Prep Baseball Report

Underclass Preview Highlights



By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania / West Virginia Director of Scouting

The Underclass Preview brought together 32 prospects from across the state on January 14th at Keystone State Baseball Academy. Following is a look at six position players that stood out during the course of the day.

Tomorrow we will begin to analyze players by position beginning with a look at those prospects that participated as pitchers. For a look at complete results for all prospects in attendance CLICK HERE.

Five Prospects That Stood Out:

Nick EmbletonHunter HamlinRyan KutzJimmy LoshLuke Zimmerman

+ 2019 OF/RHP Nick Embleton (East Pennsboro) impressed with 91 mph arm strength from the outfield and present power in his right-hand swing with a bat exit velocity of 90 mph. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound two-way prospect also flashed plenty of fast-twitch actions with a 6.83 60-yard dash in spite of being under the weather physically. The RHP sat in the low-80s last spring as a freshman and will throw a bullpen in two weeks at the PBR Evaluation & Measurables Showcase.

+ 2018 C Hunter Hamlin (North Penn) displayed advanced defensive abilities behind the plate and power potential in his right-handed swing. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound backstop is an advanced receiver that presents a soft wall when blocking and flashed above-average carry on throws of 75 mph from the crouch with pop times of 2.00-2.08. Hamlin has some bat waggle in the load phase of his swing, but he generates a 91 mph bat exit velocity and showed the ability to stay inside the baseball with regularity.

+ 2019 1B/RHP Ryan Kutz (Lower Dauphin, PA) showed dramatic strides across the board since we last saw him in June of 2015. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound two-way prospect flashed present power in his right-hand swing (89 mph bat exit velocity), athletic defensive actions around the bag at first base and command of three pitches on the mound with a fastball that sits in the low-80s.

+ 2018 2B/SS Jimmy Losh (Cedar Cliff) displayed the well rounded skill set that earned him a selection to the Team Pennsylvania roster for the 2016 Big 26 Classic last summer. The switch hitter showcased a feel for the barrel from both sides of the plate, ran a 7.01 60-yard dash and flashed active feet with a quick release defensively.

+ 2019 1B/LHP Luke Zimmerman (Marple Newtown) took one of the top rounds of batting practice on the day, displaying an ability to stay inside the baseball with advanced barrel whip (89 mph bat exit velocity). The two-way prospect also showcased a soft glove hand and athletic feet around the bag at first base while commanding a four-pitch mix off the mound.

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