Senior Games: Pitcher Analysis

The Senior Games returned to Triton JC in River Grove, Ill., on August 7. Over 60 of the top remaining uncommitted prospects in Illinois' class of 2019 participated in a pro-style workout and a simulated game. Six prospects, and counting, have since made commitments to play at the next level following their final prep seasons this spring.

Today, we’ll break down the day’s infielders who participated in the invite-only showcase.

RHP Coby Moe (Grayslake Central), who just committed to Northwestern at the end of August, put together an impressive performance on Triton’s mound, good enough to come away from Senior Games as the top-ranked arm. Moe sat in the 85-87 mph range and offered a couple different breaking ball; his slider, in particular, emerged as an authentic swing-and-miss offering. His curveball is distinctly different, working on an 11/5 plane with depth.

Uncommitted Plainfield North righty Dylan Szajkovics ran his fastball up to 88 mph at the showcase and mixed in a curveball that worked in the upper 60s. He’s a top-50-ranked RHP in his state’s class, making him one of the most interesting uncommitted 2019s remaining.

You might remember reading about C/RHP Ben Harris (Prairie Ridge; uncommitted) earlier this week for his impressive performances behind the plate at both Senior Games and Wisconsin’s Top Prospect - Milwaukee showcase. Well, the same strong arm Harris is strapped with out of the crouch works on the mound, too. He was up to 87 mph in River Grove and was actually a tick higher in Milwaukee. Either way, Harris attacks the strike zone with that mid- to upper-80s fastball in addition to a firm slider.

We previously published our Statistical Analysis from the event, as well as Catcher, Outfielder, and Infielder Analysis, which you can find hyperlinked. Tomorrow we’ll break down the day’s top overall prospects but before then, check out full reports below on each and every one of the pitchers in attendance.

TOP PROSPECTS

1. Coby Moe, RHP, Grayslake Central, 2019
Recent Northwestern commit. 6-foot-4, 200-pound, right-handed pitcher, thick build with athleticism in actions. Mound presence, tall, sturdy balance point, works in-line, some cross body to home, toe lands closed, easy, athletic finish. Arm is short and loose, quick arm speed, over the top slot, ball comes out easy and firm. Fastball worked straight with cut to gloveside, pounded the strike zone, 85-87 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape with depth, maintains arm speed, 73 mph. Slider, 10/4 sharp sweeper, aggressive in the zone, best secondary offering, manipulates it induced a swinging strikeout in gameplay, 78 mph.

2. Dylan Szajkovics, RHP, Plainfield North, 2019
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned, athletic frame, strength in lower half. Quick actions, rocker step to high knee balance, slight sit on back side, extends down the mound, toe lands closed, slightly rotational, rhythm in actions. Arm is long and loose with arm speed, high ¾ slot, repeats tempo. Fastball, arm side ride in the zone, flashed hard at times, sat 86-88 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break in the zone, mixed in well in game play to throw off hitters timing, 68-69 mph. Changeup played 79 mph in warmups.

3. Ben Harris, C/RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2019
6-foot-3, 170-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, leg-kick timing trigger and maintains balance. Fluid rhythm, loose hands, creates bat speed at times, gap-to-gap approach and registered an 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Singled and scored a run in game play. 7.22 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Defensively, quick feet, athletic out of the crouch, stays on-line. Short, quick arm action, throws have life, clocked at 76 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 1.97-2.15. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, compact, repeatable delivery, works on-line and lands slightly closed. Short, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run, sat 85-87 mph. Slider, flashed sharp action, 11/5 plane, 72-73 mph. Saw one changeup at 77 mph. Should be a high-follow unsigned senior moving forward.

4. Ryan Mintz, RHP, Willowbrook, 2019
6-foot-3, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, wiry, athletic frame. Rocker step leads to low knee, sturdy balance, works down the mound in-line, toe lands closed, shoulders leveled, easy athletic finish, occasional spinoff to first base. Arm plays long and loose, full swing with present arm speed, clean, high ¾ slot, rhythm involved. Fastball, steadily ran around the zone, flashed heavy run at times, 83-86 mph. Curveball, 11/5 sharp break, feel for it, 70-72 mph.

5. Matthew Boyer, RHP, Edwardsville, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic build with projectability in frame. Short side step to compact balance point, hip leads in-line to home, easy extension down the mound, square/heel first landing, athletic finish, smooth actions, repeats. High front side, long, clean arm swing, present arm speed through throwing window, over the top slot. Composed in game play, induced soft ground balls. Fastball, worked straight with downhill tilt, bottom of the strike zone, topped 86 mph, sat 83-84 mph. Curveball, 12/6 sharp break, feel for with arm speed, in the zone, 71-75 mph. Changeup faded, 78 mph.

6. Ryan Rhoda, RHP, Prairie Central, 2019
6-foot-4, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic, projectable frame. Works from third base side of rubber, short side step to coiled balance, cross body to home, foot lands closed, athletic finish, slight fall forward. Pats glove at hand break, arm plays short and loose, generates arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball, heavy out of the hand, significant run, 85-86 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sharp break with arm speed, 72 mph. Slider, different spin than curve, 10/4 shape, flashed swing and miss ability, 77 mph. Changeup played 80 mph, faded.

7. Tony Mosher, OF/RHP, Plainfield South, 2019
5-foot-9, 205-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, strong, muscle-bound frame. Balanced, open setup, minimal load, quick leg kick stride. Strong hands, short, level bat path, flashed hard, line drive contact with pull side power potential. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 87 mph from a tee. Present foot speed for frame, tripled to deep right field in game play, 7.19 runner in the 60. Defensively, fluid footwork, quick exchange, plays through the ball. Short, strong arm action, early release, ¾ slot, throws topped 88 mph from the outfield. Right-handed pitcher, long rocker step, compact delivery, works in-line, stiff front leg, toe lands closed. Arm plays short and quick, over the top slot, some effort. Fastball worked straight, firm through the zone, topped 90 mph, ranged 86-89 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, got on the side of it, 70-71 mph.

8. Rahul Champaneri, LHP, Mundelein, 2019
Recent Concordia-Chicago commit. 6-foot-2, 160-pound, left-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame. Full over the head windup, high knee balance point, works in line, toe lands slightly closed, easy, upright finish. Arm plays short and loose, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, easy effort throughout. Showed pitchability in game. Fastball, slight run, occasionally late, thrown for strikes, sat 85 mph. Curveball, 1/7 sharp break, maintained arm speed, 64-69 mph. Changeup, dropped straight with arm speed, manipulated it for strikes, 71-72 mph.

9. Dominic Listi, OF/LHP, Prairie Ridge, 2019
Recent Benedictine commit. 6-foot, 178-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, athletic frame translates to the field. Defensively, natural actions, feet work in rhythm, gets behind the baseball, exchanges are quick and clean, plays through with soft hands. Arm is long and loose with present arm speed, clean, high ¾ slot, throws carried with accuracy, topped 87 mph from the outfield. At the plate, wide setup, drop/bar load, long toe tap trigger. Strong hands, long, uphill bat path, flashed line drive ability, present bat speed, exit velocity topped 90 mph from a tee. Went 2-for-2 in gameplay with a double to centerfield and a single to the pull side. Also, stole second base, 7.27 runner in the 60. On the mound, repeatable, hybrid delivery, works in-line, lands square, athletic finish, rhythm involved. Arm is long and loose, speeds up through window, clean high ¾ slot. Fastball, some late run, mostly straight, topped 83 mph, sat 80-82 mph. Feel for curveball, 1/7 shape for strikes with arm speed, 66-69 mph. Changeup played at 72 mph.

10. Nate Sammer, RHP/3B, LeRoy, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound, two-way prospect, long-limbed, athletic build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works out of the stretch only, tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands front-toe closed. Short arm action, works quick out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, running action, sat 83-85 mph, touched 86. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 61-66 mph. Only saw a changeup in warmups, maintained arm speed, slight fade action. Ran a 7.27 laser-timed 60. At the plate, right-handed hitter, wide balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short stride. Level bat path, pull approach and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, maintained body control on the move, steady hands, short arm action, high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Steven Brink, RHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2019
6-foot-4, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher, thin, high-waisted frame. Stretch only delivery, tall, sturdy balance point, shoulders leveled, slight sit on back side, long stride in-line, closed toe landing, athletic finish. Long draw out of the glove, full arm swing, arm speeds up through throwing window, high ¾ slot. Fastball, early run out of the hand, in the zone, topped 81 mph, 78-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, some depth, thrown for strikes, 62-64 mph. Changeup played 71 mph.

Noah Cantleberry, LHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2019
6-foot-1, 170-pound, left-handed pitcher, high-waisted, athletic frame. Stretch only delivery, closed setup, knee coils at balance point, shoulders uphill, works cross body and toe lands open, athletic finish. Arm stabs back at hand break, long action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, ran early out of hand, favored arm side, topped 83 mph, 80-82 mph. Slider, gradual 2/8 break, 73 mph.

Nino Carra, RHP/OF, Plainfield South, 2019
6-foot-4, 150-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, high-waisted, thin frame. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, short stride. Loose hands, short, level bat path, pull side tendencies, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, feet work through the ball, clean exchange, plays through. Long arm action, some stab on back side, ¾ slot, throws topped 79 mph from the outfield.  7.27 runner in the 60. On the mound, works cross body, toe lands closed, jumps at hitter deceptively. Arm is long, hitch on back side, ¾ to high ¾ slot. Fastball, run early out of the hand, topped 78 mph, ranged 72-75 mph.

Austin Collinson, INF/RHP, Normal West, 2019
5-foot-11, 175-pound, two-way prospect, athletic, defined build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, threw a high-volume of strikes. Delivery works on-line, front-toe lands closed with regular effort throughout. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional arm-side-run, sat 81-83 mph, topped at 84. Curveball 12/6 shape, feel, 66-68 mph. Saw a changeup in warmups; maintains arm speed, sinking action, 78 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, long stride, level bat path, line-drive approach and present bat strength; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady defender, reliable hands, funnels into exchange. Long, quick arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, carried across the diamond and topped at 85 mph.  Ran a 7.65 laser-timed 60.

Christopher Conrad, RHP, Plainfield Central, 2019
6-foot-2, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, lean and lanky frame. Drop and drive delivery, works on line, stride is short and toe lands closed, head jerks at finish. Arm is long and loose, full swing, pull down front side, quick arm speed, clean over the top slot.  Fastball, worked straight, thrown for strikes, sat 81-83 mph. Curveball, 12/6 roller, maintains arm speed, 63-65 mph. Changeup flashed fade in warmups, 73 mph.

Andrew Gatland, RHP, Lyons Township, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, projectable frame. Low effort delivery, compact balance point, works straight to hime, toe lands square, easy, upright finish, can get rotational. Arm plays short, slight wrap on back side, high ¾ slot, occasionally drops to ¾, some rhythm involved. Fastball, ran early out of the hand, favored arm side, topped 83 mph, sat 81-82 mph. Curveball, 10/4 gradual break, 68-73 mph.

Cody Harrison, RHP/1B, Plainfield North, 2019
6-foot-3, 180-pound, two-way prospect, long-limbed, projectable-build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, true three-pitch mix and threw a high-volume of strikes. Smooth, slow tempo delivery, works on-line, lands square. Loose arm action, comes out of a short, over-the-top window. Fastball works straight, downhill tilt at times, sat 79-82 mph. Curveball, occasional slurve action, 11/5 plane, feel, 67-69 mph. Changeup, thrown near fastball arm speed, mostly straight action, fade at times, 72-74 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, long stride and average balance through contact. Level bat path, pull approach and 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Singled to left-center field during game play. Defensively, at first base, comfortable around the bag, fluid feet, clean release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws carry across the diamond, topping at 81 mph. 7.59 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Preston Hayes, RHP, Athens (OH), 2019
5-foot-11, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, strong build. Heel lift, tall balance point, works cross bodied, toe lands closed, athletic finish. Arm plays long with long draw out of the glove, full arm swing, high ¾ slot, some rhythm involved. Fastball worked straight, thrown for strikes,72-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break in the zone, maintained fastball arm speed, 64 mph. Slider played 68-70 mph. Changeup played 70 mph.

Mason Kasprisin, RHP, Joliet West, 2019
6-foot, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned, athletic frame. High knee, coiled balance point, slide step stretch, momentum works towards first base, toe lands slightly closed, shoulders uphill, upright finish with spin to first. Long draw out of glove with a full arm swing, shows ball on back side, over the top slot. Fastball, mostly straight, occasional cut, topped 84 mph, sat 80-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape with near fastball arm speed, 70-72 mph.

Eric Lundell, RHP, Marmion, 2019
Recent Concordia University-St. Paul commit. 6-foot-1, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned, durable frame. Hybrid delivery, mixes tempo, hip leads down the mound, works in-line, toe lands slightly open, athleticism in finish. Short, fluid arm swing, speeds up through window, clean, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Flashed three pitch mix in game. Fastball, slight run, 79-81 mph. Slider, 10/4 wrinkle, thrown for strikes with fastball arm speed, 72-76 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, faded, 76-77 mph.

Carlos Martinez, INF/RHP, Grant, 2019
5-foot-6, 145-pound, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, slightly open setup, short stride and maintains balance. Quick hands, stays short to the ball and line-drive approach. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Singled to right field and scored a run during game play. On the infield, strong arm that flashed carry and topped at 84 mph. Arm works short and quick. Steady hands, fluid footworks and clean transfer. 7.21 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works out of the stretch only, deliberate, repeatable delivery with effort at times. Short, quick arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional run, thrown for strikes, sat 79-81 mph, topped at 82. Flashed a sharp breaking slider, go-to putaway pitch, 10/4 plane and thrown for strikes at 71-73 mph.

Michael McCormack, RHP, Hinsdale South, 2019
6-foot-4, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky, thin frame. Sturdy balance point, slight sit on back side, works in-line, toe lands square and heel first, finishes with a hop, rhythm involved. Hand breaks forwards and early out of the glove, short arm action, present arm speed, easy, over the top slot. Fastball, mostly straight, some same plan run, 81-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, 75-76 mph.

Alexander Perez, INF/RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2019
5-foot-9, 153-pound, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. Natural middle infield defender. Easy actions, soft, relaxed hands, fluid footwork and clean transfer. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws flashed carry at 81 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load and short stride. Long bat path, line-drive approach and registered an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.13 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, full wind up, delivery works with rhythm, stays on-line, lands closed and finishes athletically. Short, quick arm action, comes out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, works straight, finish through the zone, sa 82-83 mph, touched 84. Curveball, flashed sharp action, 11/5 plane, maintains arm speed, 74 mph. Saw one changeup, thrown for a strike, straight action, 78 mph.

Matthew Scherrman, INF/RHP, Wheaton Warrenville South, 2019
6-foot-2, 175-pound, long, athletically-built, projectable two-way prospect; plenty of room for continued physical development. At the plate, quiet, balanced setup, short stride and fluid rhythm throughout. Flashed quick hands, bat speed, long bat path, middle of the field, line-drive approach. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, fluid footwork, moves under control, sure hands, clean transfer. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, and throws clocked at 83 mph across the infield. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, featured a three-pitch repertoire and showed feel for pitching; mixed timings and looks with runners on base. Fluid delivery, works on-line, lands closed, finishes athletically with regular effort throughout. Arm works short and over-the-top. Fastball, straight action, sat 81-83 mph, touched 85 twice. Curveball, thrown for strikes, 12/6 action, 67-72 mph. Changeup, feel, maintains arm speed at times, 73-75 mph.

Wendell Smith, INF/RHP, Marist, 2019
6-foot-1, 160-pound, two-way prospect with a long, athletic, projectable build. Ran a 7.17 laser-timed 60. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Aggressive swing, creates bat speed, level bat path, pull-side approach and bat strength; 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, flashed easy infield actions, reliable hands and a clean exchange. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws carried across the infield at 85 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight drop and drive delivery, works with rhythm. Long, clean arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, inconsistent action sat 76-78 mph, touched 80.

Conrad Tauer, LHP, Lemont, 2019
6-foot-2, 160-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky frame, long limbs. Side step to tall, flat footed balance point, works in line to home, toe lands square and heel first, slight recoil to third at finish. High front side, long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, arm side run, topped 79 mph, 76-78 mph. Slider, 2/8 shape, gradual break, 70 mph.

Nolan Wegener, INF/RHP, Somonauk, 2019
6-foot-3, 205-pound, wide-shouldered, strong, two-way prospect. At the plate, balanced, wide setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Long bat path, present bat speed, ball jumps off the barrel at times. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, steady hands, gets rid of the baseball quick and clean occasionally. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 83 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works on-line, lands square with some effort throughout. Long draw out of the glove, comes out of a short high ¾ window. Fastball, worked to both sides of the plate, flashed arm-side-run, sat 82-83 mph, touched 86. Slider, 10/4 shape, sat 77-78 mph.

RELATED CONTENT