Diamonds in the Rough: Week 3 Uncommitted Seniors

Noah Osborn C / OF / Avonworth, PA / 2021

The Spin: One of the more impressive in-game performers that we saw in 2020, Osborn put forth a prolific effort at the PBR Limited Series in July accruing 8 quality-at-bats over the span of three games of action. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound backstop is well proportioned and strong throughout the lower half allowing for standout numbers in multiple measurable categories as well, evidenced by a 94 mph bat-exit velocity and mere 8% groundball rate per Trackman Baseball. The swing works with simplicity and ability to match plane early (71% on plane efficiency according to Blast Motion) generating a line to line approach while making him an extremely tough out at the plate. Add in outstanding leadership qualities defensively and a 2.08 pop time in game action at the PBR Limited Series (73 mph arm strength from the crouch) and you can see the ability to contribute earlier rather than later at the next level. Considering already advanced receiving abilities (loose, easy actions through the zone with the glove hand) and an aptitude for limiting free-90’s, Osborn personifies what it means to be a “Diamond in the Rough,” and has given scouts a multitude of reasons that he could be a steal in the ‘21 class.

Braden Kolmansberger SS / 2B / Red Land, PA / 2021

The Spin: There’s a lot to like about any high-level mover in a projectable frame (6-foot-3, 165-pounds) and Kolmansberger gets the most out of his body with athleticism in all phases of the game. At face value, the right-handed hitter appeared to have a solid round at the PA Summer Prospect Games in July with a leveraged approach, (90 mph bat-exit velocity, 338 foot max batted ball distance, and 56% fly ball rate per Trackman Baseball) but looking deeper it was even more impressive as he generated a whopping 26.50 mph hand speed according to Blast Motion (tops at the event) and 27.30 G’s of max rotational acceleration showing just how usable that hand speed can be. There’s legitimate power projection down the line and assuming he continues adding physicality, the sky’s the limit. Defensively, a 6.95 60-yard dash inspires confidence that the primary shortstop can stick on the left side of the infield moving forward and current “smooth” footwork at the position only heightens those chances. An 80 mph arm strength is more than usable with an above average internal clock averaging around a 4.20 second pace across the diamond. With the ability to also play in the outfield while showing an advanced feel for his body in space, Kolmansberger could offer a quality bat with positional flexibility which can be hard to come by. 

Alec Welshans OF / SS / Northern York, PA / 2021

The Spin: At 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, Welshans possesses athleticism in a projectable frame (7.00 60-yard dash) coupled with an 83 mph arm strength from his position allowing for the ability to handle at least two of the three outfield positions at the next level. Offensively, the approach is seasoned working line to line and appeals to game action as there’s nothing extra going on in the swing. The right-handed hitter showed comfortability in the timing mechanism and repeatedly barreled the baseball up to both gaps generating a max of 72% on plane efficiency per Blast Motion while also displaying high level bat to ball skills at the plate. Although there could be some extra stretch added to the launch position at foot strike, the RHH still generated natural loft in the swing (89% fly ball rate at the PA Unsigned Senior Night) and impressive raw power (352 foot maximum batted ball distance according to Trackman Baseball). Add in high rotational acceleration averages (20.67 G’s of force) and consistent bat speed (67 mph average) and the groundwork is there for development only heightening the ceiling. The Northern York product projects as a possible middle of the order bat moving forward with a combination of contact and power attributes.

Alex Hlivia SS / 2B / State College Area, PA / 2021

The Spin: Improving measurable categories across the board over the past year, Hlivia fits the mold of a slick-fielding middle infielder who can get on base. An absolute gamer when the lights come on, the 5-foot-8, 160-pounder looked extremely comfortable on the left side of the infield at the US Elite Scout Day with an 83 mph arm strength across the diamond and advanced pace on each route. Although he could handle the shortstop position moving forward, the State College product would fit better in the second baseman mold where he could be an impact defender at the collegiate level. The right-handed hitter lived gap to gap with line drives during batting practice back in October generating an impressive 50% line drive rate per Trackman Baseball while showing off the high level barrel awareness he possesses. A peak 87 mph bat-exit velocity is solid enough to warrant extra base hit potential, although the approach is very low-effort and more contact oriented. Consider Hlivia a well-rounded prospect (7.30 60-yard dash) who’s offense shows up way more in game action than it would in a showcase setting and I’m under the belief that he has not yet approached his physical peak. 

Mason Ulsh RHP / 2B / Schuylkill Haven , PA / 2021