Prep Baseball Report

College Prospect Showcase: Session One Results



By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

Session One of the Winter College Prospect Showcase took place yesterday at Keystone State Baseball Academy in Manheim, PA. Session Two will follow the same format and will showcase a new round of prospects on January 16.

The following is a look at three of the top performances on the day. A complete analysis of prospects at each position will be coming in the week ahead. For now, CLICK HERE to view complete results for all prospects in attendance.

Two-Way Players

Jack DeSpainSouderton Area junior OF/LHP Jack DeSpain flashed the top arm strength among outfielders on the day at 84 mph. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound two-way prospect displayed solid carry and an accurate arm with average foot speed (7.26 60-yard dash). The right-handed hitter repeatedly barreled the baseball in batting practice from a square stance while routinely staying inside the baseball.

DeSpain also displayed potential on the mound sitting 79-80 from a 3/4 arm slot. The lefty commanded a 72 mph curveball with late break and showed a feel for his changeup that sat 73-74 with good arm speed.

Position Players

Nate Hess2017 outfielder Nate Hess turned in a solid 6.86 60-yard dash and showed some of the same fast twitch tendencies in his right-handed swing during an impressive round of batting practice. The 5-foot-9, 155-pound Warwick junior routinely barreled the baseball with significant barrel whip and a bat exit velocity of 86 mph. Hess also flashed athletic actions defensively with solid straight line carry on throws of 81 mph from the outfield.

Pitchers

Jacob RuppOpen showcases invariably lead to under the radar prospects getting their day in the sun. Yesterday was no exception with the emergence of 2017 RHP Jacob Rupp. The 6-foot, 185-pound Central Cambria righty sat 82-83 from a high 3/4 arm slot with what appears to be much more in the tank. Rupp also flashed 86 mph arm strength across the diamond earlier in his workout. The physical junior displayed a solid feel for a 71 mph curveball with 11/5 shape and a changeup thrown with fastball arm speed that sat 75-77.

additional pa news:

Winter College Prospect Showcase - Session Two