Prep Baseball Report

PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase Analysis: Class of 2021 Pitchers & Two-way Prospects


Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase took place December 30th at Keystone State Baseball Academy. Today we continue our analysis of the players in attendance by taking a look at pitchers and two-way players from the Class of 2021.

CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.

CLASS OF 2021

Top Prospect

Luke HolmanLuke Holman, RHP/SS, Wyomissing HS (PA)
6-foot-1, 170-pound primary pitcher flashed athleticism in a frame that is just beginning to mature. The freshman sat 80-84 from a high 3/4 arm slot with an easy, repeatable delivery. While it is easy to dream on a ceiling for fastball velocity it is Holman's two secondary pitches that will make him a highly coveted pitching recruit in this class. The curveball is thrown with an advanced spin rate and shows sharp two-plane break at 67-69. Holman also commands an advanced splitter at 66-69 that showed consistent armside run and sink. Holman was added to the Team Pennsylvania roster for the 2018 PBR Future Games shortly after the event.

The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a leg-lift stride. There is some drop of the hands in the load phase, but he manages to get them back to a point of strength prior to launch. Showcased a feel for the barrel and a bat exit velocity of 87 mph. Ran a 7.31 60-yard dash and showcased a soft glove hand and active feet defensively at shortstop.

Remaining Prospects (in alphabetical order)

Derek Cease, SS/RHP, Nanticoke Area HS (PA)
5-foot-6, 125-pound two-way prospect impressed with his all-around skill set. Ran a 6.94 60-yard dash and flashed 83 mph arm strength across the diamond defensively. Displayed active feet and plays through the baseball routinely as a middle infielder. Right-hander sat 80-82 from a high 3/4 arm slot with a compact, repeatable delivery. Curveball shows tight 11/5 rotation at 63-65 and changeup is thrown at near fastball arm speed at 74-75. Cease was added to the 14U Team Pennsylvania roster for the 2018 PBR Junior Future Games shortly after the event.

Michael Cunningham, RHP/OF, Spring-Ford HS (PA)
5-foot-8, 135-pound two-way prospect showcased a solid two-way skill set. Ran a 7.32 60-yard dash and played through the baseball consistently with 77 mph arm strength from the outfield. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a leg-lift stride. A deep load creates some length in the swing, but displayed a feel for the barrel and a bat exit velocity of 76 mph. The primary pitcher sat 76-77 from a 3/4 arm slot with loose, very quick arm action. The fastball shows current armside run and has a chance to be very heavy. Changeup is thrown at near fastball arm speed with some sink and armside run. Curveball is still in development at 64-68. Cunningham was added to the 14U Team Pennsylvania roster for the 2018 PBR Junior Future Games shortly after the event.

Chase Renner, RHP, Brandywine Heights HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 155-pound right-hander sat 73-75 from a high 3/4 arm slot with a hook in the back. Fastball is relatively straight, but hip coil in the delivery adds to some deception. Curveball showed tight rotation with 11/5 break at 57-60 and changeup is thrown at near fastball arm speed at 56-59.

Joshua Zambito, RHP/1B/OF, Penn Hills HS (PA)
6-foot-2 , 185-pound primary pitcher sat 73-75 from a high 3/4 arm slot with a balanced, repeatable delivery. Curveball showed 11/5 shape with solid rotation at 63-65 and changeup was thrown at near fastball arm speed at 68-69. Right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a leg-lift stride. Displayed a solid feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 84 mph. Ran a 8.10 60-yard dash and showcased 76 mph arm strength from the outfield. Also showed the ability to handle defensive chores at first base.

Analysis article order:

Jan. 3 - Class of 2022 Prospects
Jan. 4 - Class of 2021 Position Players
Jan. 5 - Class of 2021 Pitchers & Two-way Prospects
Jan. 6 - Class of 2020 Position Players
Jan. 7 - Class of 2020 Pitchers & Two-way Prospects
Jan. 8 - Class of 2019 Position Players
Jan. 9 - Class of 2019 Pitchers & Two-way Prospects

ADDITIONAL PA NEWS:

2018 Preseason All-State Showcase