2017 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase Analysis: Class of 2020 Position Players
July 4, 2017
By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting
The summer rush of PBR events in Pennsylvania continued this week with the 2017 Eastern PA College Prospect Games on June 27. Fourty prospects from Pennsylvania and Delaware gathered to display their abilities at Cooper Park on the campus of Millersville University. Today we conclude our analysis of the prospects in attendance by taking a look at those position players that participated as a member of the Class of 2020.
+ CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.
ANALYSIS SCHEDULE
June 28 - Sneak Peak
June 29 - Complete results & top performers
June 30 - Class of 2018 analysis
July 1 - Class of 2019 pitcher & two-way prospect analysis
July 2 - Class of 2019 position player analysis
July 3 - Class of 2020 two-way prospect analysis
July 4 - Class of 2020 position player analysis
Class of 2020
TOP PROSPECTs
Drew Butera, 2020, C/OF, Malvern Prep (PA)
Has added 15 pounds to a solid 5-foot-11, 165-pound frame in the past six months. Right-handed hitter starts from a wide, slightly open stance and sits on back side well, utilizing a strong hip turn to create an 84 mph bat exit velocity. Consistently barreled baseballs during a solid round of batting practice. Showcased quick feet and a clean transition with 74 mph arm strength out of the crouch with a top pop time of 2.10. Ran a 7.38 60-yard dash and displayed above average 85 mph arm strength from the outfield.
Max Cathers, 2020, C/OF, East Pennsboro HS (PA)
5-foot-8, 135-pound left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a knee-to-knee leg-lift stride to initiate his swing from a high-hands load. Showcased an above average feel for the barrel with a line-drive approach and a bat exit velocity of 81 mph. Primary catcher displayed pop times of 2.20-2.28 on throws of 69 mph from the crouch with a short arm-stroke and quick feet. Also displayed athletic actions in the outfield with accurate 81 mph arm strength. As he adds strength to his frame Cathers will be a prospect to watch develop in this class.
Joseph Pettinelli, 2020, SS/R2B, Marple Newtown HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 140-pounder showcased a well-rounded skill set in all facets of the game. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a knee-to-knee, leg-hand stride to initiate his swing. Hands work well through contact leading to consistent barrels with a bat exit velocity of 78 mph. Ran a 7.19 60-yard dash and showcased athletic actions defensively with a quick release and the ability to make throws from multiple arm angles. Pettinelli will be a prospect to follow as he adds strength to his frame and reaches physical maturity.
Kevin Reilly, 2020, C, Plymouth Whitemarsh HS (PA)
Athletic 6-foot, 170-pound frame. Right-handed hitter displayed advanced barrel whip (91 mph bat exit velocity). Starts from an open stance and initiates his swing with a short leg-hang stride. Flashed good tempo and balance in his swing with above average feel for the barrel and a gap-to-gap approach. Ran a 7.39 60-yard dash and showcased a top pop time of 2.08 on throws of 74 mph from the crouch. Current size and advanced measurables place Reilly on a short list of catchers to keep an eye on in the Class of 2020.
Remainder of Position Players: (in alphabetical order)
Tristan Ament, 2020, C/OF, Twin Valley HS (PA)
5-foot-8, 135-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a short, lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a line drive approach with a flat barrel path that produced a bat exit of 68 mph. Showcased pop times of 2.40-2.50 on throws of 65 mph from the crouch and ran a 7.76 60-yard dash. Overall game will benefit from strength gains and physical maturity in the coming years.
Brian Finn, 2021, SS/2B, Central Bucks South HS (PA)
5-foot-7, 135-pound right-handed hitter start from an open stance and utilizes a short leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. Present size and strength leads to some barrel drag. Displayed solid feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 79 mph. Showcased a soft glove hand, active feet and fluid actions defensively with accurate 72 mph arm strength across the diamond. Ran a 7.94 60-yard dash.
Hunter Fries, 2020, 2B/C, Lansdale Catholic (PA)
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short leg-hang stride. Limited lower half action leads to some barrel drag through the hitting zone. Showcased a feel for the barrel with a 74 mph bat exit velocity. Displayed a tendency to play the baseball deep and on his heels defensively. 63 mph arm strength across the diamond would be improved by working to play through the baseball.
Aidan Landis, 2020, 3B, Daniel Boone HS (PA)
5-foot-5, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Displayed a short swing path and a tendency to cut off his lower half with a bat exit velocity of 73 mph. Showcased confidence in his glove hand defensively and accurate 74 mph arm strength across the diamond from a long arm stroke. Would benefit from continued work to play through the baseball and shortening throwing motion.
Nicholas Sammartino, 2020, SS/2B, Haverford HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance, initiating his swing from a deep load that leads to a significant arm-bar. Utilizes a heel-raise stride and displayed a bat exit velocity of 75 mph. Ran a 7.25 60-yard dash and showcased developing 69 mph arm strength across the diamond defensively. Will benefit from strength gains and physical maturity in the coming years.