Prep Baseball Report

PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase: Class of 2021 Analysis


Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase took place October 7th at Keystone State Baseball Academy. Today we continue a series of articles analyzing the prospects in attendance with a look at prospects from the Class of 2021 that participated.

CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.

Class of 2021 Prospects

Ben ChaseBlake GeorgeRyan KellyMarcus LaBudaMatthew Rineman

Ben Chase, SS/RHP, Octorara HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitter starts from an open, upright stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride. Used a strong hip turn and swung with intent producing loud contact to the pull side. Ran a 7.65 60-yard dash and showcased active feet with confidence in his glove hand defensively. Plays through the baseball routinely with accurate 73 mph arm strength across the diamond. The righty sat 78-82 from a high 3/4 arm slot with natural cut to his fastball. Showcased repeatable mechanics with strong leg drive. Curveball showed tight 11/5 rotation at 66-68 and changeup at 71-74 was thrown at fastball arm speed with similar cut. Solid two-way prospect in this class with a chance to be a primary pitcher if he continues to grow into his athletic frame and adds additional strength.

Blake George, SS/2B, Liberty HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed above average feel for the barrel with a middle of the field, line drive approach. Registered a 77 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.20 60-yard dash. Showcased active feet defensively while playing through the baseball routinely with accurate 68 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Ryan Kelly, RHP/3B, Wilson Area HS (PA)
6-foot-2, 165-pound primary pitcher sat 78-80 from an over-the-top arm slot. Repeats delivery well and fastball shows late life with little movement. Curveball displayed 12/6 rotation at 61-63 and changeup at 63-66 showed curveball rotation. Plenty of room to add to lanky frame with velocity spikes likely in the coming years. The left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a heel-raise stride. Showcased a line drive approach with a flat barrel path through the zone and a bat exit velocity of 81 mph. Ran a 7.97 60-yard dash and displayed a developing defensive skill set at third base with 72 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Marcus LaBuda, 1B/RHP, Hazleton Area HS (PA)
6-foot-4, 195-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a feel for the barrel while releasing his top hand in his finish. A bit of a crouched stance neutralizes power potential in an above average frame. Registered a 78 mph bat exit velocity and showcased capable actions around the bag at first base with 81 mph arm strength across the diamond. Sat 78-80 off the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot. Also displayed a feel for his curveball with 11/5 rotation at 63-65.

Matthew Rineman, RHP/3B, Delone Catholic HS (PA)
6-foot-2, 195-pound primary pitcher sat 81-82 from a 3/4 arm slot with heavy arm-side run and some sink to his fastball. Physical frame and repeatable mechanics should lead to additional velocity gains moving forward. Curveball is a work in progress with 10/4 rotation at 68-69. Changeup at 68-70 is thrown at near fastball arm speed with similar sinking action. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly closed stance and uses a short, leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. Displayed some feel for the barrel and strength in his lower half with a bat exit velocity of 79 mph. Moves well for size as evidenced by his 7.38 60-yard dash. Showcased a developing defensive skill set at third base with 78 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Sam Sherry, LHP, Cumberland Valley HS (PA)
6-foot-5, 185-pound lefty sat 67-69 from a high 3/4 arm slot with some cut to his fastball. Additional velocity is likely if Sherry becomes more directional to the plate. Delivery is controlled and repeatable, but front hip leak limits the ability to get down hill. Also showcased a changeup at 51-56 and a sinker at 55-60 that showed similar actions out of the hand.

Grant Smeltzer, RHP, Central York HS (PA)
5-foot-10, 165-pound righty sat 78-80 from a high 3/4 arm action with a short take away and significant fall to the first base side. Curveball showed 11/5 rotation at 59-61 and changeup at 70-73 was thrown at near fastball arm speed with some cut action. Athletic frame with room to add strength. Some work to lengthen take away and to stay more directional should lead to additional velocity in the coming years.

Andrew Trayer, 2B/RHP, Wilson Area HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 150-pound two-way prospect has put on two inches and 25 pounds in the past year. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a short, leg-hang stride to initiate his swing. Stays behind the baseball well and showed balance throughout with a feel for the barrel. Registered a 79 mph bat exit velocity and ran a 7.77 60-yard dash. Fundamentally sound defender showed the ability to play through the baseball routinely with accurate 79 mph arm strength across the diamond. Sat 76-78 off the mound from a high 3/4 arm slot with above average feel for three pitches. Fastball showed some cut while his 11/5 breaking curveball sat 63-64. Changeup is thrown with good sell at 68-71 with similar cutting action.

Josh Zambito, 1B/3B, Penn Hills HS (PA)
Physical 6-foot-3, 205-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a leg-hang stride. Showcased some pop to the pull side when on time to the hitting zone with an event best bat exit velocity of 91 mph. Ran a 7.82 60-yard dash and displayed capable actions at first base with 86 mph arm strength across the diamond. Also worked out at third base, showing a developing skill set with average range and footwork.

Sam SherryGrant SmeltzerAndrew TrayerJosh Zambito


POST EVENT ANALYSIS

October 8 - Complete Results & Top Performers
October 9 - Class of 2019 Analysis
October 10 - Class of 2020 Analysis
October 11 - Class of 2021 Analysis
October 12 - Class of 2022 Analysis

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Astro Falcons Scout Day PA 10/14 Bob Cene Park (Struthers, OH)
Elite Prospect Showcase (Invite Only) PA 10/27 Keystone State Baseball Academy (Manheim)
PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase (Invite Only) PA 10/28 Keystone State Baseball Academy (Manheim)
2018 Holiday Showcase PA 12/29 Keystone State Baseball Academy (Manheim)


PENNSYLVANIA NEWS