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Preseason All-State Showcase Analysis: Middle Infielders (Class of 2017/2018)

February 19, 2015

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Prior to embarking on their sophomore and freshmen seasons, 10 middle infielders descended on Keystone State Baseball Academy in Manheim to showcase their skills at the Preseason All-State Showcase. They are listed below in reverse alphabetical order. Why? See Philadelphia Region Director of Scouting Jake Gill's article today on 22 Class of 2016 middle infielders in attendance for the answer.

Jackson PauwelsJackson Pauwels, 2B/SS, Springfield Township HS (PA), Class of 2017
Pauwels showed solid actions defensively with a 76 mph arm across the diamond that will likely place him at second base while he continues to develop arm strength. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound sophomore displayed the ability to make throws from multiple arm angles and ran a 7.51 60-yard dash. Pauwels starts from a slightly open stance and exhibited good balance with a short stride. The right-handed hitter's hands work well through the hitting zone but his swing lacks any explosiveness. Pauwels recorded a 74 mph bat exit velocity.

Riley MonahanRiley Monahan, RHP/SS, La Salle HS (PA), Class of 2017
Monahan ran a 7.18 and showcased capable actions defensively with an accurate 82 mph arm across the diamond. The 6-foot, 140-pound primary pitcher, hits from a slightly open right-handed stance and incorporates a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Monahan's hands work well throughout his swing and he displayed a feel for the barrel during a solid round of batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. The sophomore will be an interesting follow as he gets physically stronger and adds to his athletic frame.

Nick MancusoNick Mancuso, SS/2B, Notre Dame HS (NJ), Class of 2017
Mancuso ran a 7.85 60-yard dash, and showcased an accurate 72 mph arm across the diamond from multiple arm angles. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound middle infielder displayed a soft glove and the ability to play through the baseball with solid footwork. Mancuso flashed an advanced left-handed swing with a 79 mph bat exit velocity. The sophomore utilizes a leg lift stride from a square stance to initiate a solid lower half. Mancuso stays on his backside well and hits with a purpose, displaying the ability to drive the baseball to all fields.

Brock KauffmanBrock Kauffman, SS, Garden Spot HS (PA), Class of 2017
Kauffman is a physical 5-foot-9, 180-pound prospect with a physical frame. He showed capable feet and hands defensively with an above average 82 mph arm across the diamond. Kauffman's foot speed (7.56) may necessitate a move to third base in his future. The right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and strides closed. Kauffman displayed a bat exit velocity of 84 mph and the ability to drive the baseball to all fields. The sophomore has a strong lower half and gets to extension routinely with a simple, balanced swing.

Drew FarlingDrew Farling, SS/RHP, East Pennsboro HS (PA), Class of 2017
Farling has shown rapid development in the past five months. The sophomore's 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame projects well and he appears to be far from finished with his physical maturation. Farling showcased capable glove work and a long arm throwing motion across the diamond (78 mph). The right-handed hitter ran a 7.35 60-yard dash and registered an 86 mph bat exit velocity. Farling starts from a wide, square base and gets to extension routinely. He has some barrel drag to his swing and loses balance at times as a result of his wide base.

Andrew FantaskeyAndrew Fantaskey, 2B/OF, Pennridge HS (PA), Class of 2017
Fantaskey ran a 7.28 60-yard dash and showed capable defensive actions with a soft glove hand. The sophomore displayed an accurate 71 mph arm across the diamond and will likely remain on the right side of the diamond as he continues to develop arm strength. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance uses no stride with a short, direct swing path to the hitting zone. Fantaskey showcased a line drive approach while routinely barreling the baseball middle/away with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. With further work on clearing his hips, Fantaskey should see improved results on the inner half of the plate.

Bryce Cunningham, SS/RHP, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (PA), Class of 2018
See notes from Wednesday's top prospects article.

Jack CucinottaJack Cucinotta, 2B/SS, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (PA), Class of 2017
Cucinotta showcased a well-rounded skill set running a 6.91 60-yard dash while showcasing the ability to play the baseball on the move. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound sophomore displayed the ability to make throws from multiple arm angles with a very quick, accurate 78 mph arm. Cucinotta is a right-handed hitter that starts open and strides closed. At times he has a tendency to stride to a point of closing himself off limiting his ability to handle the inner half. When on time to the hitting zone Cucinotta made consistent hard contact with a bat exit velocity of 82 mph.

Nate ChapmanNate Chapman, 2B/SS, Red Land Area HS (PA), Class of 2017
Chapman is a fundamentally sound defender that could progress rapidly as his 5-foot-6, 125-pound frame matures. The sophomore showcased improving feet (7.38 60-yard dash) and an accurate 74 mph arm across the diamond. Chapman is a right-handed hitter that starts from a wide base and uses a lift and replace stride, occasionally getting to the front side early. Chapman's flat swing path allows him to stay in the hitting zone for extended periods of time with a bat exit velocity of 72 mph. Improved strength and physical maturation should lead to improved barrel whip in coming years.

Alex BendzlowiczAlex Bendzlowicz, SS, Central Bucks South HS (PA), Class of 2017
At 6-foot, 180-pounds, Bendzlowicz appears to have considerable physical maturation on the horizon. The sophomore showcased an 81 mph arm across the diamond and could be destined for a move to a corner infield position in the future. Bendzlowicz ran a 7.22 60-yard dash and displayed good balance throughout his left-handed swing. He starts slightly open and hits with no stride producing a bat exit velocity of 87 mph. Bendzlowicz continues to display the ability to drive the baseball to all fields and is likely to add some pop as his frame continues to fill out.

Additional Preseason all-state NEWS: