Over the next few months, the Prep Baseball Report (PA/NY) crew will be highlighting players in several different article formats, including Ted Williams’ "Diamonds in the Rough" feature series.

The recruiting process can be tough sledding at times and for whatever reason, talented players can remain uncommitted for extended periods of time. Included below are some players who have stood out at events throughout the showcase year and deserve more love for their abilities. More specifically, we will be focusing on five standout uncommitted prospects who could be significant risers throughout this high school season.

Cameron Kohut SS / 3B / Scranton Prep, PA / 2021 Rankings  StateRank: 199 / POS: 37 The Spin: The well put-together 6-foot-1, 180-pound shortstop stood out physically at numerous PBR events over the course of the year with plenty of strength in all phases of the game. A top performer at the PA State Games, the right-handed hitter turned in an impressive batting practice round generating an otherworldly 73% line drive rate according to Trackman Baseball. With bat-exit velocities getting up into the 94 mph range and averaging around 88 mph, he registered a hard-hit rate of almost 50% (batted balls over 90 mph). A max of 78% on plane efficiency per Blast Motion confirmed what the “eye test” saw in June: a simple approach at the plate with the ability to control the barrel through impact. Considering the fact that Kohut can cover both sides of the plate and work line to line, the Scranton Prep product should find a home somewhere in the middle of a collegiate lineup where he should hit for extra bases and average. With a frame that can further add strength coupled with an average 7.36 60-yard dash time, the shortstop will most likely make a move over to third base where he could stick with above-average footwork and smooth hands that played out in front. An 83 mph throwing arm with extra life across the diamond only furthers the confidence that a move to the hot corner would make sense. All in all, we wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Kohut put up solid numbers this high school season and made his way up the rankings accordingly.

Tanner Merovich 1B / LHP / Northern York, PA / 2021 Rankings  StateRank: 244 / POS: 13 The Spin: The uber-athletic 5-foot-11, 175-pound two-way prospect moves efficiently at the plate, which allowed the left handed hitter to put on a show at the PA Unsigned Senior Night in September. Merovich went back to back pull-side bombs to end his round with the last one traveling 346 feet over the right field wall. With increased fluidity in the swing and hand speed at the plate (24.60 mph peak per Blast Motion), the Northern York product waited until the last second to launch giving him the ability to stay inside the baseball at will. A max of 93 mph bat-exit velocity played well due to an eye-popping 27.2 G’s of rotational acceleration and an 81% on plane efficiency hinted at the high level bat-to-ball skills present in the box. The primary first baseman notched a 7.08 60-yard dash, which translated to on-field success during defensive evaluations where he moved smoothly in either direction. A soft glove hand could pick it on balls in the dirt and played with accuracy out in front of his right side on the approach. With added athleticism in comparison to normal first basemen, Merovich could be an above-average defender moving forward at the next level. The left-handed pitcher hid the ball extremely well allowing a quick arm and 80 mph fastball jump at hitters at the plate. With the ability to command the zone early (47% zone rate per Trackman Baseball) while getting 13 inches of horizontal movement on the fastball, he was consistently ahead and able to drop in two quality offspeed offerings at any time. A late-breaking 68-69 mph curveball (100% zone rate) showed solid 1-7 shape with a peak of 17.5 inches of horizontal movement to keep hitters off balance while a 66-67 mph slider with good extension (6 ½ feet) created deception.

Tanner Singh OF / C / Pine-Richland , PA / 2021 Rankings  StateRank: 302 / POS: 57 The Spin: A true “Diamond in the Rough,” Singh quietly put on a massive performance at the PA State Games back in June. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound outfielder showed off a nice blend of athleticism and strength during defensive evaluations where he was able to notch a 7.03 60-yard dash and an accurate 81 mph throwing arm from his position. With the ability to stay behind the baseball coupled with natural instincts in space, the Pine-Richland product should possess the chance to slot in at any two of the three outfield positions at the next level. The right-handed hitter popped the most offensively where he showed quick hands (24 mph peak hand speed) and consistent bat speed (73.3 mph average per Trackman Baseball). The foot was always close to the ground on a controlled knee-knock stride allowing for increased timing at the plate evidenced by a high average bat-exit velocity (90 mph) and hard hit rate (50%). With the ability to keep the baseball off of the ground (zero ground balls) and generate backspin (70% fly ball rate), the swing played well into the desired approach. Considering the fact that he registered a top batted ball distance of 367 feet (322 foot average), Singh has the makings of a true power hitter and possesses multiple tools that should make him a highly sought after bat in the class. A combination of quick hands, feel for the timing mechanism, and consistent hard contact hints at the ability to make an impact sooner rather than later when arriving on campus.

Noah Czajkowski RHP / OF / Norwin, PA / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 136 / POS: 30 The Spin: Although he possesses some two-way capabilities with quality athleticism (90 mph exit velocity and 7.30 runner), we liked Czajkowski best on the mound where the right-handed pitcher has the chance to be a dominant arm down the stretch with elite movement patterns. The Norwin product featured an extremely quick arm from a high ¾ slot allowing for impressive ride on an 83-84 mph FB (23.5 inches of induced vertical break / 2440 RPM’s). Add in a wipeout 68-69 mph breaker getting up to almost 2500 spin with two-plane shape (15 inches of horizontal movement / -12 inches of induced vertical break) and you can see the strikeout potential oozing. Interestingly enough, Czajkowski does a good job of tunneling each pitch with 5.64 and 5.34 feet of extension on the FB/CB giving hitters fits at the plate. At 6-foot-1, 180-pounds with some length to him, there should be more in the tank which should inspire confidence that already well above-average measurables should continue climbing. Considering admirable command on both offerings (30% zone rate / 50% zone rate respectively), the righty continuously pitches from ahead in the count which hints at him being a successful arm at the collegiate level. Working out with Performance Velocity Systems (“PVS” in Pittsburgh) who have turned out multiple successful D1 recruits as well as pro level guys should only help the case and we will get another look at the Norwin product in our Preseason slate coming up soon.

Roman Tozzi OF / LHP / Archbishop Carroll, PA / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 107 / POS: 16 The Spin: The 5-foot-10, 170-pound primary outfielder demonstrated advanced feel for his body in all facets of the game at our Northeast Open showcase in July. A 7.13 60-yard dash played faster in-game with a quick first step and above average-decision making on routes in either direction. With a more than serviceable 83 mph arm strength from his position displaying some carry, Tozzi possesses the capability to fit in at any two, if not three of the outfield positions at the next level. The left-handed hitter featured a short, simple approach with a high finish to the swing allowing for consistent line drive contact to both gaps and advanced bat to ball skills (77% on plane efficiency per Blast Motion). High rotational acceleration numbers (26.7 G’s) and bat speed (72.1 mph) hint at some additional power coming down the line with added strength. A true gamer who always finds a way to get it done, the Archbishop Carroll product recorded zero ground balls during batting practice consistently giving himself a chance at the plate. With an impressive performance at the Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament in August where he went three innings strong of shutout ball, Tozzi put himself on the map as a legitimate two-way prospect. The southpaw pounded the bottom of the zone with an 80-81 mph FB featuring 13.5 inches of horizontal movement to the arm side. Combine that with a late-breaking 69-71 mph SL with up to 8 inches of horizontal movement and you have a solid punch-out pairing on the hill. Improved command of a devastating 70-71 mph CH showing up to 12 inches of horizontal movement would put him over the top.

Previous Diamonds in the Rough

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
2021 Preseason All-State - South/Central	PA	02/06	Iron Horse Sports Complex
Super 60 Pro Showcase	NATIONAL	02/07	MOSH Performance Center
2021 Preseason All-State - Pittsburgh (3PM Session)	PA	02/07	All American Fieldhouse
2021 Preseason All-State - Pittsburgh (9AM Session)	PA	02/07	All American Fieldhouse
2021 Northeast ProCase (2021 Grads Only)	PA	02/13	Liberty Sports Arena
2021 Preseason All-State - Erie	PA	02/13	Erie Premier Sports
2021 Preseason All-State - North/Central	PA	02/14	Liberty Sports Arena
2021 Preseason All-State - East (11AM Session)	PA	02/27	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2021 Preseason All-State East (3PM Session)	PA	02/27	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2021 JR PA State Games Trials - Central	PA	03/06	Liberty Sports Arena
2021 JR PA State Games Trials - East	PA	03/14	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2021 JR PA State Games Trials - West	PA	03/14	All American Fieldhouse