drew Gilbert
Scouting Report
6-foot-2, 160-pound, left/left first-baseman, long and loose frame with athleticism. Found barrels each time up leading Great Lakes Baseball Academy out of the leadoff role in the afternoon slotted games going 3-for-3 with a pair of hard hit singles and a towering shot over Fenway’s left field monster.
6-foot-2, 160-pound left-handed pitcher. #52 ranked player in MN 2020 class. Add and subtract LHP, above average command of zone with 3-pitch mix. Changes speed, tempo and slot on mound creating issues with hitters. Taller lean frame throwing from lower ¾ slot. Hides ball behind body producing 80-83 mph fastballs with late running action. Throws varying breaking balls in velocity and size of break. Late fading changeup thrown at fastball arm speed.
6-foot-2, 160-pound left-handed pitcher. Long frame and room to fill out. Good balance through delivery. Big loose leg lift and lands across body. Throws from a ¾ arm slot and arm works well. Fastball is 80-82 mph with occasional late run. Curveball has 1/7 break with loose spin thrown at 66-69 mph. Change-up is 70-73 mph with solid feel. Follow arm on mound
7/11/18- 6-foot-2, 160-pound left-handed hitting two-way player. 7.15 runner. Tall stance with high tucked hands. Small toe tap stride and lacks rhythm in load. Swing is stiff through contact and finish. Mid/pull approach with ground ball to fly ball contact. 78 mph exit velocity. IF- Moves feet ok and stays through ball with glove. Average hands and fields ball out in front. Arm strength is 78 mph and has some small tail to target. On mound- Good size on mound. Balanced delivery and throws across body. Arm slot is ¾ and fastball has late varying action for strikes 78-80 mph. Lands 1/7 curveball at 64-66 mph for strikes with solid shape and depth. Change-up has good feel with above average fade. Follow on mound.