Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

2019 Preseason All-State Showcase: Middle Infield Analysis

February 21, 2019
Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The 2019 Preseason All-State Showcase took place February 16th and 17th at Keystone State Baseball Academy in Manhiem. Today we continue a series of articles analyzing the prospects in attendance with a look at those players that participated as primary middle infielders.

+ COMPLETE RESULTS for all prospects in attendance: DAY ONE  /  DAY TWO

Top Prospects

Derek Cease

Derek Cease, Nanticoke Area HS, Class of 2021, SS/RHP
5-foot-6, 140-pound two-way prospect put together one of the top performances of the two day event. A member of the Team PA 14U roster at the 2018 PBR Junior Future Games, Cease continues to show development across the board in his skills. The right-handed hitter showcased a compact, line drive approach at the plate with a feel for the barrel and an 87 mph bat exit velocity. He ran a 6.59 60-yard dash and flashed an event record 93 mph arm strength across the diamond defensively. An above average defender, Cease could easily make the move to the outfield at the next level. The two-way prospect finished his impressive performance by sitting 85-87 on the mound out of a repeatable, compact delivery. He also showed a feel for his curveball at 73-74 with tight 11/5 rotation and a changeup at 80-81 thrown with similar arm speed. 

Joe Jaconski, Plymouth Whitemarsh HS, Class of 2021, SS
6-foot-1, 170-pound North Carolina commit has a prototypical frame for a shortstop and room to add strength over the final three years of his high school career. The left-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a short, leg hang stride. Displayed balance and rhythm to his swing while routinely staying behind the baseball creating backspin. Showed current gap power with an advanced feel for the barrel. Registered an 88 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.15 60-yard dash. Showcased easy, athletic actions defensively while making plays on the move look routine. Displayed very soft glove hand and an ability to make throws from multiple arm angles with throws of 85 mph in rhythm across the diamond.

Andrew Muraco, Franklin Regional HS, Class of 2021, SS/RHP
5-foot-10, 170-pound left-handed hitter continues to make improvements and get stronger. He starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride. Shows balance and feel for the barrel with above average rhythm. Routinely creates backspin with present gap power. Registered an 89 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.94 60-yard dash. Plays through the baseball defensively with active feet and sets himself up well for the proper hop. Showcased the ability to make throws from multiple arm angles and above average 87 mph arm strength across the diamond. Sat 81-83 from a 3/4 arm slot off the mound with a repeatable, balanced delivery. Curveball at 70-73 showed tight 11/5 rotation and changeup at fastball arm speed had arm-side run at 72-76.

Charlie Yanoshik, La Salle HS, Class of 2020, SS
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed hitter has made significant strides since we last saw him. Starts out of a narrow, square stance and initiates his swing with a controlled, leg-hang stride. Showcased above average balance and rhythm to his swing with a strong lower half resulting in consistent hard contact. Registered a 92 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.75 60-yard dash. Fluid defender shows an ability to play through the baseball while setting up the proper hop. Showed solid lateral range and the ability to make plays on the move with 84 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Additional Middle Infielders (in alphabetical order)

Shane Benedict, Marple Newtown HS, Class of 2020, SS/RHP
5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed the ability to stay behind the baseball during a solid round of batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 78 mph. Showcased a loose, whippy arm action defensively with accurate 78 mph arm strength across the diamond and ran a 7.14 60-yard dash. Two-way prospect sat 79-80 off the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot with a high leg kick and some sink to his fastball. Curveball sat 67-69 with tight 11/5 rotation. Showed feel for his changeup with near fastball arm speed at 71-72.

Spencer Butz, York Suburban HS, Class of 2021, SS
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride with balance throughout. Showcased a feel for the barrel with an ability to utilize all fields. Registered an 88 mph bat exit velocity and ran an event best 6.55 60-yard dash. Showcased athletic actions defensively with 84 mph arm strength, but foot speed will likely dictate a move to center field at the next level.

Randy Carlo, Wilson West Lawn HS, Class of 2021, 2B/1B
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hitter continues to impress with his bat. Following a strong performance as a member of the Team Pennsylvania 14U roster at the 2018 PBR Future Games, Carlo has worked hard to add strength to his frame. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. An above average hip turn leads to consistent hard contact with an ability to create backspin. Registered a 93 mph bat exit velocity and ran a much improved 7.22 60-yard dash. Worked out as a middle infielder and at first base. Displayed capable actions at both positions but could be destined for a move to a corner outfield spot at the next level.

Kyle Denisch, Delone Catholic HS, Class of 2020, SS/RHP
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Showcased the ability to barrel the baseball routinely with some length to his swing and a bat exit velocity of 74 mph. Showcased the ability to make throws from multiple arm angles defensively with 83 mph arm strength across the diamond and ran a 7.30 60-yard dash. The two-way prospect sat 77-78 out of a high 3/4 arm slot with some arm-side run. Repeats his delivery with balance throughout. Also displayed a curveball at 64-68 with 11/5 rotation and a changeup at similar arm speed that sat 70-74.

Nick Dolan, Baldwin HS, Class of 2020, SS
6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Displayed a feel for the barrel and an ability to stay behind the baseball while consistently using the middle of the field. Registered an 88 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.60 60-yard dash. Showcased active feet and above average control of his long, lean frame defensively with confidence in his glove hand. Plays through the baseball routinely and showed an ability to make throws from multiple arm angles with 82 mph arm strength. 

Drew Druckenmiller, Conrad Weiser, Class of 2020, SS/RHP
6-foot, 145-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a line drive approach with a feel for the barrel and a 78 mph bat exit velocity. Registered a 78 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.62 60-yard dash. Showed capable defensive actions with a long arm throwing motion recorded at 79 mph across the diamond. Two-way prospect sat 75-77 off the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot. Curveball showed sweeping 10/4 action while changeup is telegraphed at times with cut action at 66-68.

Derek Ferguson, Central York HS, Class of 2020, SS/RHP
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a line drive approach with his hands doing much of the work. Showcased developing skills defensively with a long arm throwing motion and 77 mph arm strength across the diamond. Registered an 83 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.14 60-yard dash. Also sat 72-75 on the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot with some sink to his fastball. Curveball sat 64-66 with 11/5 rotation while his changeup at near fastball arm speed sat 70-74.

Brian Finn, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Class of 2021, SS
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to start. Showcased the ability to stay behind the baseball while consistently using the middle of the field with a feel for the barrel. Registered an 85 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.22 60-yard dash. Displayed active feet and solid lateral range with confidence in his glove hand defensively. Registered 81 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Alex Gabauer, Norwin HS, Class of 2021, SS
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitter begins from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a heel-raise stride. Long athletic frame with quick hands and advanced barrel awareness. Registered an 89 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.96 60-yard dash. Athletic defender with solid range plays low to the ground and through the baseball routinely. Showcased easy, fluid 80 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Alex Hlivia, State College Area HS, Class of 2021, 2B
5-foot-6, 150-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance an utilizes a heel-raise stride to initiate his swing. Displayed a direct, compact swing with a line drive approach. Registered a 78 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.57 60-yard dash. Showcased sound fundamentals defensively with a quick release and 74 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Brandon Lane, Plum HS, Class of 2020, SS
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed hitter with a long, athletic frame. Starts from a square stance and utilizes a toe-tap stride to initiate his swing. Showcased above average balance and a feel for the barrel with an ability to impart back spin. Registered a 92 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.76 60-yard dash. Showcased solid defensive actions best suited for a move to third base at the next level. Room to add strength to frame. Displayed 83 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Connor Lowry, Conwell Egan HS, Class of 2020, 2B/RHP
5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter starts from a narrow, open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Showcased a feel for the barrel with a line drive approach out of a short load hand position. Registered a 76 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.68 60-yard dash. Displayed a quick release and accurate 75 mph arm strength defensively. Sat 74-76 out of a 3/4 arm slot on the mound with a drop and drive lower half. Curveball showed 11/5 rotation at 64-66 and changeup sat 71-74 at fastball arm speed.

Connor Maryniak, Governor Mifflin HS, Class of 2021, SS/RHP
5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed hitter starts from a narrow, square stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride. Displayed a line drive approach with a flat barrel path through the zone. Registered an 83 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.46 60-yard dash. Showcased solid range defensively with a soft glove hand and the ability to make throws from multiple arm angles. Showed 75 mph arm strength across the diamond. Sat 77-79 on the mound from a 3/4 arm slot with some arm-side run to his fastball. Curveball is an above average pitch with tight, two-plane 11/5 rotation at 71-72. Changeup is also above average with good sell and arm-side run at 70-72.

Joseph Pettinelli, Marple Newtown HS, Class of 2020, SS
5-foot-11, 145-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short, lift-and-replace stride. Showed balance and rhythm to his swing with a middle of the field approach. Hands work well through contact. Registered an 80 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.13 60-yard dash. Showcased active feet and good angles to the ball defensively with and ability to make throws from multiple arm angles. Showed 78 mph arm strength across the diamond. 

Andrew Trayer, Wilson West Lawn HS, Class of 2021, 2B/RHP
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitter starts from a narrow, slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Stays behind the baseball well and shows a feel for the barrel. Registered an 80 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.39 60-yard dash. Showcased fundamentally sound defensive skills with accurate 76 mph arm strength across the diamond. Sat 79-80 on the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot with a wrap in back. Also showed a curveball with 12/6 rotation at 63-64 and a solid changeup with slight cut at 69-70.

Jarod Wade, Malvern Prep, Class of 2020, SS
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a heel-raise stride to initiate his swing. Showcased solid feel for the barrel and balance throughout with present gap power. Registered a 90 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.92 60-yard dash. Athletic defender showed solid 83 mph arm strength across the diamond while fielding the ball deep from a narrow base. Length and foot speed would make Wade a solid candidate for a move to the outfield at the next level.

Brandon Wingenroth, Lancaster Catholic HS, Class of 2022, SS/RHP
6-foot, 145-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to begin. Showcased balance and rhythm in an athletic frame that will be able to carry significant added strength in years to come. Registered an 83 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.24 60-yard dash. Displayed fluid, athletic actions defensively with developing 81 mph arm strength across the diamond. Sat 77-80 from an over-the-top arm slot on the mound. Also showed a curveball with short, 11/5 break and changeup with limited movement at 69-71.

Matthew Yauger, Neshaminy HS, Class of 2020, SS
5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and utilizes a leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. A hitch in his load does not prevent him from getting to the hitting zone on time during batting practice. Showed a feel for the barrel. Registered an 89 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 6.80 60-yard dash. Displayed capable glove work defensively with a short arm throwing motion best suited for second base. Recorded 78 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Cole Yeager, Penn Hills HS, Class of 2020, 2B/RHP
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Showed balance and rhythm to his swing while wearing out the middle of the field. Registered an 89 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.47 60-yard dash. Displayed athletic actions defensively, routinely playing through the baseball with 83 mph arm strength across the diamond. Sat 82-83 off the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot with some hip coil to his delivery. Curveball had 10/4 slurve rotation at 67-71 and showed feel for his changeup at 73-77.

UPCOMING ANALYSIS SCHEDULE 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
2019 Pennsylvania Junior Future Games Trials (Session One) PA 03/10 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Pennsylvania Junior Future Games Trials (Session Two) PA 03/24 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Western PA Top Prospect Games PA 06/11 Seton Hill University
2019 Eastern PA Top Prospect Games PA 06/18 Millersville University
Play for Team PBR 16U (PBR Limited Series) PA 06/29 Lebanon Valley College
2019 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase PA 07/09 Millersville University
Play for Team PBR 17U (PBR Limited Series) PA 07/20 University of Scranton
2019 Western PA College Prospect Showcase PA 07/23 Historic Pullman Park (Butler, PA)
2019 Fall Kickoff Showcase PA 08/15 Millersville University
Play for Team PBR 17U (Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament) PA 08/17 Millersville University